Seedstars

Seedstars is a global initiative aimed at identifying and supporting emerging startups in fast-growing economies through its annual competition, Seedstars World. This competition spans over 50 cities, inviting technology-focused startups that are no more than two years old and have raised a maximum of $500,000 to participate. Following a rigorous selection process and local pitching events, one startup from each participating country is chosen to compete in the final event held in Geneva. Winners benefit from various prizes, including mentorship, equity investments, and access to acceleration programs. Additionally, Seedspace provides a collaborative environment designed to empower tech entrepreneurs, promoting innovation and collaboration across diverse boundaries to address complex global challenges.

Michael Weber

Co-Founder

Past deals in Kenya

Jumba

Seed Round in 2023
Jumba is a construction technology platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2022. The company focuses on optimizing B2B construction material purchases and financing, serving as a vital link between manufacturers and retailers. Its platform allows businesses to order a range of materials, including cement, steel, paint, tiles, plumbing, electrical supplies, and finishes for kitchens and bathrooms, with the option to pay later. By connecting small hardware stores with medium-sized retailers in their vicinity, Jumba facilitates inventory updates and streamlines the construction supply chain in Africa, making the procurement process more efficient for hardware retail establishments.

Kiri EV

Grant in 2022
Kiri EV is a manufacturer of electric vehicles and charging systems focused on the Kenyan and East African markets. The company offers a range of products, including electric scooters, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and carriers, featuring advanced technologies such as direct current motors, antilock braking systems, customizable options, removable batteries, and silent operation. Kiri EV aims to challenge the conventional automotive industry in Africa by demonstrating the potential of electric vehicles to transform transportation across the continent. Through their innovative offerings, the company seeks to make electric mobility accessible and affordable for customers, thus playing a significant role in the future of transportation in the region.

Zuri Health

Grant in 2022
Zuri Health is a telemedicine company based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2020. It aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare solutions through its app, website, and SMS services. The platform allows patients to schedule lab and diagnostic tests, consult with doctors via chat, purchase medications from pharmacies, and arrange home visits with qualified medical professionals. Zuri Health also employs an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to enhance user experience. By catering to individuals without smartphones and those in rural or underserved areas, the company strives to ensure that healthcare is universally accessible, thereby addressing gaps in the traditional healthcare system.

Jumba

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Jumba is a construction technology platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2022. The company focuses on optimizing B2B construction material purchases and financing, serving as a vital link between manufacturers and retailers. Its platform allows businesses to order a range of materials, including cement, steel, paint, tiles, plumbing, electrical supplies, and finishes for kitchens and bathrooms, with the option to pay later. By connecting small hardware stores with medium-sized retailers in their vicinity, Jumba facilitates inventory updates and streamlines the construction supply chain in Africa, making the procurement process more efficient for hardware retail establishments.

ZUMI

Venture Round in 2021
ZUMI is a Kenyan company founded in 2016 that operates an online platform designed to connect wholesalers and retailers in the fashion and beauty sectors. Based in Nairobi, ZUMI empowers retailers, particularly women entrepreneurs, by providing essential technology, logistics, and financial services to help them scale their businesses. The platform facilitates a transparent and affordable marketplace where customers can place orders through SMS, phone calls, or via ZUMI Agents. Each morning, ZUMI collects orders from suppliers, and its logistics partners ensure delivery within 18 hours, allowing customers to pay conveniently using mobile money. Through its innovative approach, ZUMI aims to enhance the retail experience and improve access to products for its users.

Pezesha

Seed Round in 2020
Pezesha is a digital financial marketplace based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2016. The company focuses on connecting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to various financial resources, including working capital, float financing, and LPO financing. By leveraging credit and data analytics, Pezesha facilitates affordable credit options for underserved micro-businesses, enabling them to access the formal financial system. The platform serves as a bridge between lenders and low-income borrowers, promoting a shared economy and broadening financial access for SMBs. Through its innovative approach, Pezesha aims to be a leading player in Africa's digital financial landscape, enhancing the growth potential of small businesses across the region.

ZUMI

Seed Round in 2019
ZUMI is a Kenyan company founded in 2016 that operates an online platform designed to connect wholesalers and retailers in the fashion and beauty sectors. Based in Nairobi, ZUMI empowers retailers, particularly women entrepreneurs, by providing essential technology, logistics, and financial services to help them scale their businesses. The platform facilitates a transparent and affordable marketplace where customers can place orders through SMS, phone calls, or via ZUMI Agents. Each morning, ZUMI collects orders from suppliers, and its logistics partners ensure delivery within 18 hours, allowing customers to pay conveniently using mobile money. Through its innovative approach, ZUMI aims to enhance the retail experience and improve access to products for its users.

iNuka Pap

Seed Round in 2016
iNuka Pap Limited is a Nairobi-based company established in 2014 that operates a mobile platform designed to provide instant financial services to members of savings and credit co-operatives (SACCOs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs) across Africa. The company's proprietary platform enables users to access short-term cash advances and other consumer services, such as prepaid electricity, airtime, and insurance. This service aims to help members address small cash emergencies quickly and conveniently, allowing them to manage their financial needs anytime and anywhere.
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