The Flip’s Post

Solving Local Challenges: Startups Addressing Africa’s Unique Problems. . . #techNews #techNewsAfrica #technologyNewsAfrica #technologyAfrica #TGA #TechGistAfrica #worldTechNews #breakingNews #dailyNews #techInAfrica #startups #startupNews #trendingNews

🌍𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔'𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠: 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦!💰 🌐Africa’s tech ecosystem has gained global attention for its potential to disrupt industries and address significant continental challenges. However, recent downturns in venture capital funding have raised concerns📉 💥African startups experienced a boom between 2019 and 2021, drawing close to $5 billion in investments. This capital inflow sparked economic expansion, job creation, and innovation🚀 ⤵Yet, the landscape shifted dramatically in 2024, with funding plummeting by nearly 50% in Q1 compared to the previous year, 2023. The pressing question is: 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱? 🧐 ⟹More details highlighted by VENTURES AFRICA⤵️ #Africa #BusinessLandscape #Funding #FundingHighlights #Innovation #PrivateEquity #TechEcosystem #TechInAfrica #VentureCapitalTrends #VCInAfrica

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐈𝐈: 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The final reflection in our South Africa Investor and Executive Tour series brings us to the breathtaking Western Cape—a region renowned for its innovation and investment potential. As MoU partners with the SA Innovation Summit, South Africa’s largest startup event, our delegation had the distinct privilege of connecting with top venture capitalists and early-stage entrepreneurs driving transformation across the continent. Cape Town, often referred to as the "Silicon Cape," has earned its reputation as a global tech innovation hub. This vibrant ecosystem thrives on world-class talent, a supportive infrastructure, and strategic access to diverse markets in Africa and beyond. Startups here are leveraging advanced technologies to address global challenges in sectors like fintech, agritech, cleantech, and e-commerce, cementing the city's position as a cradle of impactful solutions. Our time in Cape Town and the Western Cape revealed the complex realities of doing business in one of South Africa’s most targeted investment regions. Local entrepreneurs emphasized the critical role of accessing international markets, while our delegation explored how U.S. investment supports accelerating their growth and global impact. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 - South Africa receives approximately 60% of its foreign direct investment from Europe, with the U.S. trailing behind. - In 2023, U.S. investment in South Africa totaled around $7.5 billion, compared to $24 billion from European countries. - However, South Africa’s early-stage startup ecosystem has grown significantly, with over $276 million in startup funding raised in 2023, an opportunity ripe for U.S. investors to expand. Direct U.S. engagement offers more than just funding—it introduces resources, fosters mutually beneficial relationships, and diversifies the capital landscape. Closing the capital gap in unlocks the full potential of South Africa’s early-stage innovation ecosystem. The enthusiasm for U.S. investment is undeniable. Entrepreneurs and policymakers alike recognize the value of American expertise, networks, and funding to scale South African innovation. For the U.S., this represents an untapped opportunity to invest in companies early in solutions born in Africa that will solve global challenges. Our experience in the Western Cape has reaffirmed the tremendous potential of stronger U.S.-South Africa investment ties. This is just the beginning. Together, we can forge a future where capital and innovation know no borders, and shared prosperity becomes a reality for both regions. Kendrall Felder Dr. Olivier Kamanzi Henri Ward Andrá R. Ward, MSPOD, BCC Karla Munden Dr. Trillion Small, LMFT-S, MBA Candidate Audrey Verhaeghe Thaheer MULLINS Sam Sturm 54 Collective Anza Capital Cleola Kunene James Wilkinson

UNDP and African nations are launching fintech hubs and raising $1 billion for startups, driving innovation and growth across the continent. Exciting times for African tech! Read the full story here and do share your thoughts in the comments: https://bit.ly/4bw5j20 #Fintech #Innovation #Startups #Africa #TechGrowth #UNDP #Investment #AfricanStartups #FintechHubs #TechEcosystem #Development #Funding

🌍 November 2024 Snapshot: Africa’s Startups Shine Bright ✨🚀 This November, Africa’s startup ecosystem showcased its resilience and innovation across diverse sectors, securing game-changing investments, scaling operations, and driving impact. Here's a high-level snapshot of the highlights from the month's disclosed funding activity: 💡 Fintech Dominates: From Côte d'Ivoire to Egypt, fintech startups continued to secure significant backing, with Djamo raising an impressive $13 million Series B to expand digital banking in francophone Africa, while Amenli bagged $2.3 million to redefine insurance access. Grants also flowed in, with players like Helium Health and exuus gaining support to empower communities. 🌱 Sustainable Agriculture Advances: Agritech innovators like Keep It Cool in Kenya and @Agventure in East Africa raised multi-million dollar rounds to address post-harvest losses and promote sustainable farming. These ventures underline Africa's role in leading global agricultural innovation. ⚡ Energy and Water Surge: With landmark deals like Sun King’s $80 million debt financing and Hydrobox's $9 million, energy-focused startups demonstrated Africa's commitment to clean and sustainable power solutions. 🚚 Logistics and Transport Expands Horizons: From Morocco’s CATHEDIS modernizing e-commerce logistics to Kenya’s Sylndr streamlining used car sales, the sector gained momentum, ensuring efficient movement of goods and people across the continent. 📚 Education, Jobs, and Digital Empowerment: Startups like Socium Job ($5M Seed) and Lingawa (Formerly TopSet) ($1.1M Pre-Seed) are connecting talent and fostering skills development, empowering local workforces while creating global opportunities. 🎨 Tech-Enabled Creativity Flourishes: Nigeria’s Raknida is helping African art find a global stage, while Egypt’s Efreshli leverages virtual tools to redefine home decor. Creativity powered by tech is reshaping consumer experiences. If this was November, imagine what December has in store! As the year races to its finale, we can’t wait to see what bold moves, groundbreaking innovations, and transformational investments will shape the close of 2024. 🌟✨

🌍𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔'𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠: 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦!💰 🌐Africa’s tech ecosystem has gained global attention for its potential to disrupt industries and address significant continental challenges. However, recent downturns in venture capital funding have raised concerns📉 💥African startups experienced a boom between 2019 and 2021, drawing close to $5 billion in investments. This capital inflow sparked economic expansion, job creation, and innovation🚀 ⤵Yet, the landscape shifted dramatically in 2024, with funding plummeting by nearly 50% in Q1 compared to the previous year, 2023. The pressing question is: 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱? 🧐 ⟹More details highlighted in a Lucidity Insights publication recently⤵️ #Africa #BusinessLandscape #Funding #FundingHighlights #Innovation #PrivateEquity #TechEcosystem #TechInAfrica #VentureCapitalTrends #VCInAfrica

🌍 News from Davos 2024 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and eight African governments launched the #Timbuktoo initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The iniative seeks to mobilize and invest $1 billion to empower Africa’s startup ecosystem. Explore comprehensive insights on the fund’s strategic focus and details in this article. #Timbuktoo #Davos2024 #African #Startup

 MENA startup funding overview: April's major deals amid a decline Turkey and Kenya saw major funding rounds, and Saudi Arabia continued to be a frontrunner in the region thanks to its investment in large-scale funding. Key takeaways: — Funding in MENA declined by 60% year-over-year in Q1 2024. — Turkey and Kenya saw major funding rounds: $65 mln and $47.5 mln with fintech and agriculture projects. — Saudi Arabia remains a frontrunner in the region thanks to its investment in large-scale funding. — The Egyptian government has partnered with Italy to create an AI center in Cairo and launch a GovTech innovation lab to support startup development and digitalize government services. I believe that the decline in funding is a temporary setback and that the region is still poised for significant growth in the coming years. The strong fundamentals of the region, including its young and growing population, increasing internet penetration, and government support for innovation, will continue to attract investors and drive the growth of the startup ecosystem.

A second complementary dashboard (related to funding dashboard post I shared earlier; link in comments section) highlighting number of startups in Energy Sector that were launched between 1980 - 2021. The dataset provided by International Energy Agency (IEA). Key insights derived from analyzing the data include: ✅ Americas continent has the highest number of startups launched, about 849K, representing 48.57% of total startups launched between 1980 - 2021 ✅ Africa had the lowest number of startups launched, about 26.63K, representing 1.52% of total startups launched between 1980 - 2021 ✅ In relation to top 5 nations in Africa with the highest number of startups launched in energy sector: Kenya is ranked 4th, whereby 2,121 (represents 7.96% of total startups created) startups were launched. South Africa leads the pack, whereby 8,297 (represents 31.16% of total startups created) startups were launched. The second dashboard is still part of my mentorship program organized by Phoenix Ke Analytics. The data analytic guidance was made possible by Marion Karanja I would also like to thank Remmy W. for providing technical assistance on dashboard creation and best practices. The link to the dashboard: https://lnkd.in/d3Ramfkm Feel free to leave your feedback. #energy #startups #dashboard #energystartups

African startups raised $20.9 million last week. A 69% decline from the previous week, despite a 33% rise in startups announcing funding (from 6 to 8). Here’s the funding tracker for Week 38 (16th - 22nd, Sept 2024): 8. Farid Farid delivers innovative educational solutions that enhance children's well-being and develop essential life skills. ∙ Amount raised: $ 250k ∙ Lead investor: Amal bint Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan ∙ Location: Egypt  ∙ Type of investment: Equity financing 7. Foodpreneurs Hub Foodpreneurs Hub provides innovative foodtech solutions to combat food insecurity across Africa. ∙ Amount raised: $500k ∙ Lead investor: Not disclosed ∙ Location: Nigeria ∙ Type of investment: Equity funding 6. Regfyl Regfyl simplifies anti-money laundering (AML) compliance for fintechs and banks across Africa. ∙ Amount raised: $1.1M ∙ Lead investor: Techstars ∙ Location: Nigeria ∙ Type of investment: Equity funding 5. HAPPYPAY Happy Pay offers interest-free, deposit-free Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to consumers across South Africa. ∙ Amount raised: $1.8M ∙ Lead investor: E4E Africa ∙ Location: South Africa ∙ Type of investment: Equity funding 4. Settle SETTLE provides real-time financial insights and automates B2B payment workflows for CFOs and business owners. ∙ Amount raised: $2M ∙ Lead investor: Shorooq Partners ∙ Location: Egypt ∙ Type of investment: Equity funding 3. Userguest Userguest helps hotels optimize direct revenue through personalized messages and intelligent incentives for website visitors. ∙ Amount raised: $2.4M ∙ Lead investor: Al Mada Ventures ∙ Location: Morocco ∙ Type of investment: Equity funding 2. LabLabee LabLabee provides hands-on training in telecom networks and related technologies. ∙ Amount raised: $3.4M ∙ Lead investor: Reach Capital ∙ Location: Algeria ∙ Type of investment: Equity funding 1. TymeBank TymeBank is a digital bank that provides accessible banking services to underprivileged and economically marginalized groups. ∙ Amount raised: $9.5M ∙ Lead investor: African Rainbow Capital (ARC) ∙ Location: South Africa ∙ Type of investment: Equity funding Want more insights and stories from entrepreneurs around the continent to help make building easier? Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dFw3dXe