TopUp Mama, a Kenyan firm that delivers African eateries with supplies, banking services, and business management tools, has secured a US$1.7 million early funding round to help it grow.
TopUp Mama plans to use the funds to expand its business, improve its technology, and increase its restaurant sales management capabilities.
Next Billion Ventures, Future Africa, Jedar Capital, HoaQ Fund, First Check Africa, and DFS Lab are among the investors, led by Ventures Platform and JAM Fund.
The investors were drawn in by the traction it has generated over time. Since raising its pre-seed round 10 months ago, the company has increased by over 1,000%, signed up over 3,000 restaurants, and entered Nigeria.
Founded by Njavwa Mutambo, Emilie Blauwhoff and Andrew Kibe in 2021,TopUp Mama is a one-stop-shop for restaurants in Kenya and Nigeria that provides them with all of the essential supplies, short-term credit, and tools to manage their companies.
“I grew up in the restaurant business in Zambia, and I know first-hand the power small businesses have in transforming lives. This is why we’re passionate about increasing restaurant contribution to Africa’s GDP,” said Njavwa Mutambo, TopUp Mama’s CEO.
“We believe we have a unique opportunity to build Africa’s most prominent restaurant partner and build one of the largest companies Africa has ever seen.”
Ventures Platform founder Kola Aina said he was excited about TopUp Mama’s impact across restaurants – “which serve as the heartbeat of neighbourhoods in Africa”.
“Topup Mama empowers restaurant owners with access to affordable foodstuffs and powerful data analytics to deliver the delicious meals that keep us sustained and bring us together. Importantly, they also help restaurants grow their customer base while improving efficiency,” he said.