By Winnie Kuria
Yum; an online food delivery sytem, Ghafla; Kenyan entertainment news website, BookNow; online bus booking company and Mdundo an online music platform, all funded by Africa-focused seed investment fund yesterday pitched to investors seeking funds to take on the continent.
The startups Demo Day was held in Nairobi after their three months accelerator programme that commenced in September. The firms have great milestones since launch with most of them announcing partnerships and expansions across borders.
Mdundo for instance has launched in Tanzania and signed up ten artisits who brought on board over 4000 users just by word of mouth. Ghafla, said it is clicking over 30 million uniques monthly and is profitable and though it launched sometime back, its seeking funds to expand.
The Demo Day attracted industry heavyweights from the region who were impressed by the work of the investors and founders. The four were part of the initial initial eight that received incubation, investment and mentorship and at the same time acquiring new networks and market platforms.
Speaking to TechMoran, Mdundo confirmed their launch in Tanzania and newly in Nigeria which they are looking to get household artists. East Africa is now home of Mdundo considering their investment in Uganda too. “Our mission which is killing piracy is the inspiration behind our new ventures; we are looking to get bigger artists on board.” Said mdundo’s Peter Njoroge.
With the new site makeover, Yum is growing bigger and better in their services offered around Nairobi, the company has spread in reach and terms the accelerator programme of great benefit to young and rich ideas.
Ghafla too gets to increase reach and fill the loophole in local news as they deliver to Kenyans according to Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) Mr Majani.
BookNow’s chief aim is to hit the daily intended bookings which Michael Nguru founder of the firm said is a thousand before it closes business year. “The services have been well accommodated by Kenyans as well as Kampala where we have a good number of clients, we are looking to partner stable parties for growth’s sake.” Said Nguru.
Investors at the event showed interest to all the four tech startups that expect to make partnerships in a quest to grow their companies.
The private fund has seen through three programmes of the same in both Nairobi and Capetown investing about $2million on the startups and is currently looking to establish the programme in Lagos, Nigeria.
Image:88mph