Tech

12 African startups lined up for $120, 000 ARM Labs Lagos Techstars accelerator programme

Published

2 years ago

January 31, 2023

The ARM Labs Lagos Techstars has selected 12 African tech startups for its inaugural accelerator programme with a $120,000 prize money in equity funding and other forms of support.

The accelerator programme which was launched by Techstars, a global investment business that provides access to capital as well as one-on-one mentorship, and customised programming for early-stage entrepreneurs, is in partnership with ARM Labs, a Lagos-based innovation programme focused on helping fintech startups.

The accelerator programme, according to Techstars Managing Director, Oyin Solebo, in a statement on Tuesday, will run for three months and is aimed at early-stage African fintech and prop-tech startups, with the first cohort made up of 10 Nigerian and two Kenyan ventures, half of which have female CEOs.

“Each selected startup banks up to $120,000 in equity funding, as well as access to training and a vast investor network. The programme concludes with a demo day on March 16,” the MD said.

“The selected Nigerian startups include peppa.io, a platform that makes customers buy items on social platforms through the use of payment protection.”

“Others are CDcare, which is making it easy for Africans to own gadgets, appliances, cars and more at zero interest, through smart installment plans;”

“Flick, which enables users to connect multiple bank accounts and pay directly from one source;”

“Keble, which enables Africans at home and abroad to purchase fractional shares of global real estate; and Keza, which enables people to buy new and pre-owned smartphones on a flexible payment plan.

“Also selected from Nigeria are Salad, which provides employees with access to financial services and benefits beyond their monthly paycheck;”

“Sidebrief, which simplifies the process of starting and scaling a business across borders and Towntalk, which provides shippers with real-time location and behavioural analytics, vehicle tracking, and access to insurance providers.”

“Also selected are Vittas, a digital lender for healthcare providers and Oystr Finance, which provides lenders with an infrastructure to help them launch low-risk micro-loan products.”

“The two Kenyan startups taking part in the programme are alphabloQ, a real estate investment platform, and Cladfy, which provides microfinance lenders with credit profiling, digitised loan management, and access to affordable, reliable financing,” Solebo said.

Related Topics:Accelerator Programme ARM Featured TECHNOLOGY

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Tech

MTN launches 5G network in Benin Republic

Published

4 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

MTN Benin has officially launched its 5G network which will position the country as a technological leader in West Africa.

The company, in a statement, said the launch of Benin’s first commercial 5G network will not only position the country at the forefront of technological advancement in the West African region but also set the stage for a more competitive and dynamic telecommunications market.

“The advanced network promises faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and enhanced reliability, driving industry productivity and innovation,” the company said.

“This strategic investment aims to revolutionize Benin’s digital ecosystem, boosting business operations and reshaping user experiences. MTN’s 5G rollout underscores its commitment to advancing technology and supporting the nation’s digital transformation,” it said.

The launch of the MTN 5G will further intensify competition in Benin’s telecom industry and aligns with MTN’s broader strategy to expand 5G services in Africa and is expected to significantly influence the nation’s economy.

“Enhanced connectivity can lead to increased efficiency in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. For instance, farmers could utilise real-time data to optimise crop yields, while healthcare providers can implement telemedicine solutions to reach remote areas,” it said.

“Educational institutions could also benefit from improved access to digital resources, facilitating e-learning opportunities. Moreover, the 5G network is expected to attract foreign investment by providing the necessary infrastructure for tech startups and multinational companies seeking to establish operations in Benin. This influx of investment could lead to job creation and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.”

Tech

Fintech startup DigMo launched in Zambia to gamify financial planning

Published

1 day ago

November 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

DigMo, a gamified fintech startup which helps users to build wealth tools from low to middle-income earners, has been launched in Zambia.

CEO of the DigMo Group, Sylvia Brune, who made the announcement, says the platform which is licensed by the Bank of Zambia to operate a wallet, offers a secure, free digital money account with a special account for users to play a financial planning game which incentivises customers to get started putting money away for the future.

“By giving customers the chance to win big rewards, DigMo is encouraging sustainable habits,” said Brune.

She stated that with an initial rollout in Zambia, DigMo wallet’s first offering, Save to Win, will make putting money away regularly, easy and rewarding with no fixed costs or fees.

“DigMo Save to Win allows users to start with small amounts – from just ZMW10 (US$0.37) – for the chance to win prizes of up to ZMW500,000 (US$19,000).

“We are committed to financial planning innovation for low and middle-income earners across Africa. To achieve this meaningful impact, we approach this like a game studio – where we constantly create and test many new products until we find those with an outsized impact,” Brune said.

“If we just take existing products and make them more affordable or accessible, it is unlikely that we can dramatically change behaviours.

“To succeed, we have engaged directly with users, observing and learning from them to develop DigMo, a solution that will dramatically improve their financial well-being and meet their unique needs,” she added.