DOB Equity, a private equity fund with bases in Nairobi and the Netherlands, has appointed Karen Serem Waithaka as its new Chief Executive Officer. Karen brings over 15 years of expertise in the financial services sector to her new role, stepping into the leadership position at a pivotal moment for the fund. This appointment follows recent significant changes in leadership and challenges within DOB Equity’s portfolio companies.
The newly-rebranded Africa-focused venture capital firm, 54 Collective, is set to transform start-up investments on the continent by moving away from the traditional Silicon Valley plug-and-play model. Formerly known as Founders Factory Africa, 54 Collective aims to provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of African start-ups.
Workpay, the Kenyan cloud-based HR, payroll, and benefits platform, has successfully raised $5 million in Series A funding. This significant funding round, led by Norrsken22 and featuring investors such as Visa, Y Combinator, Saviu Ventures, Axian, Plug n Play, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, and Acadian Ventures, follows Workpay’s successful pre-Series A round of $2.7 million in early 2023.
BasiGo has secured a significant investment of KSh1.3 billion from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to ramp up local assembly of its electric buses. This loan facility is expected to play a crucial role in fulfilling orders from Nairobi matatu operators, who have already placed over 500 reservations for these vehicles. The investment will also support BasiGo’s plan to create at least 300 green manufacturing jobs, further boosting the local economy.
Bolt has announced a strategic partnership with microfinance company Hakki Africa to offer vehicle financing for its drivers. This collaboration aims to deploy 1,500 vehicles over the next 18 months to drivers on Bolt’s platform who meet specific criteria. The initiative will allow driver partners to benefit from lower loan down payments and performance-based incentives, making vehicle ownership more attainable.
Waza, a fast-growing fintech company operating in Ghana and Nigeria, has secured $8 million in funding to simplify business payments for African enterprises dealing with global vendors and suppliers. Founded in January 2023, Waza has quickly established itself as a key player in B2B payments and liquidity solutions for emerging markets, successfully closing a multi-million-dollar funding round that includes both debt and equity.
Local health startup Hewatele has secured $20 million (Sh2.5 billion) in financing to significantly scale up its medical oxygen production in Kenya. This investment, which includes both debt and equity, is aimed at increasing Hewatele’s oxygen production capacity from two tonnes to 20 tonnes per month. The funding will support the construction of a new liquid oxygen production facility, expected to enhance production and reduce costs for healthcare providers by up to 30 percent.
MetroTrans Investment Limited has made a significant investment of Sh103 million in the modernization of its fleet, acquiring 14 new Hino buses as part of its strategy to enhance public transportation services. These buses, locally assembled by CFAO Mobility Kenya and financed by Family Bank, are a testament to the company’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient transport solutions for Nairobi’s growing population.
