Venture First’s Post

With great momentum after 3 different events in UK, France & Morocco last month, the AfricArena program is moving to #IvoryCoast for our first #Fintech, #Energy & #Logistics #Abidjan Summit and our (already) 6th event this year ! This is not just an event; it's a convergence of minds and ideas, and a platform for showcasing the amazing talent of superb tech entrepreneurs in francophone & Western Africa. 💹 🤩 Whether you're an investor looking for the next investment in these sectors, a professional keen on industry trends, or a startup ready to make your mark, AfricArena Abidjan Summit is an unmissable experience. The Summit is preceded by a two day bootcamp in Grand Bassam with the 17 selected startups and a deep dive/LEX in the Abidjan tech ecosystem. Powered by TotalEnergies International Trade Centre Saviu Ventures Amazon Web Services (AWS) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Ministère de la Transition Numérique et de la Réforme de l'Administration Methys Group Mstudio Julaya Last tickets https://lnkd.in/dfXWsF9Q and stay tuned for more updates! 😉 🚀 All the program info https://lnkd.in/d48MeQ69 📆 #AfricArena2024 #Africatech #WomenInTech #CleanEnergy #HealthTech #FintechStartups #InvestmentOpportunities #Entrepreneurship

ENAKL Raises $1.4 Million to Revolutionize Urban Mobility in Africa! 🌍🚍 Moroccan startup Enakl secures $1.4 million in pre-seed funding led by Catalyst Fund, with participation from Renew Capital, Digital Africa, Station F, and 15 business angels. Funds will support expansion in Casablanca, development of AI-powered solutions, and scaling across African cities. Founded: September 2023, in Casablanca. Founders: Samir Bennani , Charles Pommarède , later joined by Ahmed Omrane (CTO) Industry: Sustainable urban mobility. Mission: To deliver safe, eco-friendly, and intelligent collective transport solutions tailored to African cities. Investors: Catalyst Fund : Lead investor. Renew Capital, Digital Africa ,and STATION F : Supporting partners. Enakl’s AI-driven platform: Optimizes routes, reduces congestion, and lowers carbon emissions. Improves daily commutes for workers, enhancing affordability and reliability. Supports corporations in minimizing their environmental impact. Performance and Growth: Currently handling over 15,000 monthly bookings in Casablanca with a 20% growth rate. Plans to expand across Africa, setting a benchmark in sustainable urban transportation. Follow for more inspiring startup stories and innovations transforming the future! 🚀 #Enakl #UrbanMobility #Sustainability #GreenTransportation #AI #Africa #Moroccan_startup #Moroco

Industry is Driving Africa's Electric Future 🏭 Did you know the industry is the backbone of Africa's e-mobility revolution? Join us at #AEW2024 to explore how industry leaders are shaping the continent's e-mobility landscape. From innovative startups to established players, we'll delve into the latest trends and challenges. Discover how companies are overcoming hurdles and seizing opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector. Secure your spot now! ⤵ https://lnkd.in/dqu-8qrG #EmobilityIndustry #AEW2024 #AfricaEmobilityWeek #EmobilityAfrica

Congratulations to our partner, BasiGo, for being named the Global Best Green Tech Startup! 🎉 Your innovation and leadership in the e-mobility sector are transforming the future of sustainable transportation. We are proud to partner with you in driving forward green solutions and empowering the next generation of change makers. Here’s to more groundbreaking achievements and a greener tomorrow! 🌱⚡ #BasigoDelivers #GreenTech #EMobility #Sustainability #Innovation #YouthEmpowerment"

Global Partnerships: Discussions from sidelines of the Korea-Africa Summit! We are delighted to share the outcomes of our Executive Director Anna Ekeledo's recent interview on Arirang TV in Korea. This trip has been instrumental in advancing AfriLabs' mission and expanding our global partnerships. A major highlight was the announcement of a new MoU between AfriLabs and the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF). This strategic partnership aims to bridge the gap between Korean and African startups, creating a dynamic ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic prosperity. The MoU represents a collaborative effort to leverage each region's strengths, providing African startups with access to Korean expertise and resources. Anna emphasized the exciting focus on youth development and joint research initiatives. By collaborating with KAF, AfriLabs aims to cultivate young talent and entrepreneurial spirit across both regions. This includes launching joint research projects and knowledge exchange programs that will empower the next generation of innovators. Another key outcome is the expansion of AfriLabs' network, now encompassing over 400 member hubs across 54 African countries. Our network serves as a launchpad for diverse innovative businesses, offering African startups a platform to scale their ventures globally. Anna also addressed common misconceptions about Africa, highlighting the continent's vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. The interview underscored AfriLabs' role in showcasing Africa's potential and connecting startups with global investors and resources. Looking ahead, the partnership with KAF opens up numerous opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, startup investment, and skills training. These initiatives promise to unlock a wealth of opportunities for both Korean and African startups, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. As we continue to unlock Africa's full potential, we extend an invitation to Korean startups, innovators, and stakeholders to join us at our AfriLabs Annual Gathering #AAG2024 in Cape Town. Let's explore the many possibilities that lie ahead together! Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/euxUVFGC #AfriLabs #Innovation #Africa #Korea #GlobalPartnerships #KoreaAfricaSummit

Industry is Driving Africa's Electric Future 🏭 Did you know the industry is the backbone of Africa's e-mobility revolution? Join us at #AEW2024 to explore how industry leaders are shaping the continent's e-mobility landscape. From innovative startups to established players, we'll delve into the latest trends and challenges. Discover how companies are overcoming hurdles and seizing opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector. Secure your spot now! ⤵ https://lnkd.in/dqu-8qrG #EmobilityIndustry #AEW2024 #AfricaEmobilityWeek #EmobilityAfrica

 Tech Tales of June 2024: Highlights from Africa's Evolving Tech Landscape 🌟 June 2024 has been an exciting month for Africa's tech scene, marked by significant breakthroughs and milestones. Here are some of the standout highlights: 1. Africa Technology Expo 2024 Lagos hosted the Africa Technology Expo, bringing together startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts. The event featured a product exhibition, speed networking, pitch battles, and a night expo aimed at fostering partnerships and showcasing the latest technological innovations. More details: https://lnkd.in/d4kaE5Gz 2. Africa Fintech Festival 2024 Naivasha, Kenya, was the venue for the Africa Fintech Festival from June 12-15. The event focused on smart regulations, GreenTech, and AgriTech. It gathered industry leaders to discuss fintech's role in sustainable development and innovation across Africa. More details: https://lnkd.in/dQrduKt8 3. TechXAfrica 2024 The TechXAfrica conference was held to explore the future of business technology in Africa. Key discussions included AI, cybersecurity, and fintech, with insights into how these technologies are shaping the business landscape on the continent. More details: https://lnkd.in/dHHXK5yP 4. Airbus Report on African Aviation Airbus released a report identifying several unserved African air routes with significant revenue potential. The report aims to encourage airlines to consider these routes to boost the continent's aviation industry. More details: https://lnkd.in/dAVCbYJk 5. Empowering Small Businesses through Digital Communication A new initiative launched to empower small businesses in Africa by providing them with advanced digital communication solutions. This aims to enhance their operational efficiency and market reach. More details: https://lnkd.in/dhSB_y5P These events and initiatives highlight the dynamic and evolving tech landscape in Africa, showcasing the continent's growing role in global technology innovation. #monthlytechtales #TechInnovations #GreydaleAfrica

🌍 𝐀𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐁|𝐍𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 #𝟏: 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐲 - 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐛 (𝐀𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐁|𝐍𝐄𝐓 𝐃𝐈𝐇) 🎥 Check out the first episode of our video series #AEDIBNETImpressions under the AEDIB|NET project with Ahmed Bastawy, the Managing Director of icealex and Smart Cities Startups Hub, as he discusses the transformative role of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) in Egypt, focusing on smart cities. In this video, Ahmed Bastawy explores how DIHs bridge gaps between academia and industry, fostering smart, sustainable urban development and empowering the youth with digital solutions to local challenges. He highlights the importance of international collaboration, particularly between Africa and Europe, facilitated by AEDIB|NET to spur economic growth and innovation across continents. The Smart Cities Startups Hub will be a leading hub for Smart Cities in the region that connects the different components of the ecosystem, linking startups with mentors, investors, partners, and supporting organizations. Want to discover more about our project? Visit our website! #AEDIBNET #Horizon2020 #SmartCities

The Rise of African Tech Communities. . . #techNews #techNewsAfrica #technologyNewsAfrica #technologyAfrica #TGA #TechGistAfrica #worldTechNews #breakingNews #dailyNews #techInAfrica #startups #startupNews #trendingNews

Exploring Africa's Investment Opportunities at Dublin Tech Summit! 🇮🇪🌍 Our General Partner for Africa, Petra Wolkenstein, moderated an inspiring panel at Dublin Tech Summit 2024 - alongside Sidi Saccoh, Chude Kenneth Osiegbu, and Satoshi Shinada on the African Innovation System and Investment Opportunities. 🚀🌍 🔍 Key Takeaways: ✦ Africa is a hotspot for innovation and investment with 25% of the global population by century's end and the highest rate of entrepreneurship. ✦ Business angel clubs, syndicates, and VCs offer numerous ways to invest in this thriving region. ✦ African startups excel with multiple revenue streams like transaction-based, platform, and #SaaS models. ✦ Beyond #FinTech, industries like Logistics, Mobility, #ClimateTech, and #PropertyTech are attracting major investments. Let's continue to support and celebrate the incredible innovation happening across Africa. 🌍💡 #DublinTechSummit #AfricanInnovation #StartupWiseGuys #InvestInAfrica #TechSummit #Innovation #Entrepreneurship