Kenyan experiences e-commerce startup Cloud9 has raised KES7.5 million (US$73,000) on the live pitching TV show Lions’ Den, which it will use to accelerate its growth and complete development of its mobile application.
Launched in 2013 by Emmanuel Miriti and Tesh Mbaabu, Cloud9 is an online retailer of experiences and merchandise, selling a range of outdoor activities and branded apparel.
The startup’s mantra is “High On Life”, as it looks to assist positive, adventure-seeking free spirits in looking for merchandise and experiences.
The startup recently took part in the Lions’ Den television show, the Kenyan version of the popular US pitching show Shark Tank, and walked away with US$73,000 in funding from investor Darshan Chandaria, who previously invested in data collection startup Bamba Group.
“Cloud9xp has already managed to cover the majority of Kenya’s leisure options, and is now looking to expand to East and Southern Africa within the next year. Darshan and his team at Chandaria Capital are currently discovering ways for us to optimise our current business model,” said Mbaabu.