Kenyan startup TopUp Mama, which simplifies restaurant procurement processes, has rebranded as Caantin, saying its new brand identity and enhanced platform embodied its dedication to boosting the restaurant industry’s contribution to Africa’s GDP and providing better financing access for restaurants and suppliers.
Founded in 2021 by Njavwa Mutambo, Emilie Blauwhoff and Andrew Kibe, TopUp Mama – now Caantin – is a one-stop-shop for restaurants in Kenya and Nigeria that provides them with all the necessary supplies, short-term credit and tools needed to manage their businesses.
Since launch, it has collaborated with over 4,300 restaurants, ranging from local family-owned establishments to well-known chains like Mr Biggs in Nigeria and Sheraton Hotel in Kenya. Its revenue experienced a 151 per cent growth last year, and it financed millions of dollars in inventory.
The startup raised a US$1.7 million seed round this time last year, and in March of this year it evolved into Cantim, an all-inclusive solution that streamlines procurement, payment, and financing for restaurant inventory while also enabling suppliers to sell and receive payments quickly. This empowers businesses to compete effectively in the market, and Mutambo said it had seen strong growth since making the transition.
“Over the past decade, we’ve seen tremendous advancements in front-of-office restaurant operations, with platforms like Square and Toast improving payments, and Uber Eats and DoorDash enabling online stores and digital transactions. However, outdated methods for vendor payments and supply orders persist,” he said. “I envision Caantin driving the next decade’s transformation in the industry’s back-office and cost of sales.”
Mutambo said the rebranding to Caantin signified more than a name change.
“It heralds an exciting new chapter as we continue to innovate and expand. We are committed to offering a powerful platform for African restaurants and suppliers, fostering a supportive ecosystem where businesses can thrive,” he said.
