Kenyan e-commerce startup Tappi has been selected for the latest edition of the Orbit Startups accelerator, securing US$180,000 in funding together with access to an intensive programme that supports its growth and fundraising beyond demo day.
Part of global VC firm SOSV, which has US$1.5 billion in assets under management, Orbit Startups helps scale breakthrough startups from around the globe across emerging and frontier markets in Southeast and South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
Nine startups from across the world have been selected to take part in its latest programme, including Kenya’s Tappi, which helps small businesses build an online storefront in under two minutes with its full-stack social commerce solution. Founded by Kenfield Griffith, the startup’s app is being distributed for free through mobile operators, with over 20 million SMEs in its network and growing 21 per cent month-on-month.
The cohort of startups, which this week pitched to an investor-exclusive audience, also includes ventures from India, the United States, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Thailand.
“Technology is driving a massive change in economies around the world, especially in emerging and frontier markets, where there are the most opportunities for growth and the most pressing problems facing our planet,” said William Bao Bean, general partner at SOSV and managing director at Orbit Startups. “We are very excited by this group of amazing entrepreneurs transforming climate tech, healthcare, mobility, and economic inclusion.”
