Endeavor Kenya has unveiled the inaugural cohort of nine startups for its ScaleUp programme, which aims to support high-growth startup ventures with the network and resources to gain clarity on their journey to scale.
Endeavor Kenya is the East African country’s local chapter of the global Endeavor organisation, which aims to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide in emerging and underserved markets by creating a multiplier effect that supports entrepreneurs to scale faster.
The ScaleUp programme leverages expert mentors, immersive business development training, fundraising support, and a strong peer network of high-impact entrepreneurs who have built and run successful businesses, in a bid to help local startups scale.
Nine Kenyan startups have been selected to take part in the inaugural edition of the programme, which will take place over the next 6-12 months. It provides a fast-track route to becoming a potential Endeavor entrepreneur, via one-to-one mentoring sessions with entrepreneurs and mentors within the Endeavor Kenya network.
They include Nakama-Tech, which offers innovative business solutions to enhance customer satisfaction, retention, and sales; ZenDawa, a B2B SaaS solution for the pharmacy industry; African Management Initiative (AMI), which empowers African businesses with practical tools and training; and Senga, a logistics and supply chain solution.
Also selected are Dial Afrika, a B2B SaaS omni-channel customer support tool; Satao, which has developed innovative solutions for commercial bakeries; BuuPass, a digital transport marketplace; Pezesha, which connects SMEs with working capital through a collaborative digital platform; and Shega, which empowers companies with actionable insights through curated data and intelligence.
Endeavor Kenya managing director Maryanne Ochola said ScaleUp’s vision is for the selected startups to accelerate their business growth to become the next Endeavor entrepreneurs.
“The Endeavor ScaleUp programme is crucial for companies in the growth stage. The programme will offer the selected entrepreneurs invaluable benefits by providing access to targeted training and development opportunities, focusing on leadership skills, business strategies, and innovative technology. They will have a chance to interact with experienced entrepreneurs who will help accelerate their entrepreneurial journey even as they advance to the next stage of their business growth,” she said.
