Latest Founder Updates
Stay current with the latest achievements, milestones, and developments from female founders across Africa. From funding announcements to product launches and expansions, track the growth of women-led ventures.
Liquify Secures $1.5M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Trade Finance in Africa
Ghanaian fintech startup Liquify has secured $1.5 million in seed funding to scale its AI-powered platform that turns unpaid export invoices into instant cash for African SMEs. Led by Future Africa, with backing from Launch Africa, 54 Collective, and others, the investment aims to bridge the continent's $120 billion trade finance gap. Liquify plans to expand its operations in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, unlocking faster, affordable financing for exporters.
Jetstream Africa secures additional funding from Cauris Finance to expand its trade finance portfolio
Jetstream Africa has secured additional funding from Cauris Finance, marking the third investment in their partnership since 2022. The Ghana-based e-logistics and trade finance platform will use the capital to expand its support for small and medium-sized importers across West Africa, helping bridge the region’s $120 billion trade finance gap.
Fintech Startup Bamboo Officially Commences SA Operations
Nigerian investment startup Bamboo has officially launched operations in South Africa, allowing users to invest in U.S. stocks through fractional shares starting from just R150 (approx. $8.46). The expansion aims to democratize global investing for everyday South Africans, with a strong focus on financial education, inclusion, and compliance with local regulations.
After raising $38M, African e-commerce startup Sabi lays off 20%, pivots to traceable exports
African B2B e-commerce startup Sabi has laid off 20% of its workforce of around 50 employees after raising $38 million in Series B funding. The company is pivoting from retail digitization to focus on traceable commodity exports through its new vertical, TRACE, now shipping over 20,000 tons monthly to buyers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
dLocal to acquire Aza Finance to deepen African push
Uruguayan fintech giant dLocal has announced its intention to acquire AZA Finance, a leading African cross-border payments and FX platform, in a deal reportedly valued at around $150 million. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, will expand dLocal’s footprint across 17 African countries and strengthen its treasury and stablecoin capabilities. Founded in 2013 by Elizabeth Rossiello, AZA Finance has processed over $9 billion in transactions and will now integrate its infrastructure with dLocal’s global merchant network.
Delta40 expands Venture Studio Model into Lagos, Nigeria, to accelerate entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa
Delta40, a venture studio and VC fund, has officially launched its Nigeria Venture Studio in Lagos to accelerate innovation in energy, agriculture, fintech, and AI across Africa. Backed by leaders like Ada Osakwe and Bankole Cardoso, the studio has already invested in three Nigerian startups including Ecowaka, SunFi, and Lori Systems, and aims to empower African and female founders through hands-on support and catalytic funding.
Aruwa Raises $35m, Hits 90% of its Fund II Target at Second Close
Lagos-based VC firm Aruwa Capital Management has raised $35 million at the second close of its Fund II, reaching 90% of its $40 million target. The female-led firm plans to upsize the fund to $50 million, continuing its gender-lens strategy to back high-growth businesses in Nigeria and Ghana that empower women and drive inclusive economic growth.
C-One Ventures Acquires Nigerian Fintech, Bankly
Investment firm C-One Ventures has fully acquired Nigerian fintech and licensed microfinance bank Bankly, integrating its platform, licenses, and team into its growing fintech ecosystem. Founded in 2018, Bankly has served over 2 million users through a network of 50,000+ agents, digitizing informal savings models like ajo and esusu to promote financial inclusion across Nigeria.
Hervest's Solape Akinpelu wins $30,000 prize at Aurora Tech Award 2025
Solape Akinpelu, founder of Nigerian fintech platform Hervest, has won the 2025 Aurora Tech Award, receiving a $30,000 prize at the global finale in Cairo. Her victory marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian woman has claimed the award, spotlighting Hervest’s mission to empower financially underserved African women, especially smallholder female farmers.
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