💥 Big Bets, Bold Cuts & $55M Wins

⟹ 🚀 STARTUPS WATCH 🚀 ⟸

Here are the 5 top startups in the African ecosystem we think you need to know:

LifeQ is a leading health intelligence platform transforming everyday wearables into powerful, science-backed health optimization tools. Founded in South Africa, LifeQ empowers consumers, insurers, and healthcare providers with real-time, 24/7 biometrics derived from 150+ physiological markers.

From non-invasive disease screening to BioAge tracking, LifeQ enables early detection of cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic conditions—helping users take control of their longevity and well-being. Validated by global health standards, LifeQ is redefining the future of preventive health.

Reliance HMO is a tech-powered health insurance company based in Nigeria, redefining access to quality healthcare through AI and data-driven innovation. Launched in 2017, the company offers proactive, personalized health management plans for individuals, families, and businesses—ensuring affordable, accessible care.

With a network of 2,600+ providers and a seamless web and mobile experience, enrollees enjoy instant telemedicine access, 24/7 doctor consultations, wellness perks, and paperless claims. Reliance HMO is Africa’s first insurer to offer free telemedicine to all members, championing convenience, prevention, and peace of mind.

Tribal Credit is a global B2B fintech platform empowering SMEs across emerging markets with seamless access to financial services. Founded to bridge the gap left by traditional banks, Tribal offers an all-in-one solution including corporate credit cards (powered by Visa), FX transfers, revolving credit lines, and advanced spend analytics—tailored for the modern growth-stage business.

With operations across LATAM and MENA, Tribal Credit is trusted by startups and scaleups for its cross-border payment capabilities, real-time controls, and automation tools. Backed by global investors and supported by partnerships with giants like Visa, Tribal is reshaping how businesses operate and grow in the digital economy.

⟹ 💼 💰️ VENTURE CAPITAL WATCH 💼 💰️ ⟸

 Stitch Closes $55M Series B to Go Full-Stack on Payments

South African payments infrastructure startup Stitch raised $55M to expand its omnichannel capabilities and become a full-stack acquirer. Led by QED Investors (plus PayPal Ventures and Trevor Noah!), the round sets Stitch up to rival incumbents with an end-to-end card product.

→ Signal: Investors are rewarding solid infrastructure, profitability potential, and enterprise traction—even in a cautious climate.

🔹 $320K for Zimi to Turn EVs Into Power Stations

Zimi, a South African EV charging startup, secured $320K in grant funding from EEP Africa to pilot vehicle-to-grid tech (V2G). The concept: turn idle electric vehicles into energy backups during load shedding.

→ Signal: Investors are backing climate-tech infrastructure—especially when it solves real African problems like grid instability and clean mobility.

🔹 ARM-Harith & FSDAi Launch New $13M Fund to Unlock Nigeria’s Pension Capital

FSDAi is injecting $13M into the ACT Fund—aimed at unlocking local pension capital for climate infrastructure. With a first-of-its-kind local currency facility, this could finally break the liquidity barrier for infrastructure equity in Nigeria.

→ Signal: Local capital is stepping up where global VC has cooled off—especially in climate-aligned, real-economy sectors.

🔹 Web3 Keeps the Flame Alive: $130M Raised by Nigerian Startups (So Far)

According to Hashed Emergent, over 80 Nigerian Web3 startups have raised a combined $130M, with $20M secured in 2024 alone. Nigeria now contributes 4% of new global Web3 devs.

→ Signal: While general VC slows, crypto and Web3 are still pulling in capital—especially for payments, stablecoins, and developer tools.

👀 This week’s featured investor is 4Di Capital 👀

Based in Cape Town, 4Di Capital is one of Africa’s most seasoned early-stage venture capital firms—launched in 2009 by a group of entrepreneurs with a bold vision: to build Africa’s venture ecosystem from the ground up.

With a hands-on, founder-first approach, 4Di backs Africa-based entrepreneurs building for regional and global markets, offering not just capital but deep partnership across product, scaling, and operations.

🌍 Their footprint?

15+ African countries and active investments spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

🔎 What they look for:

• Tech startups with regional or global potential

• Early traction and strong teams

• Founders solving meaningful problems in scalable ways

📈 Portfolio Highlights (selected):

• Aerobotics – AI-powered precision agriculture

• LifeQ – Health insights from wearable tech

• Click2Sure – Digital insurance distribution

• WhereIsMyTransport – Mapping public transport in emerging markets

• Pineapple – Gamified, peer-to-peer insurance

With 15+ years in the African tech scene and offices in Cape Town, Atlanta, and Washington D.C., 4Di Capital continues to be a quiet but powerful force shaping the continent’s startup landscape—from garage to global.

⟹ 📺️ MEDIA WATCH 📺️  ⟸

Here are the 5 key things in the news this week that you need to know:

1. SA’s Stitch raises $55m Series B funding to bolster enterprise payments infrastructure offering - Disrupt Africa

2. South Africa’s Zimi secures $320,000 to test turning EVs into power stations - Techcabal

3. Egyptian q-commerce startup Rabbit secures funding to enter Saudi market - Disrupt Africa

4. Tala lays off 28 staff as loan defaults and customer queries fall - Techcabal

5. Over 80 Nigerian web3 startups have raised $130m to date - Disrupt Africa

And that’s your weekly dosage of the African startup ecosystem! If you have any comments or feedback, just respond to this email. We are always looking to hear from our community.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Gitonga, the Stoic Founder at StartupHub.Africa 🚀

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