This is huge. Bamba group just became the first East-African company to get into the TechStars accelerator programme. Since 2006, when the mentorship-driven accelerator, was founded, it’s accepted less than 2% of its applicants.
Introducing Bamba Group, a Nairobi-based business that developed a cloud-based data collection program. At the moment, its service is used by a myriad of major companies in Kenya, including Aga Khan Foundation, Nairobi Airport Services, and Diamond Trust Bank.
“We are very happy to select the first company from East Africa into the TechStars programme. Bamba Group is a testament to our globalized world where a startup from any corner of the planet can rise up, pursue their passion and make a lasting impact on the world.”, said Amos Schwartzfarb, TechStars Austin Managing Director.
PDTP Advisory Council Chairman, Muchemi Wambugu said, “Bamba Group has been a huge asset in our Advisory Council and by extension to our society. PDTP aims to build technology capacity for Government and enrich our already vibrant technology ecosystem. Bamba software was used to capture, monitor and evaluate the interactions between the programme mentors and interns.”
Bamba Group was founded 3 years ago, by Al Ismaili, Faiz Hirani and Shehzad Tejani, who will attend an intensive 13-week training programme in Austin, Texas, asides from the initial financial investment. They will also be given access to the TechStars Network, a 5000-strong collection of founders, alumni, and global mentors.
Kenya’s ICT Cabinet Secretary. Mr Joe Mucheru said, “I congratulate Bamba Group for this great opportunity and hope they will inspire many more startups to get recognised globally.”
Bamba Group CEO, Al Ismaili thinks it’s all about his employees. He said, “It is our employees that are most deserving of this selection. We now look forward to the next stage of our growth with a new saying around the office – something we now hear regularly from our new mentors at TechStars – ‘Do More Faster’. We hope to make Africa proud”.
And make Africa proud, they will. I mean, the only other African company to get accepted into TechStars, is hyper-local, on-demand delivery startup, MAX.ng, and they went on to become TechCrunch disrupt finalists, in 2015.
