GreenHouse Lab in collaboration with Mercy Corp Ventures opened applications on March 4, 2022, to find early-stage female-founded startups in Francophone African countries to participate in its three-day investment readiness Bootcamp.
After attracting many applications across the region, eleven (11) companies made it through the selection process and took part in the program. The founders came from Senegal, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon.
The virtual Bootcamp began on April 29, 2022 and ran through to April 31, 2022. The Bootcamp had a substantial collection of facilitators from Saviu Ventures, Cowrywise, Lengo, ADEC, Nanatel, Catalyst Fund, Equidam, and GreenHouse Capital.
In this session, the founders gained knowledge on Market Research & Strategy, People Operations, Finance Operations, Fundraising and Brand Communications.
After the three-day program, a Virtual Demo Day session was held on May 12, 2022, where they pitched their ideas to a group of global and local investors and potential future partners.
Below are the eleven female-led startups that participated in the program:
Afrijula: An accounting platform that allows small and micro businesses to structure and manage their accounts for free.
Agrix Tech: Agrix Tech takes the guesswork out of your agriculture projects through AI designed to track crop health and monitor productivity.
Ayanawebzine: A media platform that connects enterprising African women to career and business opportunities through tech.
Bii: Bii is transforming the paradox between food waste and hunger into an opportunity for wealth creation.
BW Tech: BW Tech Sarl specialises in manufacturing wooden accessories focusing on eco-friendly packaging.
Diapalema tech: A “buy now pay later” (BNPL) platform targeting low-income earners looking to purchase high-end electronic appliances.
Moussow Digit: An organisation responding to the issues of financial inclusion and digital inclusion of women in Africa through social entrepreneurship.
Nextone: Technology provides mobility services to the increasing urban population in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
Smart’ BAB: Smart’BAB is modernising retail in Africa through innovative technologies in rural areas of the Ivory Coast.
SoutraMarket: Soutra Market uses technology to expose cooperatives to a global audience.
SunuTrips: Sunu Trip is a hospitality and tourism solution that connects local guides with travellers while also organising tailor-made stays for tourists.
For more information, please contact:
Oluwadunni Fanibe
lab@greenhouse.capital
About GreenHouse Capital
GreenHouse Capital (GHC), founded in 2014, is a leading African fintech investment fund and platform focused on supporting early-stage companies and world-class emerging market entrepreneurs building the next wave of innovative technology companies. GHC is Africa’s largest fintech fund by portfolio size and has invested in leading companies like Flutterwave, Max, and Wallets. GHC believes in “founders backing founders” and is home to Africa’s leading accelerator programs for women-led and fintech start-ups. GHC uses its experience, knowledge, and record of accomplishment to expand into emerging markets, including the Middle East. It will continue putting the entrepreneur first and empowering innovation while delivering returns. Visit www.greenhouse.capital to learn more.
About Mercy Corps Ventures
Founded in 2015 as the investing arm of global development agency Mercy Corps, we’ve supported 32+ early-stage ventures to scale and raise over $125 million in follow-on capital. Our portfolio focuses on enterprises developing solutions to build climate resilience and increase financial inclusion, so those living in frontier markets can withstand disruption and plan. In addition, our targeted support, Thought Leadership, and strategic collaborations further catalyze the ecosystem towards smarter investments. Learn more at https://www.mercycorps.org
