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Kenya
Become a Startup Scout
in
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Nairobi, Kenya

Dive into the dynamic world of startups in Nairobi, Kenya! Join us as a VC startup scout and unlock unparalleled access to innovation, along with the unique satisfaction of influencing future tech success stories. Join this exciting venture today!

About

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, has emerged as a significant hub for technology startups and venture capital in Africa. Known as the 'Silicon Savannah', the city provides a conducive environment for startups with access to venture capital, incubation hubs, and a rapidly growing pool of tech-savvy talent.

One of the prominent success stories from Nairobi is that of mobile money transfer service, M-Pesa. Launched by Vodafone for Safaricom and Vodacom in 2007, M-Pesa revolutionised the way money is transferred, making Kenya a global leader in mobile money technology. Another significant player in the fintech sector is BitPesa, a digital foreign exchange and payment platform that leverages blockchain technology.

Founded by Kenyan entrepreneur, Edwin Inganji, Usalama is another noteworthy startup. This app, developed in Nairobi, connects users with emergency services at the touch of a button and is a testament to the city's capacity to create tech solutions that address local needs.

The Nairobi startup ecosystem is buoyed by a growing number of venture capital investors. For instance, the Novastar Ventures focuses on finding, mentoring, and financing new ventures in East Africa. Likewise, the Savannah Fund has been pivotal in funding early-stage tech entrepreneurs in the region.

Nairobi also boasts several tech hubs and incubators that foster the growth of startups. iHub, founded by Erik Hersman in 2010, has been at the forefront of the city's tech surge, providing a space for innovators to collaborate. Similarly, the Nailab incubation hub provides business advice, mentorship, and financing for startups.

Government initiatives, such as the Enterprise Kenya initiative launched by the Kenyan government, further support the startup ecosystem by promoting entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and assisting in the creation of jobs.

A key peculiarity of Nairobi's startup scene is the concentrated focus on solving local challenges and enhancing lifestyles using technology. From sectors as diverse as agri-tech to health tech, many Nairobi-based startups aim to address vital social issues through innovative solutions, giving this ecosystem a unique social impact focus.

As a Scout, You Can...

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Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Receive exciting dealflow opportunities from Nairobi, Kenya! Individuals and startups can connect with you directly to find investors for their innovations. Join now to start discovering investment opportunities!

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

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Podcaster

Do you interview founders &ย startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview โ†’

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Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next toโ†’

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Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event โ†’

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Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHDย student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university โ†’

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