The University of Michigan’s International Investment Fund (IIF) has announced a strategic pre-seed investment in Swyft, a fast-growing logistics technology start-up based in Cameroon. Swyft specializes in providing efficient, tech-enabled delivery solutions for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) clients, addressing critical gaps in the country’s logistics infrastructure.
Founded in 2019, the IIF is a student-led venture capital initiative launched by MBA students at the University of Michigan. The fund is dedicated to supporting early-stage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets, with a focus on fostering sustainable economic development through capital investment and strategic mentorship.
Franck Batchadji, Founder and CEO of Swyft, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership:
This investment marks a transformative moment in our mission to modernize logistics across Cameroon and, eventually, the broader African continent. We are tackling real-world challenges in first-to-last mile delivery—challenges that impact businesses and consumers alike. Having the University of Michigan IIF as a partner not only validates our vision but also strengthens our capacity to scale. We’re especially grateful for the IIF’s recognition of the urgency and complexity of the logistics issues we’re addressing. The insights and rigorous feedback provided by the student team throughout the due diligence process were invaluable. We look forward to continued mentorship and collaboration with the IIF community as we grow.
In a statement, the IIF emphasized its confidence in Swyft’s potential and the strength of its leadership:
We are thrilled to embark on this multi-year partnership with Franck and the talented team at Swyft. Their innovative approach to logistics and deep understanding of the local market position them well for long-term success. As Swyft scales its operations in Cameroon and explores expansion across Africa, we are proud to support their journey and contribute to the development of more resilient, tech-driven infrastructure in the region.
This investment not only provides Swyft with critical early-stage capital but also connects the company to a global network of advisors, mentors, and investors committed to driving impact in emerging markets.
