Nigerian e-health startup Stack Dx, Tanzanian fintech startup Nala and Nigerian agri-tech startup ThriveAgric have been selected to take part in the Winter 2019 batch of the Silicon Valley-based Y Combinator programme.
Y Combinator runs two accelerator programmes each year, investing US$150,000 in startups from across the world and giving them access to three months of training, mentorship and networks.
Its Winter batch 2019 is by far its biggest yet, with more than 200 startups taking part.
One of those selected to take part was Tanzania’s Nala, a simplified mobile money application that allows users to make faster, smarter and safer transactions without an internet connection. The startup was a winner of Seedstars and Ecobank competitions in 2018.
Also involved is Nigeria’s Stack Diagnostics (StackDx), which, through its 54gene platform provides genetic testing at affordable prices, while also solving the problem of the lack of African genetic information in drug development research.
The third African startup involved is Thrive Agric, which provides microloans to Nigerian farmers and a channel to sell products to large buyers.
