PBR Life Sciences, a groundbreaking healthcare startup, has announced its $1 million pre-seed funding round backed by a host of prominent investors, including Launch Africa Ventures, Microtraction, Kaleo Ventures, Octerra Capital, Marula Square, XA Africa, ARM Labs, and Techstars. This announcement was made by CEO, Ayodeji Alaran in a LinkedIn post.
Founded in 2015 by Ayodeji Alaran, PBR Life Sciences is a healthcare startup dedicated to addressing critical gaps in emerging markets through big data and artificial intelligence. As a Techstars alumnus, the company leverages its innovative approach to transform healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and accessibility in under-resourced regions. With a mission to drive data-driven healthcare solutions, PBR Life Sciences continues to pioneer advancements that improve efficiency and outcomes in the global health landscape.
As part of the 2nd Cohort for ARM Labs Lagos Accelerator, it received $120,000 in December 2023.
The funding will enable PBR Life Sciences to scale its innovative Data-as-a-Service and Analytics platform across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. By aggregating and transforming healthcare big data, the platform delivers fast, AI-powered analytics to optimise pricing, forecasting, product development, patient recruitment for clinical trials, population health management, and product commercialization in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare, consulting, health tech, universities, and research organizations.
According to Ayodeji Alaran, “Being backed by some of the most reputable venture capital investors and angels in Africa not only inspires us as a team to do more but further validates the vital need to close the gap of inadequate real-world, healthcare big data that will power AI and innovation for the sector whilst unlocking global life sciences growth that will be powered by the region.”
“This will unlock value for the least understood healthcare and unmet needs in Africa and the rest of emerging markets. With this fresh capital, we are now well positioned to achieve our ambitious growth plan, with a laser focus on profitability,” he added.
Ashim Egunjobi, Managing Partner at Octerra Capital, expressed confidence in PBR Life Sciences’ transformative potential: “From our first interaction with Ayodeji, it was clear that PBR Sciences has immense potential to unlock access to healthcare data across Africa. With its impressive proprietary technology and big data capabilities, PBR is delivering significant insights and value to a wide array of corporate clients. We are thrilled to support Ayodeji and his team on this promising journey.”
Damilare Mesimo of ARM Labs highlighted PBR Life Sciences’ innovation and impact: “PBR’s achievements showcase the power of innovation and resilience in addressing critical gaps in healthcare data within emerging markets. Through the ARM Labs Lagos TechStars Accelerator Program, PBR demonstrated exceptional vision and execution. This milestone reflects their ability to use real-world data and AI to transform decision-making in the life sciences sector. We remain committed to supporting impactful startups like PBR as they drive meaningful change and expand across Africa and beyond.”
Ato Bentsi-Enchill, Investment Principal and SPV Lead at Microtraction, emphasized the strength of PBR’s leadership: “As early-stage investors, we focus on identifying founders capable of building category-defining businesses. Ayodeji exemplifies this, demonstrating remarkable clarity of vision for PBR’s future and assembling a capable team to execute on it. We are excited to back PBR in their mission to organize Africa’s healthcare data and drive systemic transformation in the sector.”
