Prepclass and six other African Startups have been named among the winners of the GSMA Innovation Fund. Prepclass is the only Nigerian startup among the winners.
The innovation fund which was launched in July 2016 is focused on selecting startups that have huge growth potentials to offer them funding as well as technical assistance
The Fund is expected to run between 2016 and 2020 with each round focused on different areas.
The seven African Startups are:
Kytabu: Kenya
Kytabu is a leasing application for textbooks that are downloadable from any internet-enabled device in the online library or preinstalled on a Kytabu tablet.
Optimetriks: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Optimetriks is a developing solution for customers to provide feedback and data for companies operating in Africa to better serve their needs.
Prepclass: Nigeria
PrepClass is a tutoring marketplace that connects learners and tutors through an online platform.
Raye 7: Egypt
Raye7 is a culturally sensitive carpooling solution for daily commuting which uses the trust reflected in social networks using mobile services.
UX: Mozambique
UX’s product Biscate connects workers in the informal sector (plumbers, painters, mechanics etc.) to customers through USSD and web technologies.
Safemotos: Rwanda
SafeMotos’ mobile-based platform increases road safety and enables more transparent market interaction between motorcycle taxi drivers and customers.
Twiga Foods: Kenya
Twiga Foods provides improved market access to farmers by buying fresh produce from them while ensuring a constant hassle-free supply chain for roadside vendors.
The seven startups, including two from Asia, will share the total sum of £2 million (US$2.5 million) with each receiving between £100,000 (US$129,000) and £250,000 (US$322,000).
