Nairobi-based tourism venture studio Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV) has secured US$4.5 million in seed funding to advance its mission of transforming Africa into a global leader in regenerative tourism through innovative travel technology.
Founded by Ben Peterson, formerly a senior partner at AHL Venture Partners; Jan Van der de Willebois, a former investment banker at Dyer & Blair; and Mikul Shah, serial entrepreneur and founder of EatOut Africa, PEV is setting a bold pace in the continent’s tourism sector. The venture studio aims to launch three to four startups annually, focusing on tech-driven, scalable solutions that address critical challenges in the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
Therefore, with the goal of driving Africa’s tourism industry toward a more sustainable and resilient future, PEV prioritizes startups that integrate cutting-edge technology to combat climate change and build greener practices across the sector.
PEV previously raised a US$1 million pre-seed round in October 2022 and has now followed it with a US$4.5 million seed round. The latest funding includes contributions from Clear Creek Investment B.V., Klister Corp., Fede Pirzo-Biroli (founder of Playfair Capital), Anthony Rock, and Ian McCaig (former CEO of Lastminute.com).
In just a few years, PEV has successfully launched five high-impact startups:
- Nomad Africa – enhancing travel accessibility across the continent.
- Kijani Supplies – offering eco-friendly hospitality solutions.
- Zafari – a platform for immersive travel experiences.
- PowerTrip – tackling sustainable energy needs in the hospitality sector.
- JOIN Africa – connecting stakeholders across the tourism value chain.
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Unlike traditional venture studios, PEV maintains control and self-funds its startups, ensuring alignment with its overarching mission to foster innovation and deliver lasting impact in Africa’s tourism sector.
The US$4.5 million seed funding will empower PEV to scale its current portfolio and launch new ventures that address the most urgent challenges facing the industry, from sustainability to economic inclusivity.
“This funding is a testament to the untapped potential in African tourism innovation,” said Ben Peterson, co-founder and CEO of Purple Elephant Ventures. “With this support, we’re poised to revolutionize the industry through groundbreaking travel technology in Africa, fostering economic growth while preserving the continent’s incredible natural and cultural heritage. The future of sustainable tourism in Africa has never been brighter.”
Nevertheless, with its focus on regenerative tourism and innovation, PEV continues to redefine how technology can shape the future of Africa’s tourism industry.
