Nine innovative startups from the inaugural Safaricom Spark Accelerator Program have reached a significant milestone by participating in an Investor Demo Day, where they showcased their progress, potential, and future vision to leading venture capitalists and investors.
The event marks the final phase of the accelerator program, positioning the startups for potential funding and strategic partnerships that will help them scale their businesses. This demo day serves as a platform for these early-stage companies to secure investments, forge industry connections, and accelerate their journey toward growth and impact.
Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Kenya, stating:
“At Safaricom, we believe technology is a catalyst for change and solutions. That’s why we incentivize and support innovative start-ups with the tools they need to reach the next level. Through the Spark Accelerator Program, we are investing in our future leaders while contributing to significant societal change and economic growth.”
The nine startups that participated in the Investor Demo Day represent cutting-edge advancements across various sectors, including Embedded Finance, SME Productivity Tools, Digital Content, Healthcare, and Future Fintech. They include:
- Health X Africa – Transforming healthcare through digital innovation.
- Vunapay – Revolutionizing embedded finance solutions.
- BlackRhino VR – Pioneering immersive digital content experiences.
- Twiva – Enabling businesses to leverage influencer-driven commerce.
- Chpter – Innovating SME productivity tools.
- Churpy – Automating financial operations for businesses.
- Nobuk Africa – Empowering businesses with financial intelligence.
- Faidi HR – Streamlining human resource management for SMEs.
- Chumz – Simplifying savings and investment solutions.
A Collaborative Effort for Startup Growth
The Safaricom Spark Accelerator Program is a joint initiative between Safaricom, Sumitomo Corporation, and M-PESA Africa, designed to accelerate early-stage startups by providing them with access to capital, market opportunities, and technical expertise. Other key partners include iHub (the implementing partner), AWS, Vodacom, and PwC, who contribute to the program by offering mentorship, cloud infrastructure, and strategic business insights.
Applications Open for the Next Cohort
At the event, Safaricom, Sumitomo Corporation, and M-PESA Africa also announced that applications for the second cohort of the accelerator program will open from April 1st to May 15th, 2025. Startups operating in technology, fintech, the creative economy, and SME productivity tools are encouraged to apply via the program’s official website: https://www.safaricom.co.ke/sparkaccelerator.
Selected startups will benefit from:
✅ Capacity building and training tailored to their industry.
✅ Bespoke product development and technology support from experts.
✅ Access to market opportunities through Safaricom’s ecosystem.
✅ Potential funding and investor connections to scale their businesses.
The Spark Accelerator Program was launched in 2023 following the restructuring of Safaricom’s Spark Venture Fund. The initiative is committed to nurturing Kenya’s tech ecosystem by equipping startups with the resources they need to succeed.
As Kenya’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, programs like the Safaricom Spark Accelerator play a crucial role in fostering innovation, driving digital transformation, and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s tech revolution.
