Kenyan startup Badili, a re-commerce platform specializing in refurbished phones, has secured an undisclosed seed funding from E3 Capital. The investment aims to facilitate Badili’s expansion into additional markets across East Africa.
Founded in 2021 and currently active in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Badili aggregates, repairs, and reintroduces used or damaged mobile phones to the market through major e-commerce platforms, local trade partners, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
The platform grants consumers access to premium smartphone brands, employing local refurbishment to deliver devices at a fraction of the cost of new models without sacrificing quality.
After securing a pre-seed round last year and participating in the 12th edition of the SOSV MOX accelerator, where it received $150,000 in funding, the startup has now secured additional seed capital from E3 Capital. E3 Capital specializes in investing in early-stage businesses that facilitate digitized, decentralized, and decarbonized business models across Africa.
E3 Capital’s investment, facilitated through the E3 Low Carbon Economy Fund (E3 LCEF I), aims to accelerate Badili’s expansion into new markets beyond East Africa. This strategic move seeks to bolster Africa’s digital infrastructure by providing affordable access to consumer devices.
We are proud to welcome E3 Capital, a seasoned African VC, as the lead investor in our latest seed round. I am excited for the significant impact that this partnership will have on our business
Rishabh Lawania, CEO and co-founder of Badili
Rishabh Lawania, CEO and co-founder of Badili, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to welcome E3 Capital, a seasoned African VC, as the lead investor in our latest seed round. I am excited for the significant impact that this partnership will have on our business, as well as the lives of thousands of aspirational African consumers who are looking to buy affordable and environmentally friendly electronics.”
Paras Patel, Managing Partner at E3 Capital, emphasized that supporting Badili aligns with E3’s commitment to fostering digital innovation while promoting environmental sustainability.
“It’s noteworthy that refurbished phones reduce associated CO2eq emissions by 87 percent compared to new models, underscoring the positive climate impact of Badili’s business. In just a short period, we have been impressed by Badili’s ability to scale the business model in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, forging partnerships with key stakeholders in the ecosystem,” Patel stated.
