Amazon appears to have rowed back from a public threat to end support for Visa payments in the UK in a dispute over payment fees. The ecommerce giant sent an email to users of Amazon.co.uk today informing them that the “expected change” — which was due to take place on January 19 — will not […]
INDmoney raises $75M for its super finance app in India
Indian startup INDmoney has raised $75 million in a new round as it attempts to build a super finance app to become a “one-stop shop” for people’s investments and expenses, a top executive said on Monday. Tiger Global, Steadview Capital, and Dragoneer co-led the startup’s $75 million Series D funding, said Ashish Kashyap, founder and […]
After Dutch antitrust order, Apple starts letting local dating apps use alternative payment options
Another regulatory brick in the wall for Apple: The iPhone maker agreed this weekend to changes to its App Store in the Netherlands focused on dating apps, agreeing to allow local developers of dating apps to be able to offer non-Apple based payments (via Reuters). In December, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) […]
Ugandan fintech Asaak raises $30million to support acquisition of motorbikes, smartphones by taxi operators
Asaak, a Ugandan asset financing startup, has secured $30 million in pre-Series A equity and debt funding. The round saw the participation of new and existing investors including Resolute Ventures, Social Capital, HOF Capital, Founders Factory Africa, End Poverty Make Trillions, Decentralized VC and a number of angel investors. Asaak offers motorbike financing to operators, […]
Fresh round of $355M lifts online checkout company Bolt into decacorn territory
This newest raise comes just three months after Bolt took in a sizable $393 million in Series D funding.
Kenyan BNPL startup Lipa Later eyes more African markets after raising $12 million
Lipa Later, a Kenyan tech-led consumer credit platform, is planning to expand to new markets in Africa after raising $12 million in pre-Series A funding. The equity and debt funding round saw the participation of Cauris Finance, Lateral Frontiers VC, GreenHouse Capital, SOSV IV LLC, Sayani Investments and Axian Financial Services. The startup, a buy-now-pay-later […]
Lululemon names Twitch exec Mike Aragon CEO of Mirror
Months after the surprise departure of Mirror founder Brynn Putnam, Lululemon today announced that it has named former Twitch Chief Content Officer Mike Aragon to run the connected fitness brand. Effective January 17, Aragon will be stepping into the CEO role for both Mirror and Lululemon’s Digital Fitness line. “Mike Aragon has an impressive track […]
African tech took center stage in 2021
Two years ago, the African tech ecosystem saw newfound attention from global players that translated to the continent’s best year of receiving venture capital. From varying sources, it is estimated up to $2 billion went into African tech startups in 2019. With high-profile visits from the most famous Jacks (Ma and Dorsey), a long-awaited first […]
Tech-led biofuel startup Koko Networks launches new consumer goods business in Kenya
Koko Networks, a Kenya-based bio-fuel technology enterprise, has extended its business to cover other fast-moving consumer goods through a new tech platform that will capitalize on its established distribution networks in low-income neighborhoods. Koko Club, its new business line, is selling the products directly to consumers through the dukas (small shops) that currently serve as […]
Is cryptocurrency an alternative to remittances or an additive factor?
Is cryptocurrency an effective replacement for remittances? No, at least not yet.