About startup landscape in Kenya
Kenya has over 12,714 startups across the country. Of these, 1.33K are funded companies that have collectively raised $13B in venture capital and private equity. A total of 1,143 investors have participated in 1,884 funding rounds, with 78 startups securing early-stage funding and 47 raising late-stage funding. In the last five years, 1,623 new companies have been founded, raising over $59M in funding. Startups in Kenya have witnessed 154 acquisitions and 82 IPOs, while 2,470 startups wrapped up operations. Additionally, 345 companies have been founded by women.
Top Companies in Kenya
d light is the top company in Kenya, ranked using Tracxn Score (what's this?).
Here are 5 of the top companies in Kenya:
Company | Description | Location | Founded | Current Stage | Private Funding Raised |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Provider of affordable solar energy solutions and financing. This company offers solar home systems, inverters, and appliances designed for off-grid communities. It also provides accessible financing options, such as PayGo, to expand access to clean energy. The company focuses on last-mile delivery to reach underserved areas and employs innovative product designs. Its offerings aim to improve lives by fostering education, health, and economic opportunity. | Nairobi (Kenya) | 2004 | Series E | $118M | |
Online cross-border remittance platform for individuals | Nairobi (Kenya) | 2017 | Series A | $50.2M | |
Provider of investment management services | Nairobi (Kenya) | 1984 | Late Stage | $185M | |
Provider of range of services including mobile voice and data connectivity, internet access, and business solutions to individuals and enterprises | Nairobi (Kenya) | 1997 | Acquired | - | |
Cooperative bank | Nairobi (Kenya) | 1965 | Public | - |
Recent Funding Rounds in Kenya
In the year 2026, till September 2026, $320M has been raised in 19 equity
funding rounds across Kenya. In the same period last year (i.e. till September 2025), $65.8M had been raised across 21 rounds in Kenya. So, 2026 has seen a 386.21% rise in funding in companies of Kenya as compared to 2025.
Here are some recent, important funding rounds in Kenya:Company | Round Raised | Amount Raised | Funding Date | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Seed | 2966 | Sep 10, 2026 | ||
Seed | 8662 | Aug 25, 2026 | ||
Series A | 7884 | Aug 20, 2026 | ||
Seed | 7850 | Jul 29, 2026 | ||
Seed | 3065 | Jul 22, 2026 |
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- 12.7K+ Total Companies
- $13B+ Total Funding
- 1.3K+ Funded Companies
- 80+ IPOs
- 150+ Acquisitions
Top Investors in Kenya
Europa is the top investor in companies of Kenya based on number of companies invested.
Here are some top investors in Kenya:
Investor | Location | Top Portfolio Companies |
|---|---|---|
Washington, DC (United States) | ||
Washington, DC (United States) | ||
Nairobi (Kenya) | ||
Washington, DC (United States) |
Acquisitions in Kenya
In the year 2026, till May 2026, 3 acquisitions happened in Kenya. Last year, in 2025, a total of 14 acquisitions happened in Kenya.
Here are some recent, important acquisitions in Kenya:
Company | Acquisition Type | Acquisition Date | Acquirers |
|---|---|---|---|
Business Acquisition | May 21, 2026 | ||
Business Acquisition | Apr 16, 2026 | ||
Business Acquisition | Jan 22, 2026 | ||
Business Acquisition | Dec 19, 2025 | ||
Business Acquisition | Dec 17, 2025 |
IPOs in Kenya
In the year 2026, till March 2026, 1 IPO happened in Kenya. In its previous year, in 2025, a total of 2 IPOs happened in Kenya.
Here are some recent, important IPOs in Kenya:
Company | IPO Date | Exchange Symbol |
|---|---|---|
Mar 10, 2026 | Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) | |
Nov 10, 2025 | Hong Kong Exchanges (HKG) | |
May 21, 2025 | Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) | |
Sep 27, 2023 | Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) | |
Feb 22, 2022 | OTC Markets (OTCMKTS) |
Top News about startups in Kenya
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Kenya's Mawingu Secures $20M to Expand Rural Internet in AfricaTech Labari•Oct 01, 2025•Mawingu, Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers
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Kenyan logistics startup Leta expands into Ghana after $5m fundingDisruptafrica•Jul 15, 2025•Leta, Speedinvest, Equator, Google
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Ajua welcomes back Claire Munene as Chief Experience OfficerAfrica Business Communities•Apr 10, 2025•Ajua, Telkom
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Powerhive and Telcoin Partner to Build the World’s First Blockchain-Powered Mobility Financing PlatformGlobal Fintech Series•Mar 06, 2025•Powerhive, Telcoin,
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M-KOPA unveils X-Series phones with life insurance benefitsBusiness and Financial Times•Feb 10, 2025•M Kopa
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Kenya’s BuuPass, Flexpay partner to offer flexible payment plans for holiday travelDisruptafrica•Dec 19, 2024•Buupass, Flexpay
