Technology

Microsoft to fund 3 Kenyan tech start-ups

Microsoft

Three Kenyan start-ups are set to receive funding from global technology giant Microsoft Corporation. PHOTO | JOSH EDELSON | FILE

Three Kenyan start-ups are set to receive funding from global technology giant Microsoft Corporation.

The three; Ukall, MobiPay and BookNow are among seven start-ups from across the continent selected in the second round of innovation grants by the IT giant.

The initiative by Microsoft, which declined to reveal the value of funding, aims to improve Africa’s global competitiveness.

Microsoft general manager for Africa Initiatives Fernando de Sousa said the selected start-ups had created solutions that are addressing key sectors fuelling growth across the continent.

“We are supporting start-ups that have developed their solutions beyond the idea stage. They are either in the process of acquiring their first batch of clients or well under way in expanding their existing portfolio of clients,” he said.

According to the company the grant winners who have developed solutions ranging from agriculture, governance and transport were selected based on the uniqueness and scalability of their solutions and their business models.

BookNow allows people to buy bus tickets online with mobile money and card payment options, enabling customers to avoid long queues.

Ukall, which helps other businesses to automate their processes for efficiency, was selected for their Akida application which helps companies with staff attendance verification.

MobiPay’s AgriLife solution helps farmers access market opportunities, receive financing and get information.