Beemi, an Ethiopian startup at the intersection of mobile livestreaming and gaming, has announced the close of its seed funding round from Renew Capital. Though the investment amount remains undisclosed, the funding is set to accelerate Beemi’s expansion plans, technology development, and creator partnerships. The company is focused on transforming how African audiences engage with live content by integrating interactive, gamified elements into mobile livestreaming platforms.
From Passive Viewing to Active Participation
Founded in 2023 by Dawit Abraham, Beemi aims to convert passive livestream viewers into active participants by embedding social games into live broadcasts. The platform enables streamers to run interactive experiences—such as trivia games and audience challenges—directly within live sessions on TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch. This model enhances user engagement by encouraging viewers to stay longer and participate more actively, thereby creating tighter-knit, loyal digital communities.
Mobile-First Innovation Designed for Africa’s Digital Generation
Optimised for mobile users, Beemi is tailored to suit the digital consumption habits of Africa’s youthful and increasingly connected population. The startup’s gamification layer adds a social and rewarding dynamic to livestreams, setting it apart from conventional, one-way broadcasting tools. This mobile-first approach allows content creators to deliver richer, more interactive experiences without needing separate apps or devices.
Real-Time Success with TikTok LIVE Integration
Beemi has already seen early traction with its gamified livestreaming format, most notably through a “Family-Feud”-style game show hosted on TikTok LIVE. Over an 11-hour session, the broadcast drew nearly 15,000 unique viewers, 2,000 active participants, and led to 700 new follower acquisitions for the streamer. These numbers highlight Beemi’s potential to drive deeper engagement and growth for creators using its platform.
Monetisation Features Under Pilot Phase
To further empower content creators, Beemi is currently testing a suite of monetisation tools that include branded ad integrations, creator subscriptions, and a curated marketplace of streamable games. These features aim to provide sustainable revenue streams for livestreamers while offering brands new ways to reach digital-first African audiences. If successful, this model could significantly boost the creator economy in the region.
Investor Backing from Renew Capital
The investment from Renew Capital reflects growing confidence in African digital media startups that address local needs with scalable tech solutions. Renew Capital has a history of supporting entrepreneurs building impactful ventures in emerging markets, and its involvement is expected to bring not only funding but also strategic guidance to Beemi. With this backing, Beemi plans to deepen its partnerships with creators and explore regional expansions.
Beemi’s vision represents a significant shift in how livestreaming is experienced and monetised in Africa, blending entertainment, community, and interactivity. By building a platform that is both accessible and deeply engaging, the startup is laying the foundation for a new kind of digital entertainment economy on the continent. As it continues to scale, Beemi could become a blueprint for mobile-first, gamified content platforms tailored for emerging markets.