Startup Researcher - Africa: Week 21, 2025

May 26, 2025
Startup Researcher - Africa: Week 21, 2025

This week on Startup Researcher Africa: A 5 % U.S. remittance tax rattles African fintechs, Wahu Mobility locks in a carbon-credit e-bike deal, and Thndr and Sylndr each raise $15.7 million in Egypt. Hit play for the facts you need:

Top Headlines

  • U.S. House passes 5 % tax on non-citizen remittances, squeezing migrants and fintechs such as LemFi and NALA.
  • Wahu Mobility signs Swiss carbon-credit pact to deploy 117 000 e-bikes by 2030.
  • Terrahaptix wins $1.2 million deal to install AI drones guarding Nigerian hydro plants.
  • Vendease CFO exits amid shift to a software-led model during Series A extension.
  • Algeria’s NESDA unveils three startup funds worth up to $75 000 each.

Funding News

  • Thndr lands $15.7 million to launch Alpha and ThndrX and pursue an asset-management license.
  • Sylndr secures $15.7 million to scale its AI-driven used-car marketplace in Egypt.
  • Carrot Credit raises $4.2 million to let users borrow against crypto, stocks, and bonds.
  • Seeds & Pennies nets $1.1 million for inclusive retail lending and BNPL for women-led SMEs.
  • ElGameya closes a seven-figure round to expand its savings-circle app.

Exit Watch

  • Catalyst Partners acquires digital lender Qardy for $23 million in Egypt’s first fintech SPAC.
  • MaxAB-Wasoko buys Fatura to deepen digital retail reach in Egypt.
  • Valu wins $27 million from Saudi investors and EGX listing approval.

Investor & Ecosystem Moves

  • “Shark Tank” star Robert Herjavec joins Shark Tank Egypt S4 as guest shark.
  • CIB teams with Lantern Ventures to blend finance and hands-on support for Egyptian SMEs.

Spotlight

  • Startup of the Week: Thndr – democratizing investments with new platforms and license push.
  • Investor of the Week: Robert Herjavec – cybersecurity titan bringing global capital to Egypt.

Opportunity Radar

  • Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme – apply by 1 June 2025 for funding to scale healthcare ventures in low-income markets.

Listen now for a crisp, data-rich tour of Africa’s startup and VC landscape.