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.