Today we are super excited and we are proudly introducing our first version of “Startups Map Of Tanzania 2024”
This list is by far the most comprehensive list of startups in Tanzania available on the internet today, it stands out as an invaluable resource, meticulously curated and continually (monthly) updated by the team led by Reuben Mwatosya at Cofounders Notebook.
Why do we do this, Why now?
We wanted to see change, we wanted to see startups from a centralised database, we needed to create a place where you can discover new startups even if they are very early stage so that you are able to be part of that change we want to see in Tanzania.
Today, Tanzania is a a top 5 country in Africa by many meaningful metrics including population, financial inclusion, mobile money, Startup funding and more importantly as a trading hub of the future where Dar es salaam becomes the region’s financial, transport and trading major hub.
What you will see in the list: A lot more as we go!
From pioneering fintech solutions to innovative e-commerce platforms, from streamlined logistics ventures to cutting-edge AI startups, this list encapsulates Tanzania’s emergence as a formidable regional force across multiple startup sectors.
Embarking on a journey through this expansive compilation reveals Tanzania’s dynamic landscape, where disruptive startups are reshaping industries and spearheading advancements in Robotics, IOT, payments, healthcare, education, property, protein-making, and eco-friendly bricks, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.
However, it’s crucial for startups to carefully weigh the time commitment and potential equity dilution associated with participating in multiple accelerators. Each program demands significant time and resources, and spreading efforts too thinly could impede progress. Therefore, startups must strike a balance and prioritise programs that offer the most value aligned with their growth objectives.
The list encompasses startups at various stages, from those in their infancy with just an MVP, to early-stage startups securing angel rounds, and more mature ventures funded by VCs. What we’ve noticed as a recurring pattern is many early-stage ventures opting for accelerators before seeking angel or VC funding. Surprisingly, some have even participated in multiple accelerators and grant programs.
What will other get out of this? what will they do?
Apart from a lot of aha and hahaha moments, What we expect others will do with this database, we believe there is more people who would find value by reproducing this as graphs, trends and discover interesting themes across the startups and the future of our beautiful ecosystem.
The method: How did we get this list put together?
We reviewed a list of portfolio companies from a number of early stage investors such as SeedStars, Acumen and Microtraction to identify what companies they invested in Tanzania. We also looked into accelerators and grantees from various programs such as Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program, PesaTech (Sahara Ventures) and Developpp by DEG/KfW. For us to cross check some of the names we went further to check in some websites and lists of licence/regulatory authorities.
This article first appeared on https://reubenmars.substack.com/
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
