10 Startups to Watch in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is famous for its fantastic mountain ranges, amazing natural wonders and breathtaking sea views. However, the city is not just about its beautiful landscape. It has become a haven of creativity and entrepreneurship. The start-up ecosystem in Cape Town has been steadily growing with many ventures providing African solutions through technology.

 

Cape Town Startup Ecosystem

The startup ecosystem of Cape Town thrives on diversity. In the sectors ranging from fintech to agritech, social enterprises to e-commerce, startups in this city make up a dynamic and varied entrepreneurial landscape. A strong emphasis on social entrepreneurship largely fuels that dynamism. There are many start-ups in Cape town that use technology as an advantage to solve major social problems and environmental challenges with intent to bring overall positive change.

 

Business Startup Challenges in Cape Town

Despite the many pluses, there are several issues that face the startup ecosystem in Cape Town, especially raising funds for business development. While more investors and venture capitalists emerge within the city, many startups cannot get enough money necessary to scale operations. Because of these funding gaps startups usually target foreign investors which may involve cultural complexities or difficulties associated with compliance requirements.

 

 

Top 10 Cape Town Startups to Watch

From pioneering educational platforms to innovative fintech solutions, here are 10 Cape Town-based start-ups you should keep an eye on:

 

1. HyperionDev

 

 

With its extensive coding bootcamps HyperionDev is changing the game when it comes to tech education across Africa. Established in 2012; it was aimed at narrowing down the digital skills gap across Africa through an affordable learning process of coding. With over three million dollars worth of investment capital offered by HyperionDev; it has continued expanding its reach thereby empowering thousands of students with critical tech skills.

 

2. Yoco

 

 

Yoco has disrupted payment systems for small businesses in South Africa since its founding in 2015.Therefore ,this FinTech company has provided card payment solutions that are user-friendly making cashless transactions possible for merchants.Yoco, which has received over $83 million in funding and now serves more than 150000 businesses is one of the most influential start-ups in the region.

 

3. OfferZen

 

 

Launched in 2015, OfferZen is a talent marketplace bringing together software developers and tech companies. In the tech industry, this platform has redefined recruitment as it stresses on transparency and efficiency. As its database of talented developers grows, OfferZen becomes a one-stop shop for technology talents within South Africa and beyond.

 

 

4. Dimagi

 

 

Dimagi was created in 2002 and works as a social enterprise who utilises technology to improve healthcare services. Dimagi’s primary product is CommCare mobile platform used by field workers in more than eighty countries to monitor and enhance health outcomes. Through its focus on social impact and innovation, Dimagi stands out among other startups found in Cape Town.

 

5. Jambo

 

 

Jambo is an emerging player focused on delivering innovative IT solutions and services. Since inception, Jambo has continuously focused on technology improvements for business offering substantial strides across various sectors such as finance, healthcare as well as retailing.

 

6. FarmSol

 

 

Since its establishment back in 2016, FarmSol financial aid, training and market accessibility have been offered to emerging farmers throughout South Africa. Moreover, this agritech company plays an important role in supporting sustainable agriculture while enhancing food security.FarmSol efforts helped many smallholder farmers increase their productivity thus improving their livelihoods.

 

7. ArcadeNetwork

 

 

Blockchain technology is the leading edge of ArcadeNetwork as it offers a decentralised platform to gaming ecosystems. The start-up, beginning in 2021, wants to change the gaming industry by allowing people to have digital assets which are truly their own. With an uncommon method of blending blockchain and gaming, both gamers and investors are focusing on ArcadeNetwork.

 

8. Moove

 

 

Moove is an innovative Mobility Fintech company that specialises on revenue-based vehicle financing for mobility entrepreneurs. Moove aims to democratise vehicle ownership throughout emerging markets by providing inclusive finance solutions to those who would not qualify for traditional loans. The company’s unique business model employs technology to monitor and analyse driving performance thereby allowing an appropriate flexible loan plan based on driver’s earnings.

 

9. Yodawy

 

 

Yodawy is an advanced digital healthtech platform that makes it easier for customers to order prescription medications online and receive them at their doorsteps within an hour or less than 48 hours. Yodawy brings together patients, pharmacies, and insurers making it simpler to manage healthcare while increasing availability of essential medication. Further integration with insurance companies ensures quick claim approvals resulting into reduced out-of-pocket costs experienced by consumers on some medicines too. 

 

10. Everlectric

 

 

Everlectric seeks to change the face of urban transportation through electric vehicle (EV) solutions. With a focus on sustainability and environmental impact, Everelectric provides EVs and related infrastructure for businesses or municipalities. Everlectric aims at reducing carbon emissions and fostering greener cities and invisions being a  leader in green energy transportation.