When I hired Kevin Gitau (who lives in Kenya) to take over news operations for bizblip, it wasn’t just an expansion of our team—it was a step into the heart of Silicon Savannah. Despite having only one Nairobi-based startup on our platform after four years of focusing on Missouri’s ecosystems, we’re gearing up to broaden our horizons dramatically in the coming months.
The global startup landscape is shifting, with emerging hubs like Nairobi gaining prominence alongside traditional centers like Silicon Valley. Successful startup ecosystems share common traits:
Access to Capital
- Funding is crucial for growth. Nairobi’s venture capital funding reached $482 million in 2022, marking a 74% increase.
Talent Pool
- Skilled professionals drive innovation. Nairobi’s iHub nurtures local talent and entrepreneurship. Bringing Kevin onboard highlights this rich talent reservoir. (Kevin worked out of iHub, including for a global shipping concern.)
Supportive Policies
- Government initiatives can spur startup growth. Kenya offers tax incentives and streamlined regulations for tech companies.
As bizblip prepares to expand, our collaboration with Kevin symbolizes the exciting opportunities within ecosystems like Silicon Savannah.
Our journey illustrates that innovation knows no boundaries. By bridging the gap between established and emerging startup hubs, we’re committed to supporting entrepreneurship wherever it flourishes, reaffirming that the future of tech is truly global.
Footnotes
Partech Partners. (2023). Africa Tech Venture Capital Report.
Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) Investment Promotion Act.
