Led by Silicon Badia, with participation from RZM Investment, Flat6Labs, and Saudi Angel Investors, this funding will fuel Roboost’s regional expansion ambitions.

Roboost has carved a niche with its game-changing SaaS solution and AI operations copilot.

The platform boasts a number of features like pre-delivery tech, precision auto-dispatching, and “smart routes” based on text addresses setting new standards in delivery automation.

The $3 million investment will fuel its expansion across the MENA region, capturing the vast potential of the delivery market.

Diversification is also on the horizon, with Roboost planning to venture into e-commerce and middle-mile solutions, offering tailor-made automation for businesses of all sizes.

Hossam Shafick, Investor at Silicon Badia, expressed his confidence:

“Our investment reflects our belief in Roboost’s vision and capabilities. We are thrilled to support their journey towards regional and global leadership.”

Roboost’s success story is a testament to the power of AI in revolutionizing logistics.

Founded in 2015, OfferZen connects actively job-seeking developers with tech companies, boasting over 2,000 companies on its platform.
In 2021, the company raised $5.1 million, and this latest funding round brings their total investment to over $9.4 million.

Recognizing the financial challenges faced by tech companies in 2023, OfferZen has introduced a new “fixed-fee unlimited hiring subscription” alongside their traditional per-hire charge. This aims to provide companies with more predictable costs and flexibility in their recruitment efforts.

“It’s always scary making a big change to your business, but fortunately Unlimited worked,” said OfferZen co-founder Philip Joubert.

“It’s easy to budget for, competitively priced, and we hoped it would relieve some of the pressure our customers were feeling. A significant number of our customers have moved to the subscription model over the last year.”

After three years leading the company, Joubert is stepping down as CEO and handing the reins to Matt Beck, previously OfferZen’s VP of marketing.

Beck expressed his excitement for the future, highlighting upcoming platform updates that leverage AI to enhance connections between candidates and companies.

With a revamped business model, new leadership, and plans for AI-powered advancements, OfferZen is aims to further connect top developers with tech companies in South Africa and beyond.

This initiative targets early-stage, impact-focused startups led by women, aiming to provide much-needed catalytic capital and propel their ventures forward.

Unlocking Opportunities for Impactful Businesses

The partnership recognizes the persistent challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing funding compared to their male counterparts.

By dedicating resources to women-driven businesses tackling local and global issues, the initiative seeks to create a ripple effect, fostering economic growth and social impact.

Heather Matranga, Vice President of Impact Investments at Village Capital, expressed her enthusiasm:

“We’re thrilled to partner with Standard Chartered and support their vision of empowering women founders. Through this innovative financing facility, we aim to unlock more opportunities and capital for these impactful ventures, catering to their diverse needs across various markets.”

Investing in Promising Ventures

Marking a significant milestone, Village Capital announced its initial investments in two startups:

Bena Care: A Kenyan company delivering affordable clinical and supportive care to patients with life-limiting illnesses in their homes.
Mighty Finance: A Zambian fintech startup dedicated to providing accessible capital primarily to women-led businesses.

Each startup received $75,000, bringing the initial investment to $150,000.

Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered, emphasized the program’s significance saying:

“This partnership builds upon our successful Women in Tech program, which has equipped over 70 women-led businesses with valuable tools and support. We believe investing in women entrepreneurs fosters stronger, more resilient economies and addresses crucial needs often overlooked in the startup ecosystem.”

Standard Chartered’s Women in Tech program has empowered 64 women-led businesses through six cohorts, awarding grants totalling $7 million to 32 participants.

This new partnership signifies the bank’s and Village Capital’s unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the impact investing sphere.