Founded in 2021 by Sneha Mehta and Jade Oyateru, Uncover leverages user data collected through its app to create customized skincare solutions.

This data, gathered via quizzes and other interactive features, is used in collaboration with South Korean labs to develop targeted products.

Uncover distributes these personalized regimens directly through its e-commerce platform and also partners with major pharmacy chains like Goodlife and Medplus in Kenya and Nigeria.

“We’re proud to be among the first to prioritize testing on African women. We’re thrilled to be starting in Africa, but the potential for our solution is clearly global,” Uncover CEO Sneha Mehta.

This latest funding round marks Uncover’s third successful capital raise, having previously secured $100,000 in a 2021 pre-seed round led by Antler VC, followed by a $1 million seed round in 2022.

This most recent round, led by EQ2 Ventures and IgniteXL Ventures, also included participation from Chui Ventures, Samata Capital, and Altree Capital.

“Uncover’s data-driven approach to understanding customer needs is truly impressive,” commented Claire Chang of IgniteXL Ventures. “We’re excited to be part of their journey.”

Uncover is capitalizing on the booming African beauty and personal care market, projected to reach $83.19 billion in the next few years.

With this fresh injection of capital, Uncover is poised to become a leader in personalized skincare, offering African-centered solutions to a global audience.

Norway’s Foreign Affairs Minister made the announcement during a recent visit to Nairobi.

This investment highlights Kenya’s progress in developing its electric mobility sector, marked by a growing number of mobility startups, government incentives for electric vehicles, and the construction of assembly plants.

Part of the investment will go towards BasiGo, a Kenyan electric bus assembly company.

BasiGo has already delivered 24 electric buses to public transport operators in the country.

The company’s CEO, Jit Bhattacharya, recently met with the Norwegian Minister to discuss a potential partnership focused on providing affordable and clean transportation solutions.

“Our trade with Kenya has flourished, growing 30% since 2021. We have around 45 Norwegian companies operating in Kenya, particularly in agriculture technology and renewable energy,” said Minister Espen Barth Eide.

“This investment in BasiGo signifies Oslo’s commitment to supporting regional growth through strategic partnerships. We are optimistic about the future prospects of our collaboration, especially in e-mobility,” he added.

BasiGo’s electric bus fleet includes the 25-seater “K6” and the 54-seater “E9 Kubwa” models.

The company is currently assembling an additional 1,000 electric vehicles expected to serve Kenya and Rwanda in the coming years.

This project is expected to create at least 300 jobs for young Africans, with the potential for further growth with Norfund’s involvement.

The company received approximately USD $225,000 recoverable grant from Ireme Invest, the green investment arm of Rwanda’s Green Fund.

This funding will allow BasiGo to establish a charging station capable of servicing at least 20 electric buses overnight, further solidifying Kigali’s transition to a more sustainable public transport system.

“This grant is a critical investment in the future of electric mobility in Rwanda,” said Doreen Orishaba, BasiGo Rwanda Managing Director.

“BasiGo’s electric buses have proven themselves to be a reliable and eco-friendly solution for public transportation, and this funding will allow us to expand our reach and serve even more passengers.”

The grant follows a series of successful developments for BasiGo in Rwanda.

Last year, the company entered the Rwandan market with a commitment to deliver 200 electric buses through its innovative Pay-As-You-Drive financing model.

This model allows transport operators to acquire electric buses without a large upfront investment, significantly reducing the barrier to entry for clean transportation solutions.

Furthermore, BasiGo Rwanda secured $1.5 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to bolster its operations in the country.

Additionally, in March 2024, CFAO Group invested $3 million to support BasiGo’s expansion of electric bus production in Kenya and Rwanda.

Since its launch, BasiGo’s electric buses in Kigali have served over 300,000 passengers, generating more than RWF 147 million in fare revenue for operators.