Hypeo Ai, a Moroccan startup offering an AI-powered platform for influencer marketing, has secured funding from Renew Capital to speed up and simplify brand-creator collaborations across Africa and the Middle East.
Hypeo Ai’s platform removes outdated and manual marketing methods. It allows brands to match with both human influencers and AI-generated “Meta Humans” in fewer than 15 minutes.
The system offers features such as automated matching, fair pricing estimates, and live performance tracking—eliminating spreadsheets and fragmented tools.
Among its virtual influencers is Kenza Layli, a digital persona with over 200,000 followers.
She was recently selected as a finalist in the global “Miss AI 2024” contest, highlighting the rising influence of AI-generated creators in the industry.
Hypeo Ai was founded by Meriam Bessa, who serves as CEO, along with Oussama Sekkat and Salah Eddine Mimouni.
Co‑founder Bessa emphasized that the region’s abundant creative talent needs better infrastructure to connect with brands.
“Our region has no shortage of talent. What’s been missing is smart infrastructure,” she said. “We’re building tools that allow brands and creators to meet faster, match better and work smarter with the power of AI.”
Nihal Grii, Investment Ecosystem Development Manager at Renew Capital, noted the company’s relevance in the region.
“Hypeo Ai is tackling a clear gap in how influencer marketing works in this region,” she said. “We see potential in their approach to simplifying the process for both brands and creators, and we’re glad to support their next stage of growth.”
With Renew Capital’s investment, Hypeo Ai plans to broaden its platform, bring more creators and brands on board, and develop a consumer-facing product—an AI coaching companion for wellness and lifestyle audiences.
This move fits within Renew Capital’s strategy to back emerging African tech startups. The firm supports early-stage companies that aim to modernize industries and build scalable solutions across the continent.
Notably, earlier this year, Renew Capital also supported Agenz, a real estate data platform in Morocco, as well as Talaty, a fintech startup that uses AI to simplify small business financing—underscoring the firm’s interest in AI-driven innovation across sectors.
British International Investment (BII), the UK government’s development finance institution, has invested £1.09 billion in African companies in 2024, aiming to support job creation, reduce dependency on aid, and address climate-related challenges.
Cameroon-based fintech startup Nkwa App has raised $15,000 in Seed Funding to accelerate financial inclusion and promote a saving culture.
Naked, a South African insurtech company, has successfully raised $38 million in a Series B2 funding round.
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