Newly launched women-entrepreneurs-focused fund ShEquity has made its first investment in Nairobi-based data analytics and AI platform, Superfluid Labs, making the latest investment part of series of investments into the startup in recent time.
The investment ethos of ShEquity is novel given the several structural and societal inequalities that usually curtail the fulfillment of aspirations of several visionary women. The company is providing a unique platform to equalize gender gaps and will allow many female entrepreneurs to achieve their set business vision much more easily than before. We join others to celebrate ShEquity on this noble cause,” SuperFluid co-founder Winifred Kotin said.
Here Is What You Need To Know
- Although the exact amount of this investment remains undisclosed, Superfluid Labs had previously received funding from Green Capital, in 2019.
- The investment will help the Superfluid team to continue scaling their operations in Africa, facilitate further IT developments as well as close business development contracts.
- Superfluid had also attracted investment from a consortium of angel investors in late 2019 and had recently won the ENGIE credit scoring challenge at the Africa Tech Venture Summit in January 2020.
- The startup has also been growing at a exemplified rate even during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to previous investor, Greentec Capital in a statement.
“At Superfluid Labs, we empower businesses creating sustainable lives for impact with the needed intelligence to better serve their customers and create value. The investment will propel our growth and increase our ability to expand economic opportunities through the power of data and AI. Specifically, we shall scale both business and product development as needed to achieve our ambitious growth plans,” Winifred said.
Why The Investor Invested
ShEquity invested in Superfluid for its innovative SaaS business intelligence and algorithmic service offerings.
“We are excited to be backing Superfluid Labs and joining hands with GreenTec to support the team’s journey towards growing and scaling Superfluid Labs. Superfluid Labs is tackling serious challenges which affect many African businesses, especially startups, and the Co-founders, Winfried and Timothy, understand very well African markets where this solution is most needed. Since ShEquity’s offers more than money, we look forward to working closely with the team so that we can get this solution to many businesses across Africa” Pauline Koelbl, ShEquity Founder and Managing Director said.
This is ShEquity’s first investment from its newly launched fund which focuses on providing smart and sustainable investments for African female entrepreneurs and innovators. The investment vehicle which is spearheaded by Pauline Koelbl, provides early-stage capital and structure operational support as well as the facilitation of access to high-value networks.
Read also: Nigerian eCommerce Startup Pricepally Secures Funding From GreenTec
A Look At What Superfluid Labs Does
Led and co-founded by siblings Winfried Kotin and Timothy Kotin, Superfluid Labs is a B2B Data Analytics and AI Platform for businesses and organization to understand and serve customers, predict business events and create sustainable livelihoods. The startup currently serves the following industries: financial services, clean energy, agriculture, retail and startups.
The startup is addressing the following challenges:
- Access to finance due to high credit risk.
- Limited consumer insights and market intelligence.
- Poor customer retention and life-time value growth
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer