In a significant stride towards revolutionizing transportation solutions in Africa, Twende has successfully raised €500,000 (approximately $548,000) in a Pre-Seed funding round. The funding round was bolstered by a group of investors including Côte d’Ivoire Business Angel Network (CIBAN) and prominent entrepreneur Fatoumata with Janngo.africa.

Twende, a startup co-founded by Maguelone Biau and Pietro Rancati in 2022, envisions a more efficient and sustainable commuting landscape within the next decade. Their strategic approach aims to address the daily commuting challenges faced by urban residents while also aligning with broader environmental sustainability objectives.

The infusion of €500,000 Pre-Seed funding arrives as a validation of Twende’s mission and strategic vision. This capital injection is set to fuel several key initiatives for the burgeoning transportation platform:

• Milestone-driven Development: Twende plans to set achievable milestones that reflect their commitment to improving the commuting experience in African mega-cities. By employing technology and community engagement, the platform aims to offer an enhanced and convenient transportation option.
• Enhanced User Experience: The funding will enable Twende to invest in refining the user experience. Through innovation and technology, they intend to create a transportation solution that prioritizes user safety, convenience, and overall satisfaction.
• Scaling the User Base: Twende’s expansion strategy will be significantly supported by the funds raised. By extending their reach to a broader audience of commuters across African cities, they aim to make a meaningful impact on transportation challenges.
• Product Market Refinement: Twende’s focus on achieving a strong product-market fit will be further intensified. The funding will provide them with the resources needed to fine-tune their services and cater to the specific needs of their user base.

Fayelle Ouane, spokesperson for CIBAN, expressed the network’s enthusiasm for this investment, stating, “Twende’s innovative approach addresses a crucial need in the market, and we believe their solution has substantial potential. Our investment reflects our confidence that Twende can expand its operations and bring positive change to commuters’ lives. As a gender-focused angel investment network, we are particularly proud to support a company co-founded by an exceptional woman.”

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CIBAN’s involvement underscores the synergy between their objectives and Twende’s mission. CIBAN, an influential angel investment network in Côte d’Ivoire, is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The network’s emphasis on gender diversity aligns well with Twende’s commitment to inclusivity and equal participation.

The €500,000 Pre-Seed funding round marks a pivotal moment for Twende. With this financial boost, the startup is poised to make significant strides towards transforming transportation dynamics within African cities. The impact of their efforts is anticipated to transcend regional boundaries, shaping a more efficient and convenient commuting future for urban dwellers across the continent.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. 
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard