Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [15/06/2020]

Investments in East African based tech firms have plummeted as the Covid-19 pandemic has taken hold, a new report has revealed.

This, as Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront has announced that it is partnering with SA logistics startup Pargo to allow shoppers to collect their parcels at a drive-through facility.

With Covid-19 headlining news all over the world, Ventureburn has launched a regular daily roundup on the virus and how it is affecting Africa’s tech startup sector.

Those with any news releases relating to Covid-19 and Africa’s tech startup sector can send these to editor@memeburn.com.

Investment in East African based tech firms have dived amid the Covid-19 pandemic

Here then is the latest on the coronavirus and African tech startups:

East African VC funding plummets: Investments in East African based tech firms has plummeted as the Covid-19 pandemic has taken hold, a new report has revealed. Tech publication Techmoran revealed in an article on Saturday (13 June) that the report, by Baobab Insights showed that investment in East African tech companies has totalled just under $64-million so far in 2020 (until 20 May). This is down from $362.6-million in the same period in 2019.

Pargo offers drive-through collections: Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is partnering with SA logistics startup Pargo to offer an alternative for shoppers who want to avoid possible exposure to Covid-19 by queuing in shops, but who still want to collect their own goods. Customers will be able to place online orders with multiple V&A Waterfront stores, and then to collect their parcels at a drive-through facility at Entrance One of Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre nearest The Table Bay Hotel.

Startup offers safe access solution: With the number of Covid-19 infections on the rise in South Africa, Johannesburg based WizzPass has turned its attention to the provision of an automated access solution for those returning to work. The startup serves companies such as Sanlam, Sasol, Exxaro, ABInBev, EY and Standard Chartered Bank. Before arriving at work employees can fill out an online Covid-19 questionnaire. Contact is minimised through a number of contactless check-in methods, such as a handheld scanner and check-in tablet. The startup was founded by Ulrich Stark and Bradley Hornby in 2015. In 2016 it received seed funding from Techstars, while last year the startup was part of Knife Capital’s fifth Grindstone Accelerator programme.

Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [12/06/2020]
Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [11/06/2020]
Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [10/06/2020]
Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [09/06/2020]
Read more: Covid-19 and African tech startups roundup [08/06/2020]

Featured image: WizzPass team, with Ulrich Stark pictured top left and Bradley Hornby, bottom right (Supplied)