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33 Startups in South Africa to Watch This Year

March 21, 2025

33 Startups in South Africa to Watch This Year

In 2024 alone, startups in South Africa raised an impressive $2.3 billion, marking a 45% increase compared to the previous year.

Positioning the country as a leading innovation hub on the African continent. This surge in investment has fostered the emergence of numerous startups across various sectors, including fintech, healthtech, agritech, and green tech.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss 33 startups in South Africa to watch this year and how each of them is making significant strides in their respective industries.

33 Startups in South Africa to Watch This Year

1. TymeBank

TymeBank is a digital bank that has rapidly gained traction since its launch in 2019. Offering no monthly banking fees and allowing customers to open an account in less than five minutes, TymeBank aims to make banking accessible and affordable for all South Africans.

As of December 2023, the bank reached its first month of profitability and boasts over 8.5 million customers. The bank is currently raising a Series D funding round, targeting a unicorn valuation, and plans to expand into the Philippines and Vietnam.

2. Stitch

Founded in 2019 in Cape Town, Stitch has become a major player in Africa’s fintech scene. The company focuses on open banking and payment infrastructure, reshaping how financial transactions are handled across the continent.

Stitch introduced LinkPay, Africa’s first tokenized payments API, along with the PayOS dashboard, simplifying payment management across multiple regions. In 2023, Stitch raised an additional $25 million in Series A funding, bringing their total to $52 million.

3. Yoco

Yoco provides payment solutions for small businesses, enabling them to accept card payments both online and offline. With a mission to empower entrepreneurs, Yoco has become a leading fintech company in South Africa, serving over 150,000 small businesses.

4. Aerobotics

Aerobotics utilizes drones and artificial intelligence to provide farmers with data-driven insights, helping them monitor crop health and improve yields. Their technology has been instrumental in advancing precision agriculture in South Africa.

5. Khula

Khula is an agritech platform connecting farmers to suppliers and markets. By providing access to inputs, finance, and market opportunities, Khula aims to empower farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.

6. LifeQ

LifeQ specializes in health monitoring through wearable devices, offering insights into various health metrics. Their technology is gaining international recognition for its potential to transform personal health management.

7. DataProphet

DataProphet offers AI-driven manufacturing solutions, helping industries optimize processes and reduce defects. Their innovative approach has positioned them as leaders in the AI and deep tech sector.

8. Clevva

Clevva provides AI-powered customer service platforms, enabling businesses to enhance customer engagement and streamline support processes. Their solutions are transforming how companies interact with customers.

9. Green Riders

Green Riders is revolutionizing last-mile delivery in South Africa with its Mach 4 e-bikes. These bikes can carry up to 100 kg and travel over 130 km on a single charge. As of October 2023, Green Riders completed over 315,000 deliveries, covered more than 3.3 million green kilometers, and created 875 jobs since 2019. The company plans to expand further in 2025 with a $42.9 million investment, aiming to create 50,000 jobs over the next five years while reducing carbon emissions.

10. PayCurve

PayCurve is reshaping financial wellness in South African workplaces with its Earned Wage Access (EWA) platform. This solution allows employees early access to their earned wages, reducing reliance on high-interest loans.

The platform has led to a 24.8% drop in employee absenteeism and a 100% decrease in staff advance requests. PayCurve also offers financial education and smart savings options, contributing to overall employee well-being.

11. Itakane Health

Itakane Health is improving healthcare access with AI diagnostics and telemedicine services. Their platform has been instrumental in reducing healthcare costs by 25% and enhancing patient outcomes through timely interventions.

12. Agrigistics

Agrigistics streamlines agriculture with digital labor and payroll management solutions. Their platform has achieved a 90% reduction in errors, improving efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.

13. Flow

Flow simplifies property management with automated rent collection and tenant management tools. Their solutions have made property management more efficient for landlords and property managers.

14. BATTALION Technologies

BATTALION Technologies enhances renewable energy operations with autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). Their technology is contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy projects.

15. Luno

Luno is a cryptocurrency platform that allows users to buy, sell, and store digital currencies. With the growing interest in cryptocurrencies, Luno has become a significant player in the South African fintech landscape.

16. EasyEquities

EasyEquities is a retail investment platform that makes investing in stocks and ETFs accessible to the general public. Their user-friendly platform has democratized investing in South Africa.

17. Quro Medical

Quro Medical is a South African digital health company pioneering Africa’s first tech-driven Hospital-at-Home service. By leveraging health technology to analyze real-time data, Quro Medical offers remote patient monitoring and in-home care, allowing patients to receive hospital-level treatment in the comfort of their homes.

Their services include 24/7 virtual vital signs monitoring, daily in-person visits, medication administration, and access to allied healthcare services such as physiotherapy. This innovative approach not only enhances patient comfort but also reduces healthcare costs and alleviates the burden on traditional hospital facilities.

18. Mzansi Meat

Based in Cape Town, Mzansi Meat is pioneering the cultivated meat industry in Africa. They produce meat products by harvesting cells from animals and growing them in a controlled environment, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional livestock farming. In 2025, Mzansi Meat plans to launch its products commercially, aiming to address food security and environmental concerns associated with conventional meat production.

19. AzarGen Biotechnologies

AzarGen Biotechnologies specializes in developing human therapeutic proteins using plant-based expression systems. Their focus includes treatments for respiratory diseases and anti-cancer therapies. By leveraging genetic engineering and synthetic biology, AzarGen aims to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. Their innovative approach positions them as a key player in Africa’s biotech landscape.

20. HyperionDev

HyperionDev is a leading provider of online coding bootcamps in Africa. They offer courses in software development, data science, and artificial intelligence, aiming to bridge the tech skills gap on the continent. By providing accessible and affordable education, HyperionDev empowers individuals to pursue careers in the tech industry, contributing to the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

21. Carry1st

Carry1st is a mobile games publisher catering to the African market. They provide a platform for gaming content and offer payment solutions tailored to local needs. By combining entertainment with fintech, Carry1st enhances the gaming experience for users across Africa. Their innovative approach has attracted significant investments, positioning them as a leader in Africa’s gaming industry.

22. GoMetro

GoMetro is a mobility management platform that provides data analytics and solutions for public transportation systems. Their technology helps cities and transport operators optimize routes, improve efficiency, and enhance the commuter experience. By addressing urban mobility challenges, GoMetro contributes to the development of smarter cities in South Africa.

23. Revio

Revio is a fintech startup offering payment orchestration solutions for businesses. Their platform simplifies payment processes, reduces transaction failures, and enhances customer experience. By integrating multiple payment methods and providers, Revio enables businesses to manage payments more effectively, supporting the growth of South Africa’s digital economy.

24. VALR

VALR is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that allows users to buy, sell, and store digital assets securely. With a focus on user experience and security, VALR has become one of the leading crypto platforms in Africa. Their services cater to both retail and institutional investors, contributing to the adoption of cryptocurrencies on the continent.

25. Jambo Technology

Jambo Technology is a tech startup focusing on providing digital solutions for businesses in Africa. Their services include software development, IT consulting, and digital transformation strategies. By leveraging technology, Jambo Technology helps African businesses improve efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.

26. SweepSouth

SweepSouth is an online platform that connects clients with trusted, reliable domestic cleaners. Operating in major South African cities, SweepSouth offers on-demand cleaning services, providing employment opportunities for domestic workers and convenience for homeowners.

27. WizzPass

WizzPass specializes in visitor management and access control solutions for businesses and educational institutions. Their technology enhances security and streamlines the check-in process for visitors, contractors, and employees.

28. Jumo

Jumo is a fintech company offering financial services to underserved markets in Africa and Asia. By partnering with mobile network operators and banks, Jumo provides savings, lending, and insurance products to individuals and small businesses.

29. FlexClub

FlexClub is a vehicle subscription platform that connects drivers with vehicle partners, offering flexible access to cars. This model caters to ride-hailing drivers and individuals seeking alternatives to traditional car ownership.

30. The Sun Exchange

The Sun Exchange is a solar leasing platform that enables individuals to buy solar cells and lease them to businesses, schools, and other organizations in sunny emerging markets. This model promotes renewable energy adoption and provides returns to investors.

31. Yalu

Yalu offers credit life insurance products that are transparent and affordable. By simplifying the insurance process and eliminating hidden fees, Yalu aims to empower consumers and disrupt traditional insurance models.

32. Pineapple

Pineapple is a peer-to-peer insurance platform that allows users to insure personal items by simply taking a photo. Their innovative approach to insurance has attracted a younger demographic seeking simplicity and transparency.

33. Ctrl

Ctrl is an insurance advice app that connects users with brokers to receive and compare quotes for various insurance products. By digitizing the insurance advisory process, Ctrl enhances accessibility and convenience for consumers.

These 33 startups exemplify the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving South Africa’s economy forward. As they continue to grow and expand, they not only contribute to economic development but also address critical challenges in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and renewable energy. Keeping an eye on these companies offers insight into the future trajectory of South Africa’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

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