E-Business
Ilara Health Secures $4.2M Pre-series A to Digitise Fragmented Primary Healthcare in Africa
Ilara Health, the healthtech company digitising and consolidating highly fragmented primary care in Kenya, has announced the close of a $4.2M pre-series A round of equity and debt. Led by DOB Equity, the round also sees follow-on equity investment from AAIC INVESTMENT, Angaza Capital, Black Pearl Investments, Perivoli Innovations, as well as debt investment from Alphamundi and Kiva Capital.
New to the round are Philips Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim. The new partners are strategic healthcare investors that bring their deep experience working with and investing in companies in the global healthcare industry.
Ilara Health will use the latest capital injection to scale its tech-enabled primary care model across Kenya before expanding to other regions. With this latest funding, the company’s total investment to date reaches $11.7M, encompassing various funding rounds, such as a $3.75M seed round in 2020, along with multiple grants, including two grants totaling $1.6M from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Founded in 2019 by Emilian Popa, Maximilian Mancini and Sameer Afzal Farooqi, Ilara Health launched to deliver affordable and accessible quality healthcare in the peri-urban areas of Kenya.
The company began by addressing the gap in diagnostics impacting primary healthcare centres in the region due to significant disparities in availability and quality testing. Ilara Health’s initial model offered revenue-generating diagnostic assets, which enabled clinics to instantly scale their businesses, whilst also providing flexible repayment plans, and also the training required to test patients.
The company has since expanded to digitising the entire end-to-end operations, leveraging data to enhance its infrastructural business model. This includes helping clinics electronically manage their patient base and becoming their one-stop shop for diagnostic tools, consumables, and pharmaceuticals.
The investment will facilitate Ilara Health’s focus for the next 12 months which is to achieve significant topline growth, keep growing the already large partner clinics network, and incorporate the next phase of growth into its model, which includes the launch of the employee health services through B2B health & occupational services, initially in select locations and later throughout the country.
This is to further strengthen the Ilara Health branded clinics and achieve revenue growth, proving the path to profitability as the operating base remains broadly consistent.
The healthtech company also intends to drive internal efficiencies in operations and embark on a fundraising round of both equity and debt, to support the working capital investments fueling the growth goals.
There will also be a meaningful investment in technology and the proprietary Practice Management Software (PMS) to prove the longer-term data-driven potential of our business model.
Live data from the PMS will enable the start-up to analyse the performance of primary care providers to provide follow-on asset lending and working capital of between $10,000 to $15,000 for: clinic rejuvenations, staff training, provision of diagnostic equipment and a ‘powered by Ilara Health’ co-branding opportunity.
The company presently has 8 clinics covered by these follow-on investments and co-branding, with plans to expand to 50 by the end of the year.
Speaking on the round, Emilian Popa, CEO and Co-founder of Ilara Health says “Ilara Health came about by one common goal; to improve the quality of healthcare for Africans. We passionately believe healthcare should be affordable and accessible to all and I’m therefore proud of the measurable impact we have achieved in such a short space of time.
“There’s still so much more to be done, which is why we are thrilled to be joined by prominent global investors who share our core vision for Kenya and ultimately all of Africa. This fundraise will build on our continued growth and we look forward to driving standardised quality healthcare on the continent.”
Kenya has ~10,000 privately owned primary care facilities and a further ~7,000 that are publicly owned. Ilara Health’s growth momentum has so far seen it partner with over 3,000 of these clinics to deliver better healthcare across 42 Kenyan counties, which in turn serve over 5 million patients each year.
Margot Cooijmans, Director of Philips Foundation Impact Investments said, “Supporting Ilara Health reflects Philips Foundation’s effort to improve healthcare access through innovation, aligning with our goal to make quality healthcare available for all. This investment is a practical step towards bridging the healthcare gap, focusing on solutions that can be implemented in communities that need them the most.”
Bahaa Eddine Sarroukh, Impact Investment Lead at Philips Foundation said, “Ilara Health represents a significant stride forward in healthcare innovation, blending technology and finance in a manner that is both pioneering and profoundly impactful.
“Their approach goes beyond mere access; it’s about empowering the healthcare providers at the grassroots level with the tools and financial models they need to thrive. This blend is not just unique—it’s a critical enabler for expanding quality healthcare to those who need it most, setting a new standard for what’s possible in healthcare delivery across Africa.”
Hayo Afman, Managing Director at DOB Equity said, “Having supported Ilara Health and its founders since the beginning, we are enthusiastic about the progress and the notable improvement of patient outcomes thus far. We look forward to collaborating with our new partners to support the team in redefining the standard of medical care in Africa.”
Christian Bausch, at Boehringer Ingelheim said, “Ilara Health’s plan to decentralise financing for primary care clinics captured our hearts. We value companies and entrepreneurs that create innovative solutions that push the envelope and are proud to support Ilara Health as they address an unmet demand of clinics in Kenya and Sub Saharan Africa.”
Hiroki Ishida, Director at AAIC Partners Africa said, “Primary care represents one of the most challenging areas for business model development. Nevertheless, it serves as the foundation of the healthcare sector. As a healthcare-focused fund in Africa, I have confidence in the team’s capabilities, and I anticipate their role as innovators on this continent.”
Ilara Health intends to use its innovative tech infrastructure to bridge the estimated $66 billion financing gap and outdated processes affecting healthcare delivery across the African continent as a whole.
Anew report finds that Africa has a ‘moderate level’ of readiness in terms of security culture. KnowBe4, a provider of security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms, released its 2024 Security Culture Report for Africa.
The report delves deeply into the complex interplay between security practices and employee behaviours within businesses.
The research, based on surveys conducted across hundreds of businesses globally, provides a five-year comparative view, showing important changes impacting the cybersecurity landscape.
Africa’s cybersecurity landscape in 2023 faced problems such as limited resources, inadequate cyber awareness, and economic restraints, according to the research; nevertheless, the continent’s cybersecurity preparation efforts are now improving.
According to the research, Kenya scored 76 points, Nigeria 75, and Ghana 74, are leading the way in cybersecurity preparation, demonstrating effective measures supported by their governments.
Furthermore, the report claims Ghana’s strong improvement in cybersecurity, as indicated by its rise in the Global Cybersecurity Index, indicates Africa’s dedication to cybersecurity preparedness.
The security culture score is a global metric used to assess businesses’ security approaches, according to Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4.
Malik notes: “This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organisational culture.”
Anna Collard, SVP of content strategy and evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa, says: “This demonstrates the importance of strengthening cybersecurity readiness, given the critical development requirements.
“In its section on Africa, the report reveals that organisations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72, consistent with the previous year. This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture.”
According to KnowBe4, there are notable differences among industries and countries, underlining the importance of tailored efforts to improve cybersecurity resilience.
“The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer, boasting an impressive average score of 83, attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations,” says Collard.
“However, industries such as public services, construction, education, and hospitality show lower security culture scores. This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors.”
Malik adds: “In today’s interconnected world, where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts, working in isolation on security is no longer effective.”
He continues: “Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential, not just for creating laws, but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture. Organisations need to prioritise the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions.”
In recent years, partnerships between e-commerce platforms and tech companies have been instrumental in driving innovation and progress in various sectors. One such partnership that has garnered significant attention is the collaboration between Konga, Nigeria’s composite e-commerce group, and Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX.
This groundbreaking partnership is poised to revolutionize internet accessibility in the country, bringing about a myriad of benefits for businesses, individuals, and the nation as a whole. For example, educational institutions, business and houses can access internet services anywhere in the country with their enterprise kit.
One of the biggest obstacles to widespread internet adoption in Nigeria has been the country’s vast and diverse geography, which has made it difficult and costly to establish traditional terrestrial infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite-based internet service offers a game-changing solution by beaming high-speed internet directly from space, effectively bypassing the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure. Partnering with Konga has made it easier than ever for Nigerians to access this cutting-edge technology. Those living in remote or underserved areas can now enjoy seamless internet connectivity, eliminating the digital divide that has long plagued the nation.
I am very excited about this partnership because it shows that American companies still have confidence in companies like Konga and in the Nigerian economy. Konga, the exclusive shop in shop ecommerce partner for Apple, Samsung, L’Oreal, and many more has continued to boost the domestic economy with the inflow of foreign direct investments from these global brands with the potential to catalyse economic growth. With this, a lot more deals, I hope, will flow in to ensure a robust and productive market for consumers.
According to a report by the World Bank, a 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.38% increase in GDP growth in developing countries. This partnership between Konga and Starlink can open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs, enabling them scale their operations and compete on a level playing field with their international counterparts.
Furthermore, reliable internet access can facilitate academic research and collaboration. This would encourage innovation domestically and allow Nigerian academics and institutions to participate in the global knowledge economy. So, integrating ICT into education will improve learning outcomes, promote digital literacy, and enhance teacher training. By bridging the digital divide, Konga, through Starlink, empowers Nigerian students and educators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the 21st century.
Beyond the economic and educational benefits, the Konga-Starlink partnership has the tendency to foster social inclusion and empower communities across Nigeria. With access to high-speed internet, individuals can stay connected with loved ones, access online services, and participate in the digital economy, regardless of location. By bringing affordable and reliable internet to areas with limited access, the Konga-Starlink partnership can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the digital revolution.
The healthcare industry in Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from the collaboration between Konga and Starlink. In places where access to specialized medical treatment is limited, healthcare practitioners can use telemedicine systems to facilitate remote consultations, diagnosis, and even surgery, provided they have dependable internet connectivity. In underserved areas especially, telemedicine has promise for increasing access to healthcare services, cutting costs, and improving care quality.
The partnership between Konga and Starlink represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. By leveraging SpaceX’s innovative satellite-based internet service and offering it at an affordable price point, this collaboration has the potential to transform various sectors. As Nigeria continues to embrace the opportunities this partnership presents, the future looks promising for technological advancement, societal development, and global competitiveness.
Flexify Solutions, a leading tech-based firm in Oyo State, has introduced “CyberAgric,” an innovative solution designed to drive food production in Nigeria.
This is in recognition of the crucial role of modern agricultural practices in ensuring food security.
Food security is a top priority for every nation, and Nigeria is no exception.
CyberAgric is a cutting-edge mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support Nigerian farmers, particularly those involved in cash crop cultivation such as cassava and maize.
The app’s groundbreaking features include early disease detection, with the capability to identify diseases like Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in cassava leaves within the first two weeks of infection.
By utilizing smartphone cameras, farmers can capture images of their crops and receive real-time analysis and recommendations, empowering them to take proactive measures to protect their crops and ensure optimal yields.
Moreover, CyberAgric is designed to function offline, ensuring accessibility for farmers in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.
Speaking on the significance of CyberAgric, Johnson Oyeniyi, CEO of Flexify Solutions, emphasized the app’s accessibility and educational value. “Our goal with CyberAgric is to ensure that every Nigerian farmer, regardless of their location or internet access, can benefit from advanced agricultural technology,” said Oyeniyi.
“Beyond disease detection, the app serves as an educational platform, providing farmers with the latest agricultural best practices and expert resources.”
Flexify Solutions collaborated closely with Cybermate Technologies to tailor CyberAgric to the specific needs of Nigerian farmers.
The app initially focuses on cassava and maize cultivation, addressing the critical challenges faced by farmers in these sectors.
Through advanced AI-driven disease detection capabilities, CyberAgric aims to mitigate the impact of crop diseases and enhance food security in Nigeria.
Flexify Solutions Ltd is a global company specializing in disruptive digital solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, Flexify Solutions excels in crafting AI solutions optimized for mobile platforms and driving transformative change across industries.
With a proven track record in mobile app development, Flexify Solutions seamlessly integrates cutting-edge AI technologies to create intelligent solutions that resonate with users and drive success.
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