Among four African startups making waves on the global stage, Apexloads, a Kenyan logistics innovator founded by Charles Thuo, has emerged as a standout participant in the Techstars Washington DC Accelerator, powered by J.P. Morgan. This program, launched in 2022, is designed to foster innovation by empowering startups from underrepresented communities and helping them integrate emerging technologies into legacy industries.
Hailing from Kenya, Apexloads is redefining Africa’s logistics landscape with a unified platform tailored for transporters and freight forwarders. The platform incorporates cutting-edge features such as load boards, transportation management systems, real-time shipment tracking, and invoice factoring, all aimed at improving efficiency and transparency across the supply chain. Thuo’s vision is to address the unique logistical challenges of the continent while driving innovation and economic growth.
A Strong Cohort of African Startups
While Apexloads leads the story, three other African startups also made significant strides through the accelerator:
1. LyfPlus (Tanzania)
Founded by William Andrew Mduma, LyfPlus is revolutionizing healthcare with a platform offering telehealth, e-pharmacies, and AI-driven clinical support, helping hospitals deliver more efficient and accessible services.
Rexial, led by Aéko Ongodia, solves Africa’s recurring payment challenges with an API-driven solution that automates direct debits, making subscription payments seamless for businesses and consumers alike.
3. Cargoplug (Nigeria)
Co-founded by Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Ujama Akpata, Cargoplug is an innovative logistics platform offering comprehensive services like imports, exports, and nationwide deliveries to enhance productivity in Nigeria’s logistics sector.
A Platform for Innovation
These startups showcased their solutions at the Techstars Washington DC Demo Day in December 2024, alongside 16 other participants. The program provides early-stage companies with mentorship, capital, and access to a global network valued at a combined $159 billion. J.P. Morgan’s $80 million investment into this initiative underscores a commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs and driving global innovation.
The success of Apexloads and its peers not only highlights the transformative potential of African startups but also reflects the growing impact of platforms like Techstars in nurturing talent and fostering inclusive growth across industries.
