Seven Women-Led Startups Get Sh9.1m from Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered has awarded Sh9.1 million in seed funding to seven women-led enterprises during the graduation of the eighth Women in Tech accelerator cohort run in partnership with Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica.

The programme aims to support women founders building technology-driven businesses with potential for scale. Participants receive training, advisory support and funding designed to strengthen operational capacity and long-term resilience.

Standard Chartered Bank Board Director Nivi Sharma said the graduating founders represent determination and innovation. She added that the bank continues to invest in women entrepreneurs because strong female leadership drives inclusive and sustainable growth.

“It is an honour to celebrate innovators who are breaking barriers and creating impact in their communities. Through the Women in Tech Programme, Standard Chartered continues to invest intentionally in women because we know that when women lead, innovation becomes more inclusive, sustainable and far-reaching,” Sharma said. 

The accelerator attracted 84 applications for this cohort. Fifteen companies were selected for a 12-week programme covering sustainability, ESG integration, financial modelling and product development. A panel of industry experts and academic leaders selected the seven funding recipients based on innovation, market potential and social impact.

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Speaking during the event held at Standard Chartered Bank Westlands, Director @iLabAfrica and @iBizAfrica  — Strathmore University Dr Joseph Sevilla said the founders are shaping the future of African enterprise through their creativity and commitment to innovation. He noted that their work aligns with the university’s mission to develop leaders who transform society.

“These women are reimagining industries and rewriting the story of African innovation. Their courage, creativity and commitment to impact reflect the very essence of Strathmore University’s mission to develop leaders who transform society,” Dr Joseph said.

The participating ventures operate in sectors that include health technology, education, community care, sustainability, textiles, food innovation and creative industries.

The 7 winners of this year’s cohort 8 Programme are;  

1. Etiba East Africa – Provides in-home medical and wellness services for patients needing personalised, convenient health support.
2. UzimaNexus – A digital operating system improving healthcare transparency, access, and efficiency for patients and providers.
3. Pollen Patrollers – Builds smart hive-monitoring technology to help beekeepers reduce colony loss and improve bee health.
4. Tuwe Bora – A sustainable textile brand producing handcrafted clothing, training tailors, and recycling textile waste.
5. Busu Skincare – Develops natural, community-powered African skincare products using locally sourced ingredients.
6. Timao Group – Converts plastic waste into affordable, eco-friendly building materials for sustainable construction.
7. AshaCare – Provides tailored community healthcare solutions to improve access, quality, and delivery of care.

Ashacare Founder Mercy Mutahi speaking exclusively to JEDCA Media, said the program pushed the limit and enabled them to learn more about business growth. She said the award (Sh1.3 million) is a culmination of hard work from herself and the entire Ashacare team.

“Our team stayed strong and focused throughout the programme and receiving this award  shows the work we have put in. The 12-week accelerator required commitment and we are proud to have finished it successfully,” Mutahi said.

Programme Impact and Long-Term Growth

The program was launched in 2017 and has since supported 93 women-led ventures across eight cohorts. Forty-six enterprises have received upto Sh50.6 million in funding and benefited from advisory support, mentorship and investor engagement. According to Standard Chartered the program alumni have created an average of three new jobs.