Tappi has raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round. Led by Mercy Corps Ventures and Chui Ventures, the investment will fuel Tappi’s expansion across Nigeria and Kenya, enabling it to reach a wider pool of underserved SMEs.

Tappi’s innovative platform simplifies the process of creating and managing an online business presence, providing SMEs with a comprehensive suite of tools to showcase their products and services, engage with customers, and accept payments seamlessly. With its user-friendly interface and tailored solutions, Tappi addresses the unique challenges faced by African SMEs in establishing a strong online presence.

The funding round also drew participation from Digital Currency Group, SOSV, Resilience17, growX ventures, Orbit Startups, and Reflect Ventures, alongside angel investors and advisors from global tech giants like Google, Salesforce, and Zendesk. This strong backing underscores the potential of Tappi’s solution to revolutionize the African SME landscape.

SMEs play a pivotal role in Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, many SMEs lack the resources and expertise to effectively navigate the digital world, hindering their growth and limiting their ability to reach new customers. Tappi bridges this gap by providing SMEs with the tools and support they need to establish a robust online presence and expand their reach.

Founded in 2022 by Kenfield Griffith and Louis Majanja, Tappi has already made significant strides in empowering African SMEs. The platform has indexed over 5,000 business pages on Google, enabling businesses to gain visibility and attract new customers. Additionally, Tappi’s partnership with MTN allows SMEs to purchase ads using airtime, addressing the challenges faced by businesses without access to credit cards.

Tappi’s AI-powered ad generation feature further enhances its value proposition, enabling businesses to create compelling ad copy without the need for extensive resources or expertise. This feature addresses a common pain point for SMEs and empowers them to effectively promote their products and services.

While not yet profitable, Tappi is on a clear path to profitability, driven by its subscription-based model. The startup offers flexible subscription plans ranging from $2 to $100, catering to the diverse needs of SMEs. With a 19% month-over-month growth in business ads and data bundle subscriptions, Tappi is gaining traction and expanding its user base.

Tappi’s success is a testament to the transformative power of technology in empowering African SMEs. By providing accessible and affordable solutions, Tappi is democratizing access to the digital economy and enabling SMEs to reach their full potential. With its strong investor backing and a clear growth strategy, Tappi is poised to make a significant impact on the African business landscape.