Kenya’s tech scene, often called the “Silicon Savannah,” has birthed another global contender: Flowcart. Formerly known as Sukhiba, this innovative startup has rebranded to reflect its transformation from a WhatsApp-based customer support tool to an AI-driven conversational commerce and CRM platform.
Backed by a $1.55 million seed extension round in 2023, Flowcart is now expanding beyond Kenya and South Africa into Nigeria, India, and the UAE.
The Rebrand: From Sukhiba to Flowcart
Why the Rebrand?
Founded in 2021 by Ananth Raj Gudipati and Abhinav Reddy, Sukhiba initially focused on helping medium and large enterprises leverage WhatsApp for customer engagement, enabling sales, marketing, customer service, and payments within a single chat interface.
As the platform evolved, its capabilities expanded to include AI-powered automation, personalised customer journeys, and data-driven insights, outgrowing its original identity.
The rebrand to Flowcart reflects this shift toward a revenue-focused, mobile-first platform designed for the future of conversational commerce.
The new name emphasises seamless customer interactions and conversions, aligning with global trends where messaging apps like WhatsApp dominate retail engagement.
- New Identity: “Flowcart” signifies smooth, conversion-driven customer experiences.
- Expanded Features: AI automation, CRM integrations, and personalised marketing.
- Global Appeal: A modern, scalable brand for international markets.
READ ALSO:South African Merchants Get a Boost with Peach Payments and SUKHIBA Integration
The $1.55M Funding: Powering Global Growth
Who’s Backing Flowcart?
Flowcart’s $1.55 million seed extension round, secured in 2023, was led by a mix of African and international investors, including Nairobi-based Savannah Ventures and global VC firms.
This funding underscores confidence in Flowcart’s ability to lead in conversational commerce, a market projected to reach $290 billion globally by 2025.
- Key Investors: Savannah Ventures, international VCs, and regional angel investors.
- Funding Purpose: Expansion into Nigeria, India, and the UAE, plus platform enhancements.
What the Funds Will Achieve
Flowcart is strategically deploying the funds to scale its operations and technology:
- Global Expansion: Entering high WhatsApp-usage markets like Nigeria, India, and the UAE.
- AI and Tech Upgrades: Enhancing automation, personalisation, and analytics tools.
- Brand Partnerships: Supporting over 300 clients, including L’Oréal, Safaricom-Masoko, and Spar Supermarket Oman.
- Marketing Push: Targeting D2C and retail brands with tailored campaigns.
What Makes Flowcart Unique
A Leader in Conversational Commerce
Flowcart stands out by transforming WhatsApp into a full-fledged commerce platform. Its tools enable businesses to:
- Automate Workflows: Streamline sales and support with AI-driven chatbots.
- Personalise Marketing: Deliver tailored campaigns based on customer behaviour.
- Process Payments: Accept transactions directly in WhatsApp.
- Track Engagement: Provide data-driven insights for better decision-making.
- Integrate Seamlessly: Connect with existing CRMs and e-commerce platforms.
Trusted by brands like L’Oréal, Safaricom-Masoko, UNCOVER, and Grain Industries Limited, Flowcart serves diverse sectors, from beauty to FMCG, with a focus on direct-to-consumer (D2C) retail.
Tapping Into a Global Trend
Flowcart’s rebrand aligns with the rise of conversational commerce, where messaging apps replace traditional e-commerce interfaces.
With WhatsApp boasting over 2 billion users globally, Flowcart’s mobile-first approach positions it to capture a growing share of this market, particularly in regions with high smartphone penetration.
Kenya as a Launchpad
Kenya’s vibrant tech ecosystem provides Flowcart with a strong foundation. Nairobi’s status as a tech hub, supported by initiatives like Vision 2030, promotes innovation and attracts global investment.
Capitalising on Growth Markets
With mobile commerce booming in Nigeria (70% smartphone penetration) and India (600 million WhatsApp users), Flowcart is well-positioned to tap into these markets. The UAE’s high-income consumers also offer opportunities for premium D2C brands.
The Road Ahead: Flowcart’s Global Vision
Flowcart’s roadmap for 2025–2027 includes:
- 2025: Full-scale launches in Nigeria, India, and the UAE.
- 2026: Expansion into additional African and Asian markets.
- 2027: Aiming for $100M in revenue and 1,000+ brand partnerships.
By blending AI, conversational commerce, and a mobile-first approach, Flowcart is redefining how businesses engage customers worldwide.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
Leave a Reply