Renew Capital, a leading early-stage venture capital firm in Africa, announced a significant investment in Hypeo Ai, a Morocco-based startup set to shake up influencer marketing across Africa and the Middle East.
This strategic funding aims to supercharge Hypeo Ai’s AI-powered platform, which streamlines brand-creator collaborations, replacing outdated manual processes with smart, scalable solutions.
As influencer marketing continues to dominate global advertising, this partnership positions Hypeo Ai to lead the charge in a rapidly growing market.
Hypeo Ai: Redefining Influencer Marketing
Founded in 2024 by Meriam Bessa, Oussama Sekkat, and Salah Eddine Mimouni, Hypeo Ai addresses inefficiencies in influencer marketing, a sector that has become the world’s largest advertising channel, surpassing paid search with a global ad spend of $247 billion in 2024, projected to reach $267 billion by the end of 2025.
The Casablanca-based startup offers an AI-driven platform that connects brands with both human and virtual creators in under 15 minutes, delivering a seamless end-to-end campaign workflow with smart matching, pricing insights, and real-time performance tracking.
Hypeo Ai’s platform eliminates the reliance on manual tracking and fragmented tools, such as spreadsheets and agency-driven workflows, which often slow down campaigns in Africa and the Middle East.
“Our region has no shortage of talent. “What’s been missing is smart infrastructure,” said Meriam Bessa, co-founder and CEO of Hypeo Ai. “We’re building tools that allow brands and creators to meet faster, match better, and work smarter with the power of AI.”
One of Hypeo Ai’s standout innovations is its development of AI Meta Humans, virtual influencers designed to engage local audiences while supporting global campaigns.
Its most notable digital persona, Kenza Layli, has garnered over 200,000 followers and was a finalist in the Miss AI 2024 global competition, highlighting the growing influence of AI-generated creators.
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Renew Capital’s Strategic Investment
Renew Capital, known for backing innovative African startups, sees Hypeo Ai as a trailblazer in addressing a critical gap in the region’s influencer marketing ecosystem.
The investment will fuel Hypeo Ai’s expansion, enabling the startup to enhance its platform features, onboard more creators and brands, and develop a B2C product, an AI-powered coaching companion for wellness and lifestyle users.
This move aligns with Renew Capital’s strategy to support tech-driven startups that modernise industries and drive economic impact across Africa.
The Bigger Picture: Influencer Marketing in Africa and the Middle East
Influencer marketing is booming in Africa and the Middle East, driven by high social media penetration and a young, digitally savvy population.
However, the industry has been hampered by inefficiencies, with many campaigns still managed manually through agencies or fragmented tools.
Hypeo Ai’s platform addresses these pain points, offering a scalable solution that empowers brands and creators to collaborate efficiently.
The investment comes at a time when Morocco’s startup ecosystem is gaining momentum, with funding surging to nearly $95 million in 2024, driven by high-value deals in tech-driven sectors.
Hypeo Ai joins other Moroccan startups like Agenz and Talaty, also backed by Renew Capital, in leveraging AI to disrupt traditional industries.
What’s Next for Hypeo Ai?
With Renew Capital’s backing, Hypeo Ai is well-positioned to scale its operations and cement its role as a pioneer in AI-driven influencer marketing.
The startup plans to expand its platform’s capabilities, integrate more creators and brands, and launch its AI-powered wellness coaching product, tapping into the growing demand for personalised digital experiences.
The partnership also reflects the growing influence of African venture capital in supporting innovation.
Renew Capital’s presence in 13 African countries and its focus on early-stage startups provide Hypeo Ai with not only capital but also strategic support to navigate the competitive influencer marketing landscape.
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Why This Matters
Hypeo Ai’s investment from Renew Capital is more than a financial boost; it’s a signal of confidence in the potential of AI to transform influencer marketing in Africa and the Middle East.
By combining human creativity with cutting-edge technology, Hypeo Ai is setting a new standard for efficiency and impact in digital campaigns.
As the startup scales, it has the opportunity to reshape how brands connect with audiences, drive measurable returns, and tap into the region’s vibrant creative talent.
For brands, creators, and investors, Hypeo Ai represents a bold step forward in the influencer economy. Keep an eye on this Moroccan startup as it continues to innovate and lead the charge in one of the world’s fastest-growing advertising sectors.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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