Kenyan startup Sokowatch, an e-commerce company leveraging technology to transform the informal retail supply chain, has closed a US$125 million Series B equity round, while also rebranding to Wasoko and launching operations in West Africa. The platform enables retailers to order products at any time via SMS or mobile app and receive delivery through its proprietary logistics network to their store.
Muni has operations in Colombia, Mexico and Brazil, and over 15,000 community leaders utilize the service, which has grown 20% month over month since its launch in June 2020. Community leaders centralize the orders by sharing a link to the WhatsApp online store, then neighbors put in their orders of everyday essentials, and the supplier drops off the orders with Muni, which picks and packs them and leaves them with the community leader to take care of the last-mile delivery and collecting the cash payments.
Egyptian deep technology healthcare startup DilenyTech, which is developing innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for screening and diagnostic radiology workflow, has been acquired by US firm Astute Imaging LLC. DilenyTech aims to revolutionized breast cancer screening and diagnostic workflow by providing innovative AI-based assistance for more accurate detection and expedited reporting.
It’s all surveys today, Dear Reader. Marigold reports that consumers are eager for personalized content, with 79% saying they’re likely to engage with a personalized email tailored to their interests. Sadly, 33% feel their needs are unmet by current brand messages. Discounts and coupons (95%) top the list of what they want in exchange for personal data, followed closely by loyalty rewards at 94%. Content is last at 61%.