For the first time, a Kenyan startup called BuuPass, which is the top digital mobility platform in East Africa, has been chosen to represent its nation at the Startup World Cup.
BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that was founded in 2016 by Sonia Kabra and Wyclife Omondi. It allows users to search, compare, and book travel tickets through the web, app, or USSD, and its SaaS platform manages operations, inventory, and sales for bus operators.
As of right now, the startup has sold more than 16 million tickets and made over $100 million in total sales. It has also participated in the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and received funding from the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund.
A collaboration between Silicon Xchange, the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), and NaiBAN has allowed Kenya to participate in the global Startup World Cup circuit for the first time. Ten startups recently made live pitches to represent Kenya.
BuuPass was declared the winner and will compete for a US $1 million investment at the Startup World Cup final in San Francisco on behalf of Kenya.
“We’re honoured to have won the Kenya regional finals of the Startup World Cup. This milestone reflects the passion, grit, and commitment our team has poured into building a seamless transport booking experience for millions across Africa,” said Wyclife Omondi, co-founder of BuuPass.
“Representing Kenya at the global finale in San Francisco is both humbling and energising. It’s a powerful moment, not just for BuuPass, but for African innovation as a whole. We look forward to sharing our story, learning from other global startups, and showcasing the potential of Africa-born solutions on one of the biggest entrepreneurial stages in the world.”
