james wika 
- Launch of the Kenya Startup Ecosystem Platform to Drive Data-Driven Insights and Global Connections
Kenya Innovation Week, Dealroom.co, in partnership with GrowthAfrica and Systemic Innovation, launched the Kenya Startup Ecosystem Platform—a transformative, open-access database designed to drive data-driven insights and foster international connections for Kenya’s dynamic, startup and growth ventures.
The platform enhances visibility, strengthens connections, and promotes transparency within Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, connecting local and global players. Tailored to Kenya’s fast-evolving business landscape, this platform provides a real-time, comprehensive view of startups across sectors, enabling entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and researchers to make better and more informed decisions.
Key Features and Benefits;
The Kenya Startup Ecosystem Platform offers collaborative, open-access data showcasing the country’s most promising startups, insights into trends, funding trajectories, and emerging opportunities. With profiles of thousands of startups and high-growth companies, plus ecosystem data points, the platform is an essential resource for understanding market dynamics, tracking funding patterns, and identifying growth potential.
The platform boosts Kenya’s global visibility, enhancing credibility and exposure for local ventures. It enables investors and business leaders to benchmark performance, map trends, while also supporting evidence-based policymaking and ecosystem development.
On benchmarking and competitive insights, Ms. Maryanne Acholla, Managing Director, Endeavor said; “For growth-oriented firms, the platform serves as a critical benchmarking tool. It enables companies to understand how they compare to their peers, helping them refine their strategies to stay competitive while gaining exposure to clients, partners, and investors.
On driving evidence-based support for startups, Ms. Mercy Kimalat CEO Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) said; “The Kenya Startup Ecosystem Platform aligns perfectly with ASSEK’s mission to deliver value to our members.
It equips them with actionable insights and tools to offer targeted, evidence-based support to startups and SMEs, ultimately strengthening the ecosystem we all contribute to.
On its offering for academics; Mr. Elisha Bwatuti, Project Manager – Kenya Small Business Development Centers. USAID Strategic Partnership Program, Strathmore Business School stated; “The Kenya Startup Ecosystem Platform serves as a digital goldmine for researchers, offering freely accessible data that unveils the intricacies of Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape.
This comprehensive resource empowers academic institutions like Strathmore Business School to conduct groundbreaking studies, fostering innovation and thought leadership while potentially informing policy decisions and guiding future entrepreneurs in Africa’s dynamic startup scene.
Global Reach, Local Impact;
Part of a broader FCDO Funded initiative (the Research Innovation Systems for Africa – RISA) Fund reflects the shared commitment GrowthAfrica and Systemic Innovation to build resilient data ecosystem infrastructure for sustainable growth
Explore the Kenya Startup Ecosystem Platform here: https://kenya.dealroom.co/
or visit the [KeNIA website]
