Safaricom Opens New Doors for Startups Seeking Funding

Nine startups in the second cohort of the Spark Accelerator Programme pitched their businesses to investors and venture capital firms at the Spark Accelerator Investor Demo Day, held at the Michael Joseph Centre (MJC) on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The event marked the final stage of the three-month accelerator programme organised by Safaricom PLC in partnership with M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, with iHub as the implementing partner.

The programme helps young businesses grow through training, mentorship, funding opportunities and market support.

The Investor Demo Day gave startups a chance to present their ideas to investors who are looking for promising businesses to support.

Safaricom Advises Startups to Keep Growing

Speaking during the event, Safaricom Chief Financial Services Officer Esther Waititu congratulated the startups for completing the programme.

She said the founders had gained valuable knowledge in technology, marketing, business growth and partnerships.

“We looked at our strategy and said these are the startups that we want to work with in the long term,” she said.

Also Read: Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations Launch Ksh 20 Million Photography and Videography Challenge

Waititu encouraged the startups to continue improving their businesses and adjust to changing customer needs.

She also urged them to keep working closely with Safaricom and other partners even after the programme ends.

Startups Present Different Business Solutions

The startups presented solutions in sectors such as payments, transport, logistics, retail, taxation and digital entertainment.

GoPay, represented by co-founders Simon Ng’ang’a and Julius Migui, showcased a digital payment and fare collection system for public transport vehicles and matatu SACCOs.

QuePay founder Victor Boit presented a payment platform for vending machines and automated access systems.

FlexPay co-founder and COO Johnson Mwangi showcased a savings and payment platform that allows customers to buy products slowly through flexible payments instead of loans.

StockApp co-founder and CEO Ken Gitonga presented an AI-powered inventory and retail management platform for small businesses.

DigiTax CFO William Githui showcased a digital tax platform that helps businesses connect easily with the Kenya Revenue Authority’s eTIMS system.

Leta.AI co-founder Anthony Keter presented an AI-powered logistics and route planning solution for delivery and supply chain businesses.

Creative and Gaming Startups Also Featured

MediaKits.io founder Kevin Okeyo showcased a platform that helps content creators track performance, manage brand deals and send invoices.

WePlay Arcade founder Maurice Juma pitched a digital gaming platform targeting young people in Africa.

Also Read: How Safaricom Is Turning Technology, Education and Finance into Opportunity for Millions

Oye co-founder and CEO Kevin Mutiso presented a digital business platform that offers fintech and credit services for transport operators such as boda boda riders.

The startups pitched in two sessions, with some focusing on the creative economy while others focused on technology and business systems.

Leading Telecommunications  Company Opens Door for Cohort 3

At the end of the event, all nine startups received awards for taking part in the programme.

Safaricom also announced that applications for the third cohort of the Spark Accelerator Programme will open later this year.

The Spark Accelerator Programme was launched in 2024 after the restructuring of Safaricom’s Spark Fund.

Since its launch, the programme has supported 18 startups.

The first cohort included Chumz, Chpter, Faidi HR, HealthX, Churpy, VunaPay, Twiva, BlackRhino and Nobuk.

The second cohort included Mediakits, StockApp, Leta, WePlay, FlexPay, DigiTax, Oye, QuePay and GoPay.

Other partners supporting the programme include PwC, Amazon Web Services, Bowmans and Vodacom Group.

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Dr. Peter Ndegwa (CBS) CEO Safaricom PLC giving his remarks during the Safaricom Data Minimization Media Immersion held at Michael Joseph Center on March 18 2026. PHOTO/Safaricom