Poa Internet is a Kenyan startup that won an innovation challenge that sought affordable and reliable solutions for last-mile internet connectivity across the continent in 2020. It was organized by Africa50, an infrastructure financier backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and a number of African governments.
The start-up had then beaten 673 other candidates around the world, following which it was added to Africa50’s investment pipeline in addition to winning a cash prize. Just over a year after the win, she was awarded $28m in a Series C funding round led by Africa50, bringing the total amount it has raised to date to $36m. dollars.
Novastar Ventures, one of the company’s early backers, also participated in the latest round. The internet service provider plans to use the new funding to expand its reach, first across Kenya and then gradually to other countries on the continent.
“We are focused on Kenya at the moment, but the problem we are solving is continent-wide. And for us, it’s not just about giving people some connectivity. Our goal is to bring large numbers of people online and provide them with a meaningful Internet experience, like the ability to stream videos, without worrying about how much data they consume.”, said Andy Halsall, CEO and founder of the company.