Nairobi-based tourism-focused venture studio Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV) has successfully secured an additional $500,000 in funding, raising its total seed round to $5 million. This latest investment comes from Alphatron, a Dutch single-family office under the Alphatron Group.
Founded by Ben Peterson, former CEO of AHL Venture Partners; Jan Van der de Willebois, a former investment banker at Dyer & Blair; and Mikul Shah, the founder of EatOut Africa, PEV aims to launch three to four startups each year. The studio is dedicated to supporting sustainable tourism initiatives across Africa by leveraging technology to enhance the industry's resilience and environmental responsibility.
PEV previously raised $1 million in a pre-seed round in October 2022, followed by a $4.5 million seed round in January 2023, with backing from notable investors including Clear Creek Investment B.V., Klister Corp., Fede Pirzo-Biroli (founder of Playfair Capital), Anthony Rock, and Ian McCaig (former CEO of Lastminute.com). The recent investment from Alphatron further solidifies PEV's position as a significant player in tourism-focused venture building.
In a statement, Ben Peterson emphasized that Alphatron's investment will reinforce PEV's vision of integrating technology into tourism while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity. "We are excited to partner with investors who share our commitment to transforming the tourism landscape through innovative and responsible practices," he noted.
Floris de Kort, director of the Alphatron Group, highlighted PEV's unique balance of innovation and environmental responsibility as a crucial factor in their investment decision.
Since its inception, Purple Elephant Ventures has launched five startups—Nomad Africa, Kijani Supplies, Zafari, PowerTrip, and JOIN Africa—each effectively addressing specific needs within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Unlike traditional venture studios, PEV retains control and self-funds its startups, ensuring alignment with its long-term commitment to driving tourism innovation and sustainability.
As PEV continues to expand its portfolio, the venture studio is poised to make significant contributions to the growth of sustainable tourism across Africa, paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally friendly industry.
Play audio
Comments
Add your comment
Categories
Startup Raises
255
Feature
76
Fintech
32
Fresh News
664
How To
75
Acquisition
36
Reports
18
Opinion
42
Recent Posts
Logidoo Opens Global Trade Channels for African Businesses with Groupage Shipping
Logidoo, the pan-African logistics platform, has a...
Lagos Turns Up for PUBG MOBILE Community Event with 1,000+ Attendees
On March 28, 2025, Lagos transformed into the ulti...
How to Leverage Emerging Technologies for Startup Growth
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, em...
From Waste to Worth: LG Inspires Eco-Action with Hinckley Recycling Partnership
In a commendable initiative coinciding with Eart...
How Nigeria’s Digital-Savvy Youth Are Transforming Online Shopping Trends
The digital landscape in Nigeria is undergoing a s...
Related Post
Algeria Launches Specialized Funds to Support 20,000 Startups by 2029
Algeria is set to launch specialized investment funds aimed at overcoming financ...
Kenyan Purple Elephant Ventures Adds $500K to Its Seed Round
Nairobi-based tourism-focused venture studio Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV) has...
2025 THRIVE Global Impact Challenge: A $1 Million Opportunity for Innovative Startups
In a world where innovation is vital for creating a sustainable, equitable, and...
No comments