Villgro Africa, a business incubator and early-stage investor that focuses on health and life sciences, has invested more than $1.36 million in 36 Kenyan healthcare startups over the past seven years. The firm has now announced plans to launch a biotech innovation hub as part of its expansion in the region. According to Villgro Africa's 2015–2022 Impact Report, Kenyan startups have received the largest share of the firm's investments, at $1,317,087 out of the $2,146,401 committed since inception. The incubator has enabled access to healthcare for those at the bottom of the pyramid, with its homegrown solutions solving Africa's healthcare and lifestyle dilemmas.
The firm's enterprises have generated revenues of over $5.2 million, creating 540 jobs, and impacting more than two million lives. Villgro Africa has also invested in notable startups such as Drop Access, Bena Care, and Negus Med. Drop Access manufactures portable solar-powered smart fridges that transport vaccines and medical items to rural, off-grid, and hard-to-reach communities. Bena Care provides home-based care, reducing the cost and increasing the quality of healthcare, particularly for the elderly and those with life-limiting illnesses. Negus Med distributes and manufactures advanced wound care and theater textiles, increasing access to innovative medical equipment and consumables.
Villgro Africa plans to launch an incubator-fund platform in partnership with Jaza Rift Fund with a target fund size of $30 million to support startups graduating from the incubator. The Biotech Innovation Hub will leverage East Africa's genetic diversity to accelerate the development of drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for poverty-related diseases, rare diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and NCDs. Dr. Robert Karanja, co-founder, and Chief Innovation Officer at Villgro Africa, says that local manufacturing in the healthcare sector presents an opportunity for startups and investors.
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