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Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV), a Nairobi-based venture studio, has secured $4.5 million in seed funding. This funding marks one of the largest tourism-tech investments in African history. The funds will support PEV’s mission to revolutionize the continent’s tourism industry through regenerative tourism and cutting-edge technology.
Driving Sustainable Tourism in Africa
PEV aims to build a tourism sector that is resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. With this new funding, the company is set to scale its efforts and create a global benchmark for innovation in tourism technology.
The funding round saw participation from notable investors, including:
- Clear Creek Investment B.V.
- Klister Corp.
- Fede Pirzo-Biroli (Founder of Playfair Capital)
- Anthony Rock
- Ian McCaig (Former CEO of Lastminute.com)
This milestone reflects growing confidence in African travel tech startups and their potential to reshape the industry while driving economic growth.
PEV’s Impactful Portfolio
Since its launch, PEV has introduced five high-impact startups, each addressing key challenges in the hospitality ecosystem:
- Nomad Africa: A travel discovery platform and Kenya’s leading travel publisher and local agency.
- Kijani Supplies: A procurement tech company providing eco-friendly supplies for hospitality businesses.
- Zafari: A booking platform that simplifies operations for African tourism operators.
- PowerTrip: A cleantech company offering energy-efficient solutions for hospitality businesses.
- JOIN Africa: A venture supporting safari guides, co-created with Paul English, the co-founder of Kayak.
Unlike traditional venture studios, PEV self-funds its startups and maintains control, ensuring alignment with its mission to drive innovation in tourism tech.
Leadership and Vision
Ben Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Elephant Ventures, expressed his excitement:
“This funding is a testament to the untapped potential in African tourism innovation. With this support, we’re poised to revolutionize the industry through groundbreaking technology, fostering economic growth while preserving Africa’s incredible natural and cultural heritage.”
Building a Bright Future
With $4.5 million in fresh funding, PEV plans to scale its current portfolio and launch new ventures targeting the industry’s most pressing challenges. As a pioneer in tourism-tech venture capital, PEV is paving the way for a sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive African tourism ecosystem.
