*HotViewsExtra* Emerging tech in Africa and the tree of life

I met up recently with Toby Hanington, the co-founder of UK based startup, The Baobab Network. In 2016 Toby gave up a fledgling career in the city, as a sales trader with UBS, to set up The Baobab Network with close friend and fellow Bath University alumnus, Tom Fairburn.

The Baobab Network acts as an accelerator for the vibrant ecosystem of emerging African technology startups. Crucially, like Hanington and Fairburn themselves, the Baobab Network has a strong ethical ethos at its core and is driven by the goal of making a positive social impact. The company’s name, brand and identity were inspired by the iconic “tree of life” a symbol of growth, health and prosperity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Global consulting giant, Accenture, was the Baobab Network’s first major commercial client, after an unsolicited approach to the company’s Head of Digital. Other major clients soon followed, including the likes of XL Caitlin and L’Oréal. To date the Baobab Network has established equity partnerships with an impressive array of African startups, 40% of which are FinTechs. TechMarketView clients, including UKHotViews Premium subscribers, can learn more via HotViewsExtra (see: Emerging Tech in Africa and the tree of life).

Posted by Jon C Davies at '07:00' - Tagged: startup