Jumba, a Kenya-based tech startup that aims to improve the construction supply chain through an online platform, has raised $1 million (Ksh.117 million) in a pre-seed round.
The funds will be used to develop a digital business-to-business platform for Kenya’s predominantly offline construction sector, with a focus on major cities.
The young firm which was launched in April creates efficiencies within the construction industry by linking manufacturers to the market. The platform allows hardware store owners to place orders and benefit from standardized pricing, product selection and reliable delivery.
“We have started to expand our products according to regional demands and the needs of hardware stores. The idea is to make Jumba the source of all construction materials in Kenya and, when we eventually grow, beyond its borders,” said Jumba co-founder and CEO Kagure Wamunyu.
Investors involved in this round of funding include Enza Capital, s Enza Capital, Seedstars International Ventures, Chandaria Capital, Future Africa, Logos Ventures and First Check Africa, and several angel investors and industry experts.
Jumba was founded by Kagure Wamunyu, who is also the CEO, and Miano Njoka, who is the Chief Technological Officer.
Wamunyu is a civil engineer who has worked for several tech companies, including Uber and Kobo360. Njoka is a software engineer who worked at Google for seven years.
Jumba is currently available in Nairobi and has begun to expand to Garissa, Nakuru, Njoro, and other urban areas.
The market has been very receptive to us. We are currently available in Nairobi and have begun our expansion to Garissa, Nakuru, Njoro and other urban centers across Kenya.
“We are expanding our work with suppliers to improve the availability of construction materials in Kenya and in East Africa,” she added.
