Grace Ashiru
Madica, the Africa-focused structured investment program affiliated with Flourish Ventures, has unveiled new investments in two AI-powered startups—Anavid (Tunisia) and Hypeo AI (Morocco). Both companies will receive up to USD 200K and join Madica’s 18-month program. This program combines funding with tailored mentorship, executive coaching, global investor access, and fully-funded immersion trips to accelerate growth.
Launched in 2022, Madica is sector-agnostic and aims to address structural gaps in Africa’s startup ecosystem by backing underrepresented founders, underserved regions, and overlooked sectors. The program’s goal is to provide early-stage support to African innovators with the potential to create a lasting impact. By targeting these critical areas, Madica hopes to close the funding gap in Africa’s dynamic yet underfunded startup scene, helping entrepreneurs overcome the barriers of capital access and industry knowledge.
Among its latest portfolio companies is Anavid, co-founded by Ahmed Chaari and David Nilsson. Anavid leverages AI to reduce shoplifting by integrating retail cameras for real-time monitoring. This innovative solution is especially important in regions where retail losses have a significant impact on businesses. Meanwhile, Hypeo AI, founded by Meriam Bessa and Salah Eddine Mimouni, also benefits from this new funding round. Hypeo AI, which had previously secured an earlier investment in August, automates influencer marketing end-to-end, streamlining campaigns for brands and creators alike. With influencer marketing on the rise across Africa, this platform is positioned to capture a growing market by offering businesses more efficient ways to connect with consumers.
The announcement of these investments also coincides with Madica’s fresh partnership with the African Business Angel Network (ABAN). This new collaboration will open doors to co-investment opportunities and provide access to an even broader network of investors, further bolstering the growth potential of the startups within Madica’s portfolio. By aligning with ABAN, Madica aims to foster a stronger investor ecosystem that supports the scale of promising African tech startups.
Madica’s continuous push to foster innovation and support African entrepreneurs reflects its long-term commitment to closing the funding gap and providing strategic resources for high-impact businesses across the continent. As AI and other technologies gain traction in Africa, initiatives like Madica play a key role in helping African founders turn their groundbreaking ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses
