Grace Ashiru
Tanzania-based Ramani, a startup that says it is building a cloud network of micro-distribution centres for Africa’s $1 trillion consumer-packaged goods (CPG) supply chain, has closed a $32 million Series A debt-equity funding.
Iain Usiri, Calvin Usiri, and Kibet Martin started the Y Combinator-backed (W20) startup. It helps African Micro-distribution centres track their inventory, register their customers, and keep track of their sales. Which makes it easier for them to keep track of their stock and run their business
The platform’s features include real-time tracking, sales goals, geo-fencing, inventory tracking, check-in history, rewards, and discounts. Ramani gives users operational visibility, structure, and market insights that help them make more money and get a more significant market share.
The business claims that 100 MDCs are actively utilising its platform right now. They anticipate that figure to increase tremendously as they expand their operations in Tanzania and roll out new services.
Since it started, Ramani has grown a lot. Last year, distributors sold $72 million through the platform, and the Gross Merchandise Value grew by 68% from one month to the next. The startup said that the growth in GMV from one month to the next this year is 36%.
With this new capital funding, it will expand its network of micro-distribution centres (MDCs) and start giving some MDCs micro-credit.
