Chpter, a Kenyan tech start-up specializing in AI-powered conversational commerce, has raised US$1.2 million in pre-seed funding to expand its innovative platform and scale its operations across Africa. The platform, which helps businesses enhance their sales through social media channels like WhatsApp and Instagram, aims to revolutionize the way companies engage with customers and drive revenue.
The funding round was led by Pani and saw participation from prominent investors including Plesion Capital, Techstars, Norrsken, Renew Capital, ViKtoria Ventures, and several angel investors. Notable contributors include Benjamin Fernandes of NALA and WorkPay co-founders Paul Kimani and Jackson Kibigo.
Founded in 2022 by Kuria Kevin and Mark Kiarie, Chpter has recently onboarded MarketForce’s Mesongo Sibuti and Tesh Mbaabu, after the closure of their B2B e-commerce venture, RejaReja. The new leadership is expected to bolster Chpter’s strategic growth as the company focuses on further product development and market expansion.
Chpter’s AI-driven platform offers retailers the ability to streamline customer interactions, marketing efforts, and payment processes through a unified interface, enhancing sales efficiency on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.
“We’re excited to lead the social commerce revolution, starting in Africa, as more consumers increasingly rely on channels like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to connect with brands and make purchases,” said CEO Tesh Mbaabu.
He emphasized the critical role of WhatsApp in business communication, citing its over two billion active users. “WhatsApp offers an unmatched platform for businesses to engage in sales, provide customer support, and build lasting relationships,” Mbaabu added.
Ken Njoroge, managing partner at Pani and former CEO of Cellulant, expressed confidence in Chpter’s leadership, praising the team’s resilience and vision. “We are always looking for founder teams with incredible grit,” Njoroge remarked.
Chpter plans to use the newly acquired capital to accelerate product development, enhance its marketing and sales strategies, and expand into new African markets. Currently operational in Kenya and South Africa, the start-up aims to launch in at least five additional countries in the coming months, including Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, and Morocco.
With the growing significance of social media in commerce, Chpter is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital retail across the continent.
