Former Copia Global executives have launched Stahili, a new e-commerce platform in Kenya. The platform offers cashback, discounts, and mobile data rewards for user engagement. It was registered in June 2024, shortly after Copia entered administration. Stahili is wholly owned by Copia Holding Company, a U.S.-registered entity linked to Copia Global. The platform is operational in Kenya, with a live website offering deals on its products. The launch comes at a sensitive time for Copia’s creditors, employees, and investors, many of whom are still struggling with the aftermath of one of Kenya’s most high-profile startup collapses.
Stahili’s business model draws inspiration from early Groupon and Coupang, aiming to empower lower-income African consumers by rewarding them for participating in surveys and offering feedback to brands. Unlike Copia’s asset-heavy, agent-driven last-mile delivery system, Stahili operates with minimal physical infrastructure. The platform targets middle- and lower-income consumers who scan QR codes, provide product feedback, and earn instant rewards.
The rapid launch of Stahili has raised questions about corporate recovery and asset protection, as Copia Holding Company remains active despite Copia Global’s liquidation. Industry experts have observed financial misappropriation in Kenya’s startup ecosystem, where funding intended for scaling gets redirected. The success or failure of Stahili will determine whether this approach comes from a legitimate learning from experience or a continuation of unsustainable business practices.
In addition to Stahili, Tracey Turner has co-founded Olverra, a U.S.-registered entity that helps African artisans sell handmade products abroad. Vijay Otieno, a Kenyan data engineer, serves as the CEO of Olverra. Unlike Stahili, which focuses on domestic consumer engagement, Olverra aims to support local creators by offering global reach, potentially bypassing some of the logistical and scaling challenges that plagued Copia.
The launch of Stahili by Copia’s former leadership team raises critical questions about corporate recovery, asset protection, and investor confidence in the Kenyan startup ecosystem. While the new model for Stahili aims for a lower burn rate and a clearer path to profitability, it still faces the challenge of delivering value at scale in a competitive market without rapidly depleting capital.
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