Kenyan e-health startup MYDAWA has raised $20 million in funding from London-based private equity firm Alta Semper Capital, marking its largest funding round to date. The investment aims to bolster MYDAWA’s expansion across East Africa and enhance its digital healthcare services.
Founded in 2016, MYDAWA began as an online pharmacy and has since evolved into a comprehensive health-tech platform offering online and in-person consultations, laboratory services, and a growing network of walk-in pharmacies and health centers. The company manages its logistics operations internally to ensure high service levels.
As part of its regional growth strategy, MYDAWA has acquired Guardian Health, a Ugandan pharmacy chain with 19 stores in Kampala and neighboring regions. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, represents MYDAWA’s first international expansion and aims to integrate its e-health capabilities with Guardian Health’s physical presence .
Alta Semper Capital’s CEO, Afsane Jetha, highlighted the firm’s interest in Africa’s burgeoning digital healthcare sector, stating, “MYDAWA was the logical choice for us as their groundbreaking technology, underpinning a scalable business model along with regulatory know-how and market entry experience, mapped so well to our own strategy”.
In conjunction with the funding announcement, MYDAWA appointed Priscilla Muhiu, former General Manager of Glovo Kenya, as its new CEO. Under her leadership, the company plans to pursue further acquisitions and partnerships to expand its footprint across the continent .
This latest funding round brings MYDAWA’s total capital raised to over $29 million, including previous investments from Indigo Partners, the Africa HealthCare Master Fund, and a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
With Africa’s consumer spending projected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2025, MYDAWA’s expansion aligns with the growing demand for accessible and affordable healthcare solutions across the continent.
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