Kasha Secures New Funding To Expand Its Reach

Rwandan startup Kasha has achieved a new milestone with a fresh round of funding. The digital health platform, launched in 2016, has raised equity investment from Sanofi’s Global Health Unit’s Impact Investment Fund. This latest funding is set to support Kasha’s expansion into additional African markets, enhance its technology, and drive equitable access to health products across the continent.

Kasha’s platform began with a clear mission, to provide reliable access to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods through a digital retail and last-mile distribution model. The company has targeted women as its target market, knowing that they are the most influential group when it comes to household and health products, but they are also the most underserved.

Kasha also acts as a channel partner for businesses, leveraging its sales and last mile distribution network, data analytics, and e-health services. The startup has grown significantly since its inception, now serving individual consumers, resellers, pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics with a range of products from sanitary pads to medications.

Jon Fairest, head of the Sanofi Global Health Unit, stated his excitement about the alliance “Kasha has developed a unique infrastructure that improves access to health products even in remote areas. Investing in local businesses that support sustainable healthcare models is crucial, and we’re committed to helping Kasha enhance its impact.” He added, “Leveraging Kasha’s technology platform to drive access in a customer-driven and data-driven way, together Kasha and Sanofi can change the game in enabling full access to quality pharmaceuticals in Africa.”

Kasha secured $1.5 million in startup money from impact and angel investors to launch in Rwanda. Following its entry into Kenya in late 2020, Kasha was able to obtain a $3.6 million Series A financing from Finnfund, Swedfund, DFC, and Mastercard Corporate.

In 2023, Kasha’s growth was marked by a $21 million Series B funding round, which helped the company expand its operations and scale its services. With this new investment from Sanofi’s Impact Investment Fund, Kasha will be able to extend its reach further into Africa, improve its technology infrastructure, and increase its impact on health accessibility.

“It’s an exciting milestone for Kasha to partner so closely with Sanofi. Over the years we’ve seen growing demand for health products, particularly for non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This investment will help us raise awareness and make it easier for people, especially those in lower-income and rural areas, to access the medications they need.” said Joanna Bichsel, Kasha’s founder and CEO.

The investment will support Kasha’s expansion into more countries across Africa, increase the capabilities of its technology platform, and further grow its ability to drive equitable access of health products across the continent.