Kenyan logistics startup Leta has secured $5 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered platform, which helps businesses move goods more efficiently across Africa, TechCrunch reports. The round was led by European venture capital firm Speedinvest, with backing from Google’s Africa Investment Fund and Africa-focused climate tech fund Equator.
Streamling Logistics with AI
Founded in 2021 by Nick Joshi, Leta is tackling Africa’s logistics challenges by streamlining supply chains, reducing inefficiencies, and helping businesses save time and money.
Its platform integrates with businesses’ sales and ordering systems, pulling real-time data about orders, inventory, and customers. It then uses AI to plan the best way to dispatch deliveries, choose the right vehicles, and load goods efficiently to avoid waste.
The platform also automates delivery route planning, making real-time adjustments based on traffic, roadblocks, or weather changes. According to Joshi, Leta’s AI can identify and avoid roads that frequently cause delays, ensuring faster and more reliable deliveries.
It also raised $3 million pre-seed from local investors in November 2022, which it used it to strengthen its presence in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Leta has managed over 4.5 million deliveries to date and serves over 35 major businesses, including global brands like KFC and Diageo.
Investor Interest
Leta’s role in helping businesses cut transportation costs, use fewer vehicles, and lower fuel consumption is likely a key reason climate-focused investor Equator backed the company.
A standout feature of Leta is also its ability to refine real-time mapping data from customer deliveries. Joshi believes this is likely what caught Google’s attention, as Leta’s updated mapping system could enhance Google Maps in emerging markets.
Leta is also testing financial services for businesses, including fuel cards for delivery drivers, vehicle financing, and credit options for suppliers. With this new funding, Leta plans to double revenue and expand into more African and Middle Eastern markets.
Image: Leta
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