African Originals, the fast-growing craft beverage company behind brands such as Kenyan Originals, African Originals, and 5.8, has successfully raised US $2 million in a funding round led by Phoenix Beverages Limited, Mauritius’ largest beverage company. Other key investors include Chandaria Capital, Perivoli Innovations, and Amaya Capital. The fresh capital will fuel the African Originals’ expansion, bolster production capabilities, and further its sustainability initiatives as it scales operations in Kenya and internationally.
As part of its growth strategy, African Originals previously launched a £700,000 (Sh80.5 million) crowdfunding campaign on the UK-based platform Crowdcube. This initiative allowed consumers and employees to own shares in the company, fostering stronger community engagement and advancing growth plans for new product lines, including a recently launched craft gin.
“We were excited for our community to join us as shareholders,” said Alexandra Chappatte, Founder and CEO of African Originals. “The crowdfunding aligned with our goal of deeper community engagement.”
African Originals pioneers the growth of Kenya’s craft beverage industry
Since its inception in 2018, Kenyan Originals has been a trailblazer in Kenya’s craft beverage industry, producing a portfolio of over 10 products, including ciders, tonics, mixers, and iced teas. Sourcing premium, locally-grown ingredients such as tropical fruits, tea, coffee, and botanicals, the company remains committed to sustainability and supporting local farmers through partnerships like Bees with Stories.
“The next phase of our journey is focused on building capacity while continuing to deliver high-quality, locally-inspired beverages that celebrate Kenyan craftsmanship,” Chappatte added. “With this capital, we’re investing in the brand and setting the stage for even greater expansion.”
Non-Tech sectors and female founded companies on the rise in Africa
Raising funds in Africa has been tough, especially recently. Africa’s overall funding is already limited—$4 billion compared to $415 billion globally. This means less than 1% of total global funding is allocated across the entire continent, despite Africa housing 15% of the world’s population. Moreover, Africa’s funding has decreased by roughly 50% since 2022. Less than 2% of that funding goes to female-founded companies.
Despite these hurdles, female founders in Africa are gaining momentum. African Originals’ fundraising success is part of a growing trend of female-led African startups securing investment. This includes the Uncover team, a female-founded, Kenya-based beauty company, which recently raised $1 million.
The successful $2M funding round also comes amid a growing interest in non-tech sectors across Africa. In 2023, African startups raised $2.9 billion in deals exceeding $100k, with a marked shift towards debt financing as equity funding fell by 57%. Notably, debt financing surged by 47% year-on-year, with debt making up 38% of all funds raised. African Originals’ growth reflects the expanding focus on industries such as food and beverages, proving that African innovation isn’t limited to tech.
