Madica Invests in Two New African AI Startups

Madica, a structured investment program for pre-seed African startups, has announced new investments in two artificial intelligence–powered ventures, Anavid and Hypeo AI.

Each startup has secured up to $200,000 in funding and will participate in Madica’s 18-month program, which offers hands-on mentorship, executive coaching, a tailored curriculum, and two fully funded immersion trips to key technology ecosystems across Africa and beyond.

Beyond the financial investment, the startups will gain access to Madica’s global investor network, positioning them for sustainable growth and long-term success. The new funding underscores Madica’s mission to democratize access to venture capital in Africa by supporting underrepresented founders, startups in underserved regions, and innovators in overlooked sectors. Through this approach, Madica aims to address the concentration of Africa’s tech funding in a few markets and networks, driving more inclusive growth across the continent.

Launched in 2022 and affiliated with Flourish Ventures, Madica was created to bridge structural gaps in Africa’s startup ecosystem. The program addresses key challenges such as limited access to early-stage capital, a shortage of investors, and a lack of structured mentorship, while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation across the continent.

The newly selected startups are leveraging artificial intelligence to transform key African industries. Anavid, based in Tunisia and co-founded by Ahmed Chaari and David Nilsson, offers an AI-powered solution that integrates with existing retail camera systems to reduce shoplifting losses and enhance the customer experience. Hypeo AI, from Morocco, was founded by Meriam Bessa and Salah Eddine Mimouni. The company has developed an AI-driven SaaS platform that automates every step of influencer marketing, from brand matching and content validation to payment processing.

“At Madica, we continue to prove that some of the world’s most transformative ideas come from places too often ignored,” said Emmanuel Adegboye, Head of Madica. “The founders we’ve welcomed are visionaries, building solutions with the power to uplift communities and shape industries.”

“Our region is rich with creative energy, but it often goes untapped without the right digital infrastructure,” said Meriam Bessa, co-founder and CEO of Hypeo AI. “With Madica’s backing, we’ll strengthen our AI capabilities to reimagine how brands and creators connect and thrive.”

To further expand access to capital and strengthen ecosystem linkages, Madica has entered a strategic partnership with the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), announced during the annual ABAN Congress in Lagos. The collaboration will enable ABAN-affiliated angels across the continent and Madica to share deal flow, explore co-investment opportunities, and support future fundraising efforts for portfolio companies.

“The future of Africa’s innovation economy depends on how effectively we can mobilize local capital,” said Yemi Keri, President of ABAN. “Our collaboration with Madica bridges the gap between angel investors and institutional capital, ensuring more funding originates within the continent and that startups everywhere in Africa can access the right type of support to scale.”

Earlier this year, Madica invested in category-defining startups including Medikea, Daleela, Pixii Motors, and ToumAI, while reinforcing its commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity within the African tech ecosystem. Portfolio companies benefit from fully funded immersion trips offering expert training, investor connections, and workshops on growth, governance, founder well-being, and fundraising.

Madica continues to welcome new investment opportunities from startups across the continent that have a minimum viable product, ideally with paying customers, full-time founder commitment, and limited prior institutional funding.