mPharma

Bridge International Academies

Penda Health

poa! international

GreenPath Foods

Lynk Jobs

The Paradigm Project

Sanergy

MFarm

SolarNow

Komaza

Soko

Hivisasa

iProcure

PayGo Energy


Each of our investments represents a breakthrough idea that marries international know-how with an innovative local delivery model

What we look for

Entrepreneurs with the character, competence and ambition to build businesses that can transform markets and grow rapidly to scale…

… By addressing latent demand for basic goods and services in the largest markets in the region…

…Employing innovative business models to widen market access, reduce cost and price and improve quality…

…So that the growth and commercial success of the business naturally results in significant social benefits for the aspiring mass market.

Learn more about what Novastar looks for
1bridge
The largest emerging market ed tech business serving parents and governments in six countries
The largest emerging market ed tech business serving parents and governments in six countries
1greenpath
Specialty food company that supplies premium organic food to international markets from smallholder farmers in Ethiopia
Specialty food company that supplies premium organic food to international markets from smallholder farmers in Ethiopia
1hivisasa
Kenya’s leading local news and information service tailored for the mobile web
Kenya’s leading local news and information service tailored for the mobile web
The largest agricultural supply chain platform in rural Africa
The largest agricultural supply chain platform in rural Africa
The largest agricultural supply chain platform in rural Africa
1komaza
Vertically-integrated forestry company employing a tech-enabled outgrower model to meet Africa’s wood supply gap
Vertically-integrated forestry company employing a tech-enabled outgrower model to meet Africa’s wood supply gap
1l
Technology platform connecting households and businesses with qualified informal workers
Technology platform connecting households and businesses with qualified informal workers
Ag services and technology company connecting smallholder farmers to markets
Ag services and technology company connecting smallholder farmers to markets
Ag services and technology company connecting smallholder farmers to markets
1moko
The first accessible and affordable furniture brand for the mass market
The first accessible and affordable furniture brand for the mass market
mPharma200
Provider of affordable and accessible healthcare utilising efficient, transparent and data driven distribution models.
Provider of affordable and accessible healthcare utilising efficient, transparent and data driven distribution models.
Nairobi’s largest chain of affordable outpatient medical centres in Kenya
Nairobi’s largest chain of affordable outpatient medical centres in Kenya
Nairobi’s largest chain of affordable outpatient medical centres in Kenya
Affordable Internet service provider in low-income and remote neighbourhoods
Affordable Internet service provider in low-income and remote neighbourhoods
Affordable Internet service provider in low-income and remote neighbourhoods
1sanergy
Circular economy business containing, collecting and converting organic waste into high value ag inputs
Circular economy business containing, collecting and converting organic waste into high value ag inputs
1solar-now
Leading provider of larger, modular, off-grid solar systems sold on credit via dedicated branches in Uganda & Kenya
Leading provider of larger, modular, off-grid solar systems sold on credit via dedicated branches in Uganda & Kenya
1tpp
Last-mile distributor of clean cookstoves and other life-enhancing products
Last-mile distributor of clean cookstoves and other life-enhancing products
1paygo
Product service platform that harnesses pay-as-you-go technology to bring LPG fuel to low-income households
Product service platform that harnesses pay-as-you-go technology to bring LPG fuel to low-income households
1soko
Ethical fashion brand and tech-enabled distributed manufacturing platform
Ethical fashion brand and tech-enabled distributed manufacturing platform
surechill
Innovative refrigeration company providing cost efficient and reliable cooling for consumers, small businesses and medical applications.
Innovative refrigeration company providing cost efficient and reliable cooling for consumers, small businesses and medical applications.