Kenyan startup Badili, specializing in providing affordable refurbished phones, has successfully secured an undisclosed amount of seed funding from E3 Capital, a venture capital firm with a focus on supporting businesses contributing to a low-carbon economy in Africa. This achievement follows the findings of ‘Africa, The Big Deal,’ indicating that Kenya, surpassing Nigeria, secured the leading position by raising just under USD 800 million, constituting 28.0 percent of the total tech funding across the continent.
Founded in 2021, Badili operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, engaging in the sourcing, repair, and resale of used or damaged mobile phones through various channels, including e-commerce platforms, local traders, and mobile network operators. The startup aims to make premium smartphone brands like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei accessible to consumers at a fraction of the cost of new models, without compromising on quality standards.
Having previously raised a pre-seed round in 2022 and benefited from the SOSV MOX accelerator, securing USD 150,000 in funding, Badili’s recent seed funding from E3 Capital positions the startup to expand into additional African markets and enhance its technological capabilities and operational efficiency.
Rishabh Lawania, CEO and co-founder of Badili, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with E3 Capital, describing it as a collaboration that would significantly impact both the business and the lives of numerous aspirational African consumers seeking affordable and environmentally friendly electronics.
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Paras Patel, Managing Partner at E3 Capital, emphasized the alignment of Badili with E3’s vision of supporting digital innovation and environmental sustainability in Africa. Patel highlighted the positive climate impact of Badili’s business, noting that refurbished phones contribute to an 87 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to new models.
Impressed by Badili’s ability to scale its business model in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and form strategic partnerships within the ecosystem, Patel anticipates that the success of Badili sets the stage for increased funding in ventures promoting environmental sustainability.
