Chpter, an AI-driven conversational commerce platform, has announced a successful $1.2 million Pre-Seed funding round. The investment, spearheaded by Ken Njoroge of PANI, and supported by a host of investors including Plesion Capital, Techstars, and Norrsken, will propel Chpter’s mission to enhance social commerce across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Launched in Kenya in 2022, Chpter has quickly emerged as a key player in the burgeoning social commerce sector, which leverages platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to facilitate e-commerce. The new capital will be directed towards accelerating product development, expanding market presence, and bolstering sales and marketing initiatives.
Social commerce, which blends content sharing with transactional capabilities, has become a significant force in African e-commerce, accounting for a major share of the market. As digital literacy remains uneven across the continent, platforms such as WhatsApp provide a low-barrier entry for both consumers and businesses. According to recent estimates, Africa’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $46 billion by 2025, with over 500 million shoppers actively participating.
Tesh Mbaabu, Chpter’s Co-Founder and CEO, emphasized the platform’s role in this evolving landscape: “We are thrilled to pioneer the social commerce revolution, starting in Africa. WhatsApp’s role in business communication is pivotal, offering an unparalleled platform for businesses to support and engage with customers.”
Mark Kiarie, Co-Founder and COO, added, “A WhatsApp-led e-commerce experience makes it more inclusive and accessible to underserved markets due to its low data and digital literacy requirements.”
Chpter aims to streamline social commerce by automating conversations, marketing, and payments. The platform’s integration with Meta’s features, including product catalogs and advanced marketing tools, positions it as a significant player in this space. Additionally, Chpter has introduced chpter.AI, an AI-powered chatbot that enhances customer interaction and boosts sales conversion rates by addressing inquiries promptly.
Ken Njoroge, Managing Partner at PANI, praised Chpter’s potential, stating, “We’re glad to be part of the Chpter story and support a product that has the potential to transform commerce across the continent.”
Ben Finlay, General Partner at Plesion Capital, highlighted the platform’s innovative approach: “Their digital solutions address complex issues specific to African commerce, showcasing their potential for pan-African success.”
Chpter, already operational in Kenya and South Africa, serves a diverse clientele including major players such as Britam, Decathlon, and Dovey Pharma. The company plans to expand its services to Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, and Morocco in the coming months.
