KUNE SET TO SHAKE UP KENYA’S FOOD DELIVERY MARKET WITH $1 MILLION FUNDING

The food delivery market in Kenya is set for a shake up after the soon-to-be-launched service Kune raised $1 million in pre-seed funding.

The startup, which has already delivered its ready-to-eat meals on a trial basis, is set for the full debut of its cloud and dark kitchen-based services in August.

Meals – which will initially be targeted at white-collar workers in Nairobi before a hoped-for expansion – are sold online, in stores and through corporate customers.

Pre-seed funding for Kune, which was founded last year by French entrepreneur, Robin Reecht, was led by venture capitalists Launch Africa Ventures.

Kune said it will substantially undercut major international food apps such as Uber Eats or Glovo, and the African-focused Jumia, while offering better quality meals than those sold by street food sellers.

Comments Reecht made to that effect sparked an online backlash in Kenya, however, with some saying they could already get good quality food delivered by neighbourhood operators at low prices.

Reecht told media that the fundraising followed “three intensive months” setting up the company, hiring staff and finding land for its production facility.

“I’m delighted that Kune has attracted this level of interest from investors, who immediately saw the potential to grow Kune not only in Kenya, but across sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

Sub-Saharan Africa is one of many regions to see expansion in tech-based food delivery services, with major expansion also being seen in Asia, Europe and North America.

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