About Wananchi
Wananchi is a company based in Nairobi (Kenya) founded in 2008 by Joseph Mucheru and Njeri Rionge was acquired by Axian Telecom in November 2025. It operates as a B2C. Wananchi has raised $231.34 million across 4 funding rounds from investors including Liberty Global, Altice and Helios Investment Partners. Wananchi operates in a competitive market with competitors including KPN, Hong Kong Broadband Network, Orange Polska, Cogeco and British Telecom, among others.
- Headquarter Nairobi, Kenya
- Founders Joseph Mucheru, Njeri Rionge
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Sectors
Telecommunications
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Phone
*********
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Website
*********
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Annual Revenue
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Net Profit
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EBITDA
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Total Equity Funding
$231.34 M (USD)
in 4 rounds
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Latest Funding Round
$130 M (USD), Private Equity Round
Oct 06, 2014
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Investors
Liberty Global
& 7 more
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Employee Count
Employee Count
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Acquired by
Axian Telecom
(Nov 06, 2025)
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Funding Insights of Wananchi
Wananchi has successfully raised a total of $231.34M across 4 strategic funding rounds. The most recent funding activity was a Private Equity Round round of $130 million completed in October 2014. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.
- Total Funding Total Funding
- Total Rounds 4
- Last Round Private Equity Round — $130.0M
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First Round
First Round
(22 Sep 2009)
- Investors Count 7
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct, 2014 | Amount | Private Equity Round - Wananchi | Valuation | Altice , Liberty Global | |
| May, 2011 | Amount | Private Equity Round - Wananchi | Valuation | Oppenheimer Funds , Liberty Global |
|
| Jun, 2010 | Amount | Series A - Wananchi | Valuation |
investors |
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
Investors in Wananchi
Wananchi has secured backing from 8 investors, including institutional and venture fund investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Liberty Global, Altice and Helios Investment Partners. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Investment management and private equity in emerging markets.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Private equity investments are managed across multiple sectors by Helios.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Fixed-line, mobile, content, and media services are provided internationally.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
Investments & Acquisitions by Wananchi
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bionic investment advisor platform
|
2016 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 |
Financial Statements - Wananchi
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
|
| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
Wananchi Comparisons
Competitors of Wananchi
Wananchi operates in a dynamic and competitive business environment, facing competition from various established players and emerging companies in the market. The competitive landscape includes prominent companies such as KPN, Hong Kong Broadband Network, Orange Polska, Cogeco and British Telecom, among others. This competitive environment drives innovation, market differentiation, and strategic positioning as companies strive to capture market share and deliver value to their customers. Understanding the competitive dynamics is crucial for assessing market positioning, identifying growth opportunities, and navigating the challenges inherent in a competitive marketplace.
| Company Name | Domain | Founded year | HQ Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Mobile and fixed-line telecommunication services are provided across Europe.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Provider of fibre optic broadband internet services
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Telephony, internet, and data transmission services are provided in Poland.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Fiber-optic internet, TV, and fixed-line telephone services provider
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Provider of mobile phones and fiber broadband services for home & business
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Wireless, TV, internet, and media services are provided across Canada.
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| Company Name | Domain | Founded year | HQ Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.
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Latest news on Wananchi
Frequently Asked Questions about Wananchi
When was Wananchi founded?
Wananchi was founded in 2008 and raised its 1st funding round 1 year after it was founded.
Where is Wananchi located?
Wananchi is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
Is Wananchi a funded company?
Wananchi is a funded company, having raised a total of $231.34M across 4 funding rounds to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Series A of $18.84M, raised on Sep 22, 2009.
What does Wananchi do?
Wananchi, founded in 2008 in Nairobi, Kenya, focuses on providing telecom services, media and telecom, integrated services, and provider solutions. Delivers integrated media and telecommunications services to consumers. The company is dedicated to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, ensuring sustainable practices and long-term success in its sectors.
Who are Wananchi's investors?
Wananchi has 8 investors. Key investors include Liberty Global, Altice, Helios Investment Partners, Axian Telecom, and Oppenheimer Funds.