Latitude59 Kenya 2025 closed on a historic note after facilitating its first-ever live syndicated investment by the Nairobi Business Angel Network (NaiBAN), marking a major milestone for Africa’s startup ecosystem and Estonia’s growing innovation footprint on the continent.
The third edition of the global startup conference drew 2,500 founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders from 50 countries, firmly positioning Nairobi as a rising hub for global innovation and cross-border capital. The event underscored its core mission transforming relationships into real investment and scaling ideas beyond borders.
This year’s conference focused on Digital and Green Innovation, aligning Africa’s fast-growing tech ecosystem with sustainable and inclusive digital transformation.
The program connected African founders with global capital, expertise, and networks, while offering policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders a platform to co-create solutions for long-term impact.
The highlight of the event was the Latitude59 Pitch Competition, which attracted 222 applications from 27 countries. The competition was won by Mediakits, a startup building a simple, real-time analytics platform that helps influencers create custom online media kits.
As part of the win, Mediakits.io earned a round-trip ticket to Latitude59 Tallinn 2026, a conference booth, and a fast-track to Estonia’s Pitch Competition pre-finals.
In a historic first, the competition also produced a live USD 50,000 syndicated investment by NaiBAN, awarded on stage.
“This year’s competition was truly special. For the first time in Latitude59 Kenya’s history, a syndicated Nairobi Business Angel Network investment was born on this stage. We’ve worked towards this moment for three years.
It proves what Latitude59 is really about, investing in relationships and building a real community,” said Liisi Org, CEO of Latitude59.
Kaspar Kitsing, Project Lead for Latitude59 Africa, emphasized the long-term commitment behind the Nairobi edition.
“We are here to stay. Our goal is to dig deeper, learn more, and continue to build the local ecosystem. This week proved that when our ecosystems meet as equals, the boundaries of what’s possible disappear,” he said.
Nick Vilelle, Founder of NaiBAN, described the competition as highly competitive.
“Choosing only one team for the USD 50,000 investment was really hard. The finalists didn’t just pitch, they performed with confidence, courage, and real belief in what they’re building. We are excited to see how PaydHQ joins this journey,” he added.
Beyond the main investment, several startups received strategic support packages. Vertical Lake was awarded a Commercial Due Diligence and Fundraising Preparation package by Adoptomedia, while LOOP Pet Food and Acre Insights received Go-to-Market Strategy for Investors awards. Beba-Beggie, PaydHQ, and ProPath Sports were also granted WOJO co-working memberships.
The Nairobi edition brought together nearly 200 investors and close to 900 startups, reinforcing its growing influence in the global innovation landscape.
Latitude59 Kenya 2025 was delivered in partnership with ESTDEV through the Digital and Green Innovation (DGI) Program, part of the European Union’s D4D Hub Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative. Other strategic partners included Civitta, Smart Africa, Belva, KOOD, the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), and Fienta.