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Jenga AI, a local startup with a vision for revolutionizing industry, is set to represent East Africa at the Datamellon AI Ignite Regional Finals in Marrakech.
This comes hot on the heels of their impressive victory at the East Africa Regional Finals held right here in Nairobi, proving that Kenyan innovation is ready to compete on a global stage.
Jenga AI’s story began with a simple question: Why should inefficiency be an accepted cost of doing business for subcontractors in commercial construction?
Founders Shayne and Nym, drawing on Nym’s experience as a large specialty contractor in New York City, recognized the immense waste of time and resources associated with manual bidding processes. With win rates typically hovering around 20%, estimators were spending 80% of their time on projects that never materialized.
This realization sparked the creation of JENGAI, an analytical CRM designed to empower subcontractors to focus on the right projects, avoid wasted time, and maximize their efforts.
So, what’s the Datamellon AI Ignite all about? It’s a program designed to supercharge promising AI startups. Think of it as a launchpad, offering a powerful combination of resources:
- Ksh 13 Million in Seed Funding (Equity-Free!): That’s a serious boost to get things moving.
- Ksh 260 Million Investment Fund Access: Top performers get a shot at even more funding to scale their operations.
- Silicon Valley Exposure: The chance to pitch to the big leagues – investors and tech gurus in the heart of Silicon Valley.
- Expert Mentorship: Eight weeks of guidance from industry veterans to refine their strategy and execution.
- Cutting-Edge Infrastructure: Access to Datamellon’s AI and cloud resources, essential for building and scaling their solutions.
Jenga AI’s win in Nairobi wasn’t just luck. It showcased the ingenuity and problem-solving skills that are becoming hallmarks of Kenyan startups.
Their innovative approach caught the judges’ attention, demonstrating the potential to create real impact and disrupt traditional industries. Now, as they prepare for Marrakech, they’re carrying the hopes of Kenya’s tech community with them.
This victory is a testament to the growing strength of Kenya’s tech ecosystem. We’re seeing a surge in talented developers, a supportive community of investors and mentors, and increasing access to the resources needed to build world-class companies.
Jenga AI’s success is a sign that Kenya is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the global AI landscape.
Programs like Datamellon AI Ignite are crucial for fueling this growth. They provide the capital, mentorship, and exposure that startups need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
By connecting Kenyan innovators with global networks, they’re helping to build a vibrant and competitive tech sector that can drive economic growth and create opportunities for Kenyans.
This is a chance to showcase Kenyan ingenuity to the world and attract even more investment and opportunities to our growing tech ecosystem.
Datamellon, with its strong presence across Africa, is a key partner in this journey. As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, they’re providing the essential infrastructure, expertise, and support needed to help Kenyan startups thrive.
