In Nairobi, Kenya’s mobility platform BuuPass has secured a strategic investment from Yango Ventures, the venture capital arm of global ride-hailing and technology conglomerate Yango Group.
While the startup has kept the financial terms undisclosed, the deal represents a major milestone for BuuPass, which has quickly emerged as a key player in Africa’s fast-growing digital transportation ecosystem.
Its regional expansion gained momentum following the 2023 acquisition of South Africa-based QuickBus, a move that came shortly after BuuPass closed a $1.3 million pre-seed funding round.
Yango Ventures’ investment is part of a broader $20 million fund launched in April to support early-stage African startups. The firm has expressed long-term interest in the continent, with Yango Group CEO Daniil Shuleyko emphasizing that the initiative extends beyond financial capital to include strategic partnerships and technical assistance.
We are more than just a tech company; we are an ecosystem committed to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide,” said Shuleyko. “Through Yango Ventures, we’re sharing our expertise and network to help startups scale, thrive, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
About BuuPass?
Founded in 2016 by Sonia Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass operates a B2B2C ticketing marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book intercity travel tickets via web, mobile app, or USSD. The startup also offers a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform that allows transport operators to manage bookings, inventory, and payments efficiently.
To date, the platform has sold over 16 million tickets and processed more than $100 million in gross merchandise value. It has gained notable recognition through its participation in the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and support from the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, reinforcing its credibility and growth potential.
What is B2B2C Model
B2B2C stands for Business-to-Business-to-Consumer, a model where a company sells products or services to another business (B2B), which in turn offers those services to the end consumer (B2C).
In BuuPass’ case, the startup provides a ticketing and operations platform to bus companies (B2B), which then sell travel tickets to customers through BuuPass’ digital channels (B2C). This layered structure enhances efficiency and accessibility for both operators and travelers.
Who is Yango Ventures?
Yango Ventures, launched in March 2025, is the corporate venture capital arm of Yango Group, a global tech powerhouse headquartered in Dubai. The fund began with US $20 million in capital, targeting early-stage startups, from Seed to Series B, in high-growth sectors such as online-to-offline (O2O) services, B2B SaaS, and financial technology.
Its regional focus spans Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, MENAP, and other emerging markets. Yango Ventures brings more than just capital, leveraging the parent group’s global expertise in mobility, AI, fintech, entertainment, and logistics to offer operational guidance and mentorship.
Why This Investment Matters
BuuPass has already achieved remarkable traction, with over 16 million tickets sold, $100 million in sales, and successful regional expansion through acquisitions. Now, with Yango Ventures’ financial and strategic backing, the startup is poised for accelerated growth and potential entry into adjacent verticals such as logistics and broader mobility solutions.
The investment also marks a strong signal of growing international confidence in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
A Boost for Africa’s Startup Ecosystem
Experts view Yango Ventures’ entry into Africa as a strategic turning point for early-stage startups. Beyond capital, the firm provides access to global resources, mentorship, and operational infrastructure, critical elements that African founders often lack.
By supporting sectors like mobility, fintech, and SaaS, Yango Ventures is helping close infrastructure gaps, create jobs, and drive inclusive digital growth. Analysts suggest that such partnerships represent a rare opportunity for local startups to tap into a globally connected ecosystem equipped with both technological depth and a long-term growth mindset.
Ultimately, Yango Ventures is playing a catalytic role in strengthening Africa’s innovation pipeline, enabling a more connected, competitive, and resilient tech ecosystem capable of powering the continent’s digital future.
Talking Point
What sets this deal apart is the depth of non-financial value it brings. Yango Ventures is not just writing cheques, it’s offering operational expertise, strategic mentorship, and access to global markets.
This kind of support is critical for African startups that often struggle with weak infrastructure, limited mentorship, and fragmented expansion paths. For BuuPass others, this could mean accelerated entry into new mobility and logistics verticals, powered by insights from Yango’s operations in similar emerging markets.
More broadly, the partnership showcases a welcome evolution in Africa’s venture capital landscape, one rooted in sustainability and shared growth.
It sets a new benchmark for early-stage investment: not just funding, but founder enablement, ecosystem building, and long-term value creation. If this model is replicated, it could reshape the narrative around African tech—from risky and experimental to resilient, scalable, and globally competitive.
