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Startups
Funding, launches, acquisitions, founder stories
Updated as new coverage clears editorial validation.
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Startups
Xiaomi 18 Pro: What's Confirmed Before the Sept 23 Launch
Xiaomi will unveil the Xiaomi 18 Pro in China on September 23, 2026. The compact flagship is expected to keep the rear display, add a new Snapdragon chip, and pack a battery approaching 7,000mAh. Global availability remains unconfirmed.
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Nigeria's Phone Registry Could Make Smartphones Pricier
Nigeria's NCC is rolling out a Device Management System requiring IMEI registration before phones connect to networks. The policy targets stolen and unapproved imports, but traders and consumers worry about higher prices and harder repairs.
The AV Safety Question Nobody Can Answer Yet
There's still no standardized test for judging how self-driving systems perform in the real world. NHTSA and SAE launched ASCEND to build data-driven AV performance standards, while May Mobility bets Wall Street wants a pure-play robotaxi company.
FNB Connect CEO: Your Phone Is Now a Branch in Your Pocket
Sashin Sookroo, CEO of FNB Connect, explains how a bank turned connectivity into a R28.6 billion customer-value engine. The pitch: digital inclusion matters as much as financial inclusion, and the phone is where both happen.
Petlibro's AI Feeder Knows Which Cat Ate What
Petlibro's Granary 2 smart feeder series adds a built-in scale and, on pricier models, an AI camera that recognizes up to 10 cats and tracks each pet's eating habits. Four models range from $129.99 to $249.99, with advanced health tracking locked behind subscriptions.
Nigeria's Data Localisation Deadline Is a Stress Test for Fintech
Nigeria's January 1, 2027 payment data localisation deadline is forcing banks and fintechs to rethink storage, security and resilience. The challenge isn't just moving servers—it's rebuilding governance, auditing data pipelines and avoiding new concentration risks.
BuuPass and SafariBucks Team Up to End Africa's Border Payment Pain
Kenyan travel-booking startup BuuPass has partnered with Nairobi digital wallet SafariBucks to add cross-border payments for buses, flights and transfers. The integration also plugs into BuuPass' corporate platform Gavanpass, letting companies fund and track employee travel across currencies.
Central Eurasia's AI Startups Just Booked a Ticket to San Francisco
Cerberus, WeGlobal AI, and LOOQ won the Central Eurasia regional final of Road to TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2026. They'll pitch at Startup Battlefield 200 during TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this October.
South Africa Is Rewiring the Hidden Machinery of Payments
South Africa is overhauling who can offer payment services and how money moves behind the scenes. New rules could open doors for fintechs, but with stricter licensing, fraud and data requirements.
Pigee Acquires 55% of ShipAfrica to Crack African Logistics
US logistics-tech firm Pigee is acquiring a 55% stake in Nigerian startup ShipAfrica to gain a foothold in West Africa. The deal combines Pigee's software with ShipAfrica's local operations, aiming to ease cross-border trade costs. ShipAfrica keeps its name, CEO, and team.
Apple's Foldable Era Begins: iPhone Duo Leads Surprise and Shine
Apple finally enters the foldable market with the iPhone Duo, alongside new Pro iPhones, Watches, and AirPods. The event signals a shift to year-round releases and a bigger role for AI.
Meta's Muse AI Agent: A Bold Bet on Trust
Meta's new AI agent, Muse, automates tasks across email, calendars, payments, and more, requiring deep access to user data. This is a major test of consumer trust amid Meta's privacy history. Will its security promises and personalization win users over?