Since 2015, Villgro Kenya has been successfully supporting entrepreneurs and innovators in the health and life science sectors. During this period the organization has received hundreds of applications and provided approximately $1M in early-stage seed funding across 20 companies in Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. With the onset of Covid-19 and the growing demand from health-focused entrepreneurs across the continent, Villgro will now be expanding its services across Africa.
As the organization prepares for the next stage of growth and impact, the team is excited to announce some internal changes that will allow the organization to capitalize on the opportunities that are emerging.
Beginning July 1st, Dr. Robert Karanja will “pass the CEO baton” to Mr. Wilfred Njagi, who is currently a co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Villgro Kenya. Dr. Karanja has very successfully led the expansion effort of Villgro into Kenya and will now become Chief Research Officer (CRO) and will be leveraging his deep roots in academia, research, and impact investment to catalyze these sectors towards increasing opportunities to entrepreneurs and innovators across the continent.
Dr. Karanja has shared his thoughts and lessons learned during his tenure as CEO of Villgro Kenya. Wilfred Njagi has been with Villgro Kenya since the inception, prior to which he spent a year as a Fellow with Villgro Innovations Foundation in India. Mr. Njagi has deep roots and experience in the social enterprise ecosystem having also spent 10 years in Tech startups, Business Development, Social Entrepreneurship, Impact Investing & Incubation support.
“The Villgro Africa team is young, dynamic, and committed to providing more opportunities for African entrepreneurs and innovators. This expansion has been growing organically as the team is already supporting early-stage companies in Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. It is truly inspiring to formalize this with the planned launch of Villgro Africa and see even greater impact throughout the continent“ says Rob Beyer, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Villgro Kenya.
As Villgro plans the expansion efforts across the continent they will be welcoming collaborators who share a vision of enhancing the livelihoods of those at the base of the economic pyramid through a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Villgro Africa will provide access to the proven Villgro Incubation model and expertise as they endeavor to work with local incubators, innovation hubs, challenge funds, and research bodies that strengthen capacities within individual countries.
“For more information and/or to explore collaborations please contact [email protected].