Rwazi, a startup tackling the lack of real-time consumer insights in emerging markets, has raised a $12 million Series A round led by Bonfire Ventures.
The company, co-founded by Joseph Rutakangwa and Eric Sewankambo in 2021, helps global brands understand consumer behavior using AI-powered data from 190 countries.
Why it matters
While developed markets have robust data ecosystems, countries like India, Brazil, Turkey, and much of Africa often lack timely and reliable consumer insights.
Rwazi is aiming to close that gap using what it calls zero-party data — voluntarily shared consumption data, captured in real time with advanced verification systems.
The backstory:
- Rutakangwa spent nearly a decade searching for accurate consumer insight tools.
- After realizing government and third-party data was outdated or fragmented, he decided to build his own.
- Rwazi previously raised $4M in seed funding in 2022, also led by Bonfire Ventures.
How it works
Rwazi offers businesses real-time visibility into how consumers behave across global markets — helping them anticipate trends, reduce acquisition costs, and build loyalty.
Clients include Coca-Cola, Pampers, Visa, and Nestle, according to the company.
What’s next:
- The new funding will be used to scale Rwazi’s AI co-pilot and grow its engineering team.
- The startup is focused on expanding its reach in the U.S. and Europe while continuing to refine infrastructure for real-time, actionable insights.
What they’re saying:
“Winning today means anticipating shifts, seeing around corners, and making confident moves before the competition even senses a change,” Rutakangwa told TechCrunch.
The big picture
As brands seek to understand diverse markets, tools like Rwazi’s could become crucial for navigating shifting global consumer patterns.
Source: Techcrunch
