The Startup Ecosystem of Nairobi

Nairobi has 167 startups in our sample database which represents about 90% of Kenya’s sampled startups. Nairobi is the highest-ranked startup ecosystem in Kenya.

CITY RANKING

In 2023, the startup scene of Nairobi developed considerably and increased in the Global Ecosystem Index by 26 spots.

National Ranking

1st
0
In Kenya

Regional Ranking

1st
0
In Eastern Africa

Global Ranking

137th
+
26
Worldwide

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ECOSYSTEM

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Nairobi

Startups in Nairobi excel in Energy & Environment, Foodtech, and and Fintech. There are some notable success stories contributing to the city’s growing Energy & Environment industry. One of the most promising startups in Nairobi in 2023 is M-kopa, Cellulant, and Twiga Foods.

Global Rank

Nairobi is ranked within the top 150 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Nairobi’s startups excel particularly in Energy & Environment where it ranks 51 and in Foodtech, and Fintech. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in Kenya - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal ScoreQuantity ScoreQuality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
0
137th
+
25
5.185
00.00
00.00
00.00
2nd
0
937th
-
46
0.138
00.00
00.00
00.00
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Startups

Notable Startups in Nairobi
M-kopa startup icon
M-kopa
Cellulant startup icon
Cellulant
Twiga Foods startup icon
Twiga Foods

Startups

Successful Energy & Environment startups in Nairobi
M-kopa startup icon
M-kopa
Sistema.bio startup icon
Sistema.bio
Powergen Renewable Energy startup icon
Powergen Renewable Energy

Startups

Startups Ranking by Industry

Energy & Environment icon
Energy & Environment
#51 worldwide

On our map, you can explore a total of 43 startups for Energy & Environment.

Foodtech icon
Foodtech
#54 worldwide

The Foodtech industry in Nairobi is ranked 54 globally. There are 32 startups for Foodtech on our sample database and map.

Fintech icon
Fintech
#65 worldwide

Fintech is ranked 65th in the world. Our database contains 18 startups for this industry.

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Nairobi's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Nairobi there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Energy & Environment, Foodtech, Fintech. These three industries represent about 56% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Nairobi.

1st

National Rank

1st

Regional Rank

Overview

Nairobi is Kenya's 1st best startup ecosystem and is ranked 1st in Eastern Africa. With a population of 2M - 10M people, Nairobi is ranked 137th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including M-kopa and its startup ecosystem infrastructure is strengthened by organizations such as M-Pesa and Regus - Nairobi, West Midlands Museum Hill.

ECOSYSTEM
Startup Infrastructure in Nairobi
With a large variety of initiatives, Nairobi's startup ecosystem stands out from other cities in Eastern Africa. Nairobi offers a number of funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups. Below is a list of Nairobi's most prominent support initiatives:

Accelerators

The Baobab Network startup icon

The Baobab Network

Catalyst Fund startup icon

Catalyst Fund

E4Impact Accelerator startup icon

E4Impact Accelerator

Coworking Spaces

Regus - Nairobi, Kenyatta Avenue startup icon

Regus - Nairobi, Kenyatta Avenue

Regus - Nairobi, West Midlands Museum Hill startup icon

Regus - Nairobi, West Midlands Museum Hill

Regus - Nairobi, Ushuru Pension Plaza startup icon

Regus - Nairobi, Ushuru Pension Plaza

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