In a landmark celebration of innovation, resilience, and digital transformation, Verto has announced the winners of the inaugural Verto Awards 2025, recognising the most promising early-stage startups driving Africa’s fintech, agritech, healthtech, and climate-tech evolution. The awards culminated in a vibrant gala event in Nairobi, where USD15,000 in cash prizes was awarded to three ventures selected for their ingenuity, impact, and potential for global scalability.
Grofunder Africa Ltd, a peer-to-peer agri-financing platform enabling investment in smallholder commercial farmers, was crowned overall winner, taking home the grand prize of USD10,000.
Train Your Brain (TYB), a tech-enabled mental health platform offering accessible therapy services across Africa, secured the 1st Runner-Up position with USD3,000.
The 2nd Runner-Up award, accompanied by USD2,000, went to Green Voyage, a climate-tech startup enabling organisations to manage, verify, and monetise carbon offset projects.
Drawn from a highly competitive pool of applicants from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, the finalists exemplified strong market traction, innovative business models, and high potential for scalable, sustainable impact. The awards, launched on February 6th, 2025, targeted startups operational for at least two years and addressing critical challenges across finance, agriculture, health, climate, and digital commerce.
Grofunder impressed judges with its pioneering role in unlocking financial access for farmers and strengthening agricultural value chains. Train Your Brain earned accolades for its technology-first approach to tackling Africa’s mental health gap, while Green Voyage stood out for offering measurable, technology-driven climate solutions.
Commenting on this win, Kelvin Dol, CEO of Grofunder Africa Ltd, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “This award is a powerful validation of our mission to bridge the financing gap for smallholder commercial farmers. At Grofunder, we believe agriculture can fuel Africa’s economic transformation when farmers are empowered with the right financial tools. The support from Verto helps accelerate that vision and brings us one step closer to creating a thriving, inclusive agricultural ecosystem.”
A panel of leading investors and digital economy experts judged the startups based on innovation, demonstrated need, sustainability, scalability, and social impact. “Every finalist demonstrated remarkable ambition and technical clarity, making the judging process both exciting and extremely competitive,” says Arthur Chupeau, Managing Partner, Baobab Network, and a member of the judging panel. “The impact-driven mindset we have seen is exactly what will drive the next wave of transformative African businesses.”
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Ola Oyetayo, CEO and Co-founder of Verto, has praised the exceptional calibre of ventures showcased this year. “This inaugural edition of the Verto Awards has revealed just how much innovation, resilience, and global ambition exist within Africa’s early-stage startup ecosystem. The calibre of founders we have seen this year has been exceptional. As these businesses grow, expand, and strengthen international ties, we remain committed to providing the financial infrastructure that helps turn their global ambitions into reality.”
Ross Alwala, Founder of Train Your Brain (TYB), celebrated the recognition of mental health innovation. “We are honoured to be recognised in a space that is often overlooked yet deeply needed. Train Your Brain was built to make mental health support accessible, affordable, and stigma-free for all Africans. This award strengthens our resolve to scale our impact and bring quality care to millions who need it.”
On his part, Dennis Ngige, Founder of Green Voyage, highlighted the importance of climate-tech solutions. “Climate action requires reliable, technology-driven tools that help organisations measure and monetise their environmental commitments. Being recognised by Verto affirms the urgency of what we are building. This award motivates us to push further in enabling credible, transparent carbon offset ecosystems across Africa.”
