A Nairobi-based venture studio, responsible for launching several high-impact regenerative tourism startups, has raised US$4.5 million in seed financing to further its aim to build a cutting-edge travel tech ecosystem in Africa.

Since its establishment, Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV) has launched five tech-driven startups in Kenya. These include destination marketing and travel publishing agency Nomad Africa; online booking platform Zafari; energy-efficient hospitality solutions provider PowerTrip; eco-friendly hospitality product supplier Kijani Supplies and conservation monitoring platform Join Africa.

Notable investors in the funding round were Clear Creek Investment, Klister Corp, Federico Pirzio-Biroli (Founder of Playfair Capital), social impact investor Anthony Rock and Ian McCaig (former CEO of online travel agency Lastminute.com).

PEV Co-Founder and CEO Ben Peterson said the funding would allow PEV to scale its portfolio of startups and launch new ventures focused on addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges.

“This funding is a testament to the untapped potential in African tourism innovation. With this support, we’re poised to revolutionise the industry through ground-breaking travel technology in Africa, fostering economic growth while preserving the continent’s incredible natural and cultural heritage. The future of sustainable tourism in Africa has never been brighter.”

Unlike traditional venture studios, PEV retains control and self-funds its startups, ensuring alignment with its long-term mission to advance tourism innovation funding and deliver transformative impacts.