New startups are cropping up across different countries each week, with many aiming to become the next major player in the global business space. The fast pace at which things are changing around the globe has given birth to a mindset that encourages creative thinking and business solutions tailored to meet the specific demands of both companies and individual consumers.
With so many innovations emerging constantly, it has become increasingly hard for investors and tech enthusiasts to keep up with fresh entrants into the business space. That’s why this compilation of 20 startups you may not have encountered yet is worth paying attention to.
As a show of support for emerging businesses, we’re offering a 50% discount on Hi5 for your first six months—unlimited users included. Find out more here.
VALR is South Africa’s crypto powerhouse, making waves globally (Photo: Twitter)
This list is arranged without any ranking.
Fintech
Any proper list of startups would be incomplete without mentioning those in financial technology. Startups in this area are working tirelessly to improve how money moves, targeting both individual users and corporate structures.
They’re addressing specific needs within digital transactions and are helping reshape how earnings, savings, and transfers are managed across digital platforms.
1. Rewire (International Money Transfers)
People who move abroad for employment often need to send money back home. This common need has led to a growing demand for simpler ways to handle cross-border transactions. Rewire was built to tackle this challenge.
As an online financial platform, Rewire allows migrant workers to send money to their loved ones instantly. This helps remove traditional banking barriers and makes financial services more inclusive and practical.
2. Payoneer (International Money Transfers)
Payoneer serves a broader group of users, including digital freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and online marketers, by offering a global financial transfer service similar to Rewire.
Founded in Israel, Payoneer began trading on Nasdaq on 28 June 2021. That same year, the company anticipated revenue of $432 billion, marking a dramatic rise from the $94.7 million they made in 2020. As remote work continues to grow, the company’s current upward trend shows no signs of slowing down.
3. VALR (Cryptocurrency Exchange)
Even if you’ve never owned Bitcoin, you’ve likely heard endless debates about crypto. VALR is a cryptocurrency exchange based in South Africa that deserves attention.
In collaboration with Bittrex, a major American blockchain platform, VALR enjoys top-notch security and supports over 50 types of cryptocurrencies. Their competitive withdrawal fees and broad trading options make them the leading exchange in South Africa and one of the largest globally.
Artificial Intelligence
Businesses are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to streamline their operations and improve outcomes. From automation to advanced data analysis, AI is being applied in areas ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.
The companies listed below are using AI in unique and transformative ways.
4. Envisionit Deep AI (Medical Treatment)
This startup, based in South Africa, has developed advanced technology that assists medical professionals in diagnosing health issues by analysing X-ray images through their product, RADIFY AI.
Their solution has already proven effective in identifying chest issues from diseases like tuberculosis and COVID-19, as well as detecting signs of breast cancer through mammograms.
5. Wasteless (Retail Waste Management)
Wasteless helps supermarkets and online grocery stores cut down on food waste by using AI to adjust prices dynamically. This helps businesses improve profit margins while also contributing to environmental protection and better food resource management.
6. Audioburst (Audio Library)
Audioburst offers a new way to access audio content by using AI to index clips from radio, podcasts, and television. Users can easily search and retrieve audio content through this platform.
Big brands such as Hyundai, Samsung, and Flipboard have already integrated Audioburst to enrich their services with voice-based content.
7. Neurala (Manufacturing Automation)
Neurala brings efficiency to the manufacturing industry by using visual AI tools to detect faults or inconsistencies in products. This leads to better quality control and faster production times.
They’ve designed a cost-friendly system that can be deployed on cloud platforms or within local facilities, making it ideal for manufacturers aiming for smarter inspection solutions.
8. Tessian (Cybersecurity)
Tessian focuses on strengthening the security of corporate emails. Their AI tools can detect threats such as human error, which often leads to data leaks or cyber breaches.
Their technology prevents issues like sending sensitive data to the wrong person or clicking on harmful email attachments, all while letting daily work routines continue without major disruptions.
Blockchain-Based
The future of money moves faster with Rewire’s seamless transfers (Photo: Alamy)
As people increasingly place value on decentralised systems and secure transactions, interest in blockchain technology keeps expanding. Early movers in this sector are creating fresh ways to engage with data, investments, and online ownership.
9. Molecule (Drug & Pharmaceutical Research)
Molecule is changing how new medicines are developed by linking early-stage biopharma research to investors using digital assets called NFTs.
Through their platform, intellectual property rights for medical treatments are turned into NFTs, allowing individuals to contribute to medical research and even participate in the growth of a potential cure. This makes access to research investment more democratic and has the power to reduce costs and time involved in bringing treatments to the public.
“Our central idea is to imagine a system where medicines belong to patients instead of being controlled by pharmaceutical giants,” says Tyler Golato, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder.
10. Dapper Labs (Games & Entertainment)
Dapper Labs is leveraging blockchain to make gaming and entertainment more transparent and fair. They aim to promote the adoption of blockchain through games and digital collectibles.
Their projects include CryptoKitties and Cheeze Wizards, along with sports NFTs from the NBA and UFC. They also developed their own blockchain system known as Flow. Investors backing Dapper Labs include big names from Dreamworks, Reddit, and Google Ventures, which suggests they’re on course for long-term expansion.
11. Mythical Games (Game Developers)
Mythical Games is a pioneer in creating games that allow real ownership through blockchain and NFTs. They’re led by individuals with years of experience from top gaming firms, meaning their future products are worth watching.
Their flagship game, Blankos Block Party, is already available for early access. They’re also working on building a platform for digital transactions and new tools to help developers design innovative games.
Advertising/Marketing
Companies that want to boost their presence and revenue are constantly on the lookout for creative marketing solutions. The following startups are offering tools that businesses can use to enhance visibility and generate more income.
12. Funnel (Data Analysis)
When businesses advertise on several platforms, collecting all the analytics becomes a challenge. Each tool presents its data differently, which can be confusing.
Funnel helps solve this by gathering all marketing data into one place, giving users a clearer picture of their performance. It’s especially useful for marketers, analysts, and IT departments who need to work with detailed campaign data.
13. Hopin (Online Event Solution)
Hopin wants virtual events to match the quality and outcomes of in-person gatherings. Their platform provides organisers with tools to run both online and offline events seamlessly.
It has already been used for a range of purposes, including networking meetups, digital trade shows, online education, and professional workshops.
14. ironSource (Mobile Advertising)
ironSource helps developers grow their mobile apps into successful ventures. Their system supports monetisation, user engagement, data analytics, and discovery solutions.
Due to the growing popularity of mobile apps, ironSource has seen massive growth, leading to its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange on 29 June.
