Remoteli, a Ghanaian startup that connects African professionals with remote work opportunities, has raised $315,000 in funding from Jeremie Frimpong, a Dutch footballer who plays for Bayer Leverkusen.
The startup, which launched in 2020, aims to revolutionise the African employment landscape by providing access to quality jobs and skills development for talented individuals across the continent.
Remoteli uses advanced algorithms and data-driven insights to match African professionals with innovative companies that are looking for diverse and highly skilled remote workers.
The startup offers a range of services and tools to facilitate seamless collaboration between employers and employees, such as project management, communication, time tracking, and invoicing.
Remoteli also provides training and mentorship to its talent pool, helping them to improve their skills and grow their careers.
The startup claims to have a network of over 10,000 professionals from various fields, such as software development, design, marketing, and customer support.
Read also: CodeLn pays African Remote workers seamlessly
Remoteli is boosting the development of tools and resources
The $315,000 investment from Frimpong, who is also of Ghanaian descent, will help Remoteli to accelerate the development of its tools and resources, as well as expand its reach and impact.
Frimpong said he was impressed by Remoteli’s vision and mission and wanted to support the startup in creating more opportunities for African talent.
“I believe that Africa has a lot of potential and talent that deserves to be recognised and rewarded. Remoteli is doing a great job in connecting African professionals with global companies and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. I am happy to be part of their journey and to contribute to their growth,” he said.
Remoteli’s CEO, Samuel Brooksworth, said the startup was grateful for Frimpong’s support and trust, and that the investment would enable them to scale their operations and reach more customers and partners.
“These collaborations have enabled us to tap into existing networks, promote digital literacy, and create job opportunities for a diverse talent pool. We are excited to work with Frimpong and other investors who share our vision and values,” he said.
Joining a growing trend of footballers investing in African tech
Frimpong is not the first footballer to invest in an African tech startup. In fact, he is joining a growing trend of professional footballers who are backing innovative ventures on the continent.
In November last year, Disrupt Africa reported that StarNews Mobile, an Ivorian mobile video network, had secured $3 million in funding from a group of investors that included three French footballers: Aurelien Tchouameni, Jules Kounde and Mike Maignan of Excellence Sport Nation.
Other examples of footballers investing in African tech include Didier Drogba, who backed Jumia, Africa’s largest e-commerce platform, and Samuel Eto’o, who supported Africa Internet Group, the parent company of Jumia.
These investments show that footballers are interested not only in playing the game but also in supporting the development and growth of the African tech ecosystem.
Other African startups backed by footballers
There are several other African startups that have received funding from footballers in recent years. Some of them are:
Fanbants: A fantasy football platform that allows users to create and join leagues, compete with friends, and win prizes. It was backed by Nigerian and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in 20201.
Oja: An online grocery store that caters to African and Caribbean communities in the UK. It was backed by English and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling in 2020.
Bloom: A Sudanese fintech startup that offers digital banking and payment solutions. It was backed by French and Inter Miami midfielder Blaise Matuidi in 2021.
RRR Rams Holdings: A South African waste management company that provides recycling and disposal services. It was founded and backed by retired South African and Kaizer Chiefs striker Rudzani Ramudzuli in 2019.
These are some examples of how footballers are supporting the African tech ecosystem and creating social impact.