/Companies

MarketForce

YC S20

Nairobi, KE · Founded 2018 · 400 employees · 27 known investors

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MarketForce operates a platform connecting neighbourhood merchants across Sub-Saharan Africa with digital tools for inventory purchasing, payment collection, and access to credit and banking services. The platform also enables merchants to generate additional revenue by offering financial services like airtime, bill payments, and utility token sales to their customers.

Also known as MarketForce 360 · MarketForce360

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (S20)

MarketForce was founded in 2018 by Mesongo Sibuti and Tesh Mbaabu.

MSMesongo Sibuti
Mesongo SibutiCo-Founder / CTO2018–2023Mesongo Sibuti is a software architect with expertise in building technology platforms focused on B2B services and last-mile distribution logistics.
TMTesh Mbaabu
Tesh MbaabuCo-Founder & CEO2018–2023Tesh Mbaabu has built experience in business process automation and founding startups across African markets, with a focus on business development and partnerships.

Investors · 27

Chui VenturesreportedNairobi

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

EchoVC PartnersreportedLagos · $100K – $5M

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

for Africas FuturereportedSeattle

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

GHC Fintech SPVreportedSausalito

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Harambeans Prosperity Fundreported

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Kube VCreported

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Pani 101 Fundreported

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Rebel FundreportedSan Francisco · $100K – $5M

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Remapped Venturesreported

How we know: ventureburn.com · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Tomorrow Capreported

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

ViKtoria VenturesreportedNairobi

How we know: founder360mag.com · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Wisteria InvestmentsreportedOrinda

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Also in the syndicate · 4

Century Oak CapitalTen13 VCUncovered FundVu Ventures

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

$40M disclosed across 1 of 5 rounds · 2021–2023

Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.

Key figures

latest reported
HeadcountAug 2026190

Company-reported or press-reported figures, each dated to when it was claimed — not independently audited.

Founder mafia

2 people who came through MarketForce went on to found or lead other companies.

Related companies · 5

Companies working in the same space as MarketForce.

Frequently asked questions

What does MarketForce do?
MarketForce operates a platform connecting neighbourhood merchants across Sub-Saharan Africa with digital tools for inventory purchasing, payment collection, and access to credit and banking services. The platform also enables merchants to generate additional revenue by offering financial services like airtime, bill payments, and utility token sales to their customers.
Who founded MarketForce?
MarketForce was founded by Mesongo Sibuti, Tesh Mbaabu in 2018.
Who are MarketForce's investors?
MarketForce's investors include Flucas Ventures, Future Africa, Stonewater Ventures, V8 Capital Partners, Y Combinator, Chui Ventures, EchoVC Partners, for Africas Future and 15 more.
How much funding has MarketForce raised?
MarketForce has disclosed $40M raised across 1 of its 5 known rounds.
Where is MarketForce headquartered?
MarketForce is headquartered in Nairobi, KE.