What is BRCK?
BRCK is a pioneering hardware and services tech company operating out of Nairobi, Kenya. It distinguishes itself as one of the first entities in East Africa to undertake ground-up design and engineering of consumer electronics. The company's flagship product, the SupaBRCK, is a robust connectivity device engineered to function reliably in areas with intermittent electricity. This versatile device can support up to 40 connections and seamlessly switch between Ethernet, WiFi, and 3G/LTE networks. Since its initial shipments in July 2014, BRCK has achieved global reach, with thousands of units sold across 54 countries by February 2015. The company emerged as a spin-off from Ushahidi, a renowned Kenyan technology firm celebrated for its open-source software tools and impactful global solutions.
How much funding has BRCK raised?
BRCK has raised a total of $4.2M across 2 funding rounds:
Angel/Seed
$1.2M
Private Equity
$3M
Angel/Seed (2014): $1.2M with participation from Omvestments, Urban.us, and Investment Development
Private Equity (2016): $3M led by TED, MKS Alternative Investments, and Synergy Energy
Key Investors in BRCK
TED
TED, a non-profit organization founded in 1984, is dedicated to the dissemination of ideas through short talks, covering technology, entertainment, design, business, and global issues across multiple languages. Its involvement suggests a belief in BRCK's innovative approach and potential for global impact.
MKS Alternative Investments
MKS Alternative Investments is an investment firm that likely focuses on diverse alternative asset classes, potentially including technology and infrastructure projects. Their participation indicates a strategic interest in BRCK's unique market position and hardware solutions.
Synergy Energy
Synergy Energy, as suggested by its name, may focus on investments within the energy sector or companies that leverage energy efficiency and innovative power solutions. Their backing of BRCK could relate to the company's hardware's ability to operate with intermittent power.
What's next for BRCK?
The substantial enterprise-level funding and recent strategic investment signal a new phase of scaling and market expansion for BRCK. This capital infusion is expected to accelerate product development, enhance service offerings, and broaden the company's reach into new territories. BRCK's focus on resilient connectivity solutions positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for reliable internet access in emerging markets and challenging operational environments. The company's trajectory suggests a continued emphasis on innovation in hardware design and service delivery, aiming to solidify its position as a leader in connectivity technology.
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