Drone delivery service Zipline raises $250mn to fund expansion

Zipline, the drone delivery service, has successfully raised over $250 million in a recapitalization process to fund its expansion efforts. The director for Africa at Zipline, Israel Bimpei, discussed the reasons behind the fundraising and the company's future plans in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Bimpei emphasized the need for continuous investment and expansion, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic. The funds will be used to enhance Zipline's capabilities and scale its footprint across various countries in Africa and around the world. The company aims to improve its services in existing markets such as Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and the US, while also venturing into new territories. Zipline has revolutionized healthcare and medical product delivery systems, prompting the need for its services in more countries. The company acknowledges the importance of staying focused on health access but also sees potential opportunities in industries like nutrition and agriculture. With a total raise of over $456 million since its inception, Zipline is determined to continue making a transformative impact in the healthcare sector. The company's recent financing round saw participation from strategic investors, although details about the equity distribution were not disclosed. Israel Bimpei hinted at the possibility of exploring new markets and enhancing Zipline's product offerings in the future. Zipline's partnership with Toyota Group in Japan highlights the company's expansion strategy, as it aims to establish distribution centers across the country in collaboration with a renowned industry player. The move reflects Zipline's commitment to scaling its operations efficiently and learning from diverse markets and partners. Despite its remarkable growth and success, Zipline remains humble about its achievements and emphasizes the need for ongoing innovation and improvement. By leveraging local talent and government support, the company has been able to thrive and expand its reach across Africa and beyond. Zipline's journey from a startup in Rwanda to a global player in drone delivery serves as an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs on the continent. The company's forward-thinking approach and willingness to push boundaries have set a new standard for innovation in the African business landscape. With plans to further diversify its services and explore new opportunities, Zipline is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare industry and beyond.