Cape Town's Yazi Secures First Institutional Funding to Scale AI-Powered WhatsApp Research
Yazi, a Cape Town-based AI platform using WhatsApp for customer insights, has secured its first institutional funding. The round was led by 3 Capital Ventures, with support from three other investors. This investment aims to speed up the company's growth in a market worth $153 billion.
The startup, founded by Tim Treagus and Mzwandile Sotsaka, helps businesses gather feedback from hard-to-reach respondents. With WhatsApp's 3.2 billion users, Yazi removes barriers like app downloads or email requirements, making research simpler and more inclusive.
Yazi's journey began with early funding from an unexpected source—Tim Treagus' wife, Emma. She filled financial gaps when the company struggled to attract investors. Despite setbacks, including Meta shutting down Yazi's WhatsApp number three times, the team persisted and refined their product.
The platform now serves major clients such as Old Mutual, Pick n Pay, Capitec, Discovery, and Ipsos. Over 65% of its revenue comes from international markets, proving its global appeal. Mzwandile Sotsaka, Yazi's co-founder, played a key role by impressing clients with his technical skills and fast product development.
With a small but dedicated team of seven, Yazi has positioned itself as a leader in WhatsApp-native research. The new funding will help scale operations and strengthen its foothold in an industry that has barely explored messaging platforms for insights.
The investment round in 2023 included 468 Capital, 6th Sense Ventures, and 8VC alongside 3 Capital Ventures. This financial backing is expected to accelerate expansion and solidify Yazi's reputation as an innovator in customer research.
The funding will allow Yazi to grow its AI-driven platform and reach more businesses worldwide. By leveraging WhatsApp's vast user base, the company continues to break down traditional research barriers. Its success so far suggests a promising future in a largely untapped market.
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