Boehringer Ingelheim has announced three new impact investments through its Social Engagement Fund, marking a fresh commitment to tackling critical healthcare challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. The beneficiaries—Kasha Global, Reach52, and Dawa Mkononi—are social startups building innovative solutions for affordable and accessible healthcare on the continent.
The investments form part of the German pharmaceutical giant’s broader sustainability goal to improve the lives of 50 million people worldwide by 2030. The Social Engagement Fund—part of the company’s “Making More Health” initiative, co-founded with Ashoka—provides patient capital and strategic collaboration to health-focused social businesses operating in underserved regions.
“We are delighted to invest in three additional startups that deliver a strong impact to communities across Africa,” said Ilka Wicke, Director Sustainability Social at Boehringer Ingelheim. “These partnerships reflect our belief that sustainable healthcare solutions are best built through collaboration—with local innovators who understand the needs on the ground and with global partners who can help scale their vision.”
The Three Startups
Kasha Global, founded in Rwanda and now operating across East Africa, combines e-commerce with local distribution networks to deliver medicines and health products—particularly those focused on women’s health—to low-income and last-mile communities.
“Kasha is excited to partner with Boehringer in our shared mission of realizing last-mile access to health products for the mass market,” said Joanna Bischel, Kasha’s founder and CEO.
Reach52, headquartered in Singapore with strong operations in rural Asia and Africa, delivers digital health services and medicine access through community agents and mobile platforms. The new funding will support its expansion into Kenya.
“Having mission-aligned investors that truly care about health impact and sustainable business is critical,” said founder Edward Booty.
Dawa Mkononi, based in Tanzania, uses a data-driven supply chain model to reduce drug stockouts at local pharmacies. Its platform enables pharmacies to order essential medicines via mobile and get them delivered quickly on credit.
“Running a supply chain in developing regions is incredibly costly and challenging. Having risk-tolerant and patient financing, like the loan we have with Boehringer, gives us the breathing room to steadily grow,” said founder Joseph Paul.
These investments come at a time when Africa’s healthcare system is under increasing strain. According to Health Policy Watch, more than half of Africans—approximately 615 million people—lack access to the care they need. Meanwhile, counterfeit or substandard medicines account for up to 22.6% of all drugs on the continent, contributing to nearly 500,000 deaths annually, according to the OCCRP.
The startups chosen by Boehringer are focused on addressing exactly these fault lines: affordable distribution, last-mile access, and pharmaceutical integrity.
Corporate Venture with a Conscience
The Social Engagement Fund forms part of a wider €50m Boehringer Ingelheim pledge to support social entrepreneurs globally. Launched in 2021, it provides non-traditional financing models—such as concessional loans and revenue-based investments—to plug the financing gap for early-stage social businesses beyond what conventional grants or equity rounds can offer.
Crucially, this initiative also supports long-term co-creation: Boehringer employees work directly with social startups through its Making More Health accelerator, offering business expertise alongside capital.“Startups often need more than just funding,” said Michael Schmelmer, Boehringer board member, when the initiative launched. “We aim to provide both financial and non-financial support through complementary partners.”
“Startups often need more than just funding,” said Michael Schmelmer, Boehringer board member, when the initiative launched. “We aim to provide both financial and non-financial support through complementary partners.”
What’s Next?
Boehringer says its investment teams will continue working hand-in-hand with the three new startups to scale their models across Africa. The company also invites global partners and stakeholders to its annual Making More Health Together summit later this year, where impact reports and new collaborations will be unveiled.
With this new round of funding, Boehringer Ingelheim is doubling down on its belief that innovation from the ground up—powered by local insight and supported by global infrastructure—can move the dial in global health equity.
To learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim’s Social Engagement Fund or register for the Making More Health Together 2025 convention, visit: www.makingmorehealth.com