Showmax Launches in 36 Sub Saharan Countries

Just a few months after Netflix launched in African countries, one of its competitors, Showmax has followed in its footsteps and launched in 36 Sub Saharan countries. Showmax, which was launched last year in August and which is backed by Napsers will for $7.99 per month, provide unlimited viewing  Internet TV services with approximately 15,000 TV show episodes. Barron Ernst, Chief Product Officer for Showmax said: “The speed and cost of connectivity are significant hurdles for any internet-based service in Africa. Getting it right means you’ve got to do much…

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Yahoo-backed E-commerce search startup Twiggle gets $12.5M Series A Funding led by Naspers

E-commerce operator Naspers led a $12.5 million investment that Twiggle will use to expand globally. (Bloomberg)—A Yahoo Japan-backed Israeli startup, Twiggle, has lined up a funding round led by Naspers Ltd., the Cape Town, South Africa-based group known for its early investment in Chinese e-commerce site Tencent Holdings Ltd. Twiggle, a web- and mobile-based service focused on search, aims to license its software to leading online retailing companies around the world and will use the $12.5 million in funding to expand globally. Using machine learning, artificial intelligence and natural language…

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