Startups target payments, legal workflows and climate risks with specialised tech solutions

A new wave of startups across fintech, artificial intelligence, agriculture and legal technology is reshaping how businesses operate, offering more specialised solutions to longstanding operational challenges.

In software development, CodeFundi is targeting a problem often overlooked in the tech ecosystem: the long-term maintenance of code.

Founded in 2023 by software engineer Felix Waweru, the company focuses on the stages that come after code is written—testing, debugging, documentation and ongoing updates.

Its platform integrates directly into existing codebases, allowing developers to interact with projects in plain language without switching tools.

By structuring its system around multiple AI “roles” rather than a single assistant, CodeFundi aims to mirror how engineering teams actually work.

The startup reports early traction, with users across dozens of countries and partnerships with major cloud providers, though it remains self-funded.

In the legal sector, VerdictAI is building tools tailored specifically to personal injury law, a niche often underserved by broader legal software.

Founded by Texas-based attorney Sophia Snomi, the platform automates much of the administrative workload that slows down legal teams.

From client intake and case tracking to settlement negotiations, the system is designed to streamline processes that can consume hours of manual effort weekly. Industry estimates suggest lawyers spend up to 20 hours per week on client updates alone.

VerdictAI aims to cut overall case timelines by as much as 40 percent. The company is currently in private beta, working with selected legal teams as it refines the product.

Cross-border payments remain a persistent challenge in Africa, particularly between African countries and global trade partners.

Ubuntu X, launched in 2025, is attempting to simplify these transactions by linking local payment systems directly with international networks.

Founded by a team including Manuel Songfack and Njinowo Brandon, the platform connects mobile money services such as MTN and Orange Money with destinations like China’s Alipay and Nigerian banking systems.

Transactions are typically completed within minutes, addressing delays and high costs associated with traditional remittance channels.

Early data shows a significant portion of its transaction volume involves payments from African countries to China, highlighting demand tied to trade. The company plans to expand its offerings to include virtual cards and cryptocurrency services.

In agriculture, Clisense is focusing on the growing impact of climate change on smallholder farmers. Founded by Ayomide Agbaje, the startup uses satellite data and climate analytics to provide actionable farming advice.

Rather than offering raw forecasts, it translates weather patterns into practical guidance, such as when to plant or harvest.

Recognising that many farmers lack access to smartphones or stable internet, Clisense delivers updates through SMS and voice messages in local languages.

This approach has allowed it to reach users in regions where digital adoption remains uneven. Though still early-stage, with a relatively small user base, the company is positioning itself for expansion as climate risks continue to affect agricultural productivity across Africa.

Across these startups, a common theme is the move away from generic, one-size-fits-all platforms toward highly specialised tools built around real-world workflows.

Whether in law, agriculture, finance or software development, founders are drawing from direct experience to design products that address specific inefficiencies.

While many of the companies remain in early stages, their focus on practical problem-solving and localised solutions reflects a broader shift in the startup ecosystem.

Rather than competing solely on scale, these ventures are differentiating themselves through depth—targeting defined user groups and building products tailored to their needs.

As funding environments tighten globally, this kind of focused innovation may prove critical in determining which startups are able to grow sustainably.