Global artisan economy expansion backed by Shoptreo's seed funding on a global scale, focusing on Aba.
In a significant move for the African e-commerce landscape, Shoptreo, a Nigerian startup focused on digitizing informal artisanal supply chains, has secured investment from Rebel Seed Capital. This investment will enable Shoptreo to expand its platform, helping artisans digitize and export their handcrafted goods to international markets.
Based in Aba, Nigeria, and the U.S., Shoptreo offers a suite of digital tools to artisans, including digital storefronts, inventory and order management features, built-in logistics and payment solutions, and inventory financing options. This enables artisan-led businesses to more effectively meet global demand and access underserved production ecosystems like the Aba Artisanal Leather Cluster.
Informal manufacturing hubs like the Aba leather sector often face challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, inadequate financing, and restricted export access. Recognizing the immense untapped potential of these sectors, Emeka Okoye, Managing Partner at Rebel Seed Capital, believes the Aba Artisanal Leather Cluster can become a powerful engine for wealth creation through digital transformation.
Shoptreo's CEO, George Uteh, shares this vision, stating that the investment will allow them to scale operations and showcase Aba's premium leather craftsmanship on the global stage. With rising global interest in ethically sourced, handcrafted products, platforms like Shoptreo empower artisans to enter international markets while preserving their unique identity and traditional craftsmanship.
Since securing the investment, Shoptreo has been actively using the funds to support regional expansion and global growth. The startup has publicly highlighted its mission to empower local fashion businesses with flexible e-commerce solutions, fueled by the new funding boost it received. While the exact amount of the recent funding round remains undisclosed, the investment has enabled Shoptreo to scale operations and increase its impact in the African artisanal export sector.
Shoptreo plans to use the new funds for artisan onboarding across Aba and other Nigerian craft hubs. The startup also intends to reinforce its logistics and financial service partnerships for dependable order fulfillment and smooth international transactions. With this strategic investment, Shoptreo is poised to tap into global demand for premium handcrafted goods from one of Africa's leading leather hubs.
Established in 2021 by George Uteh and Emmanuel Jacobs, Shoptreo is a testament to the power of technology in transforming traditional production systems. By addressing the barriers faced by artisans in accessing global markets, Shoptreo is not only empowering local businesses but also contributing to the global trend of sustainable, ethically sourced, and handcrafted products.
The investment from Rebel Seed Capital will enable Shoptreo, a Nigerian startup, to utilize its digital tools to empower artisan-led businesses in the Aba Artisanal Leather Cluster, thereby addressing challenges like limited digital infrastructure, inadequate financing, and restricted export access in the informal manufacturing sector. As Shoptreo scales operations, it is expected to showcase Aba's premium leather craftsmanship on the global stage and contribute to the general-news trend of sustainable, ethically sourced, and handcrafted products in the global market. Additionally, the investment will fuel Shoptreo's technology-centric business model by enhancing its digital infrastructure, integrating financial services, and expanding logistics capabilities, thereby impacting the lifestyle and business aspects of artisans in Africa.
