Tastemakers raises $1M to sell Africa experiences to the world –
Summary
New York-based startup Tastemakers has raised a $1 million seed-round — led by Precursor Ventures — for its business that connects Africa adventures to global consumers. For different reasons — from negative stereotypes or the difficulty of identifying tourist options in Africa — most of these excursions are occurring in other parts of the world, according to Robinson. Precursor Ventures Managing Partner Charles Hudson invested in Tastemakers for its potential as an early entrant in an off the grid travel market attracting more curiosity. Tastemakers also offers advisory services to sellers on the site, to better determine price-points and on marketing their travel experiences more effectively online. “I strategically don’t brand Tastemakers as a social impact startup…but we’re driving benefits of the sharing economy to diverse populations both in Africa and in underrepresented communities in the technology and tourism sectors,” she said.