Former executives of collapsed Kenyan e-commerce company Copia Global have unveiled Stahili, a new online platform offering cashback, discounts, and mobile data rewards in exchange for user engagement. The venture, registered in June 2024 shortly after Copia entered administration, is wholly owned by Copia Holding Company, a U.S.-registered entity linked to the defunct retailer.
Features of Stahili
Stahili’s website is already live in Kenya, featuring a range of discounted products. The platform adopts a lean operating model compared to Copia’s asset-heavy, agent-driven delivery network, which struggled to sustain profitability. Inspired by early Groupon and Coupang models, Stahili targets middle- and lower-income consumers who can earn instant rewards by scanning QR codes, completing surveys, and sharing product feedback.
The launch comes amid unresolved tensions with Copia’s creditors, employees, and investors, many of whom are still reeling from one of Kenya’s most high-profile startup failures. The rapid emergence of Stahili has fueled debate over corporate recovery strategies and asset protection, especially given that Copia Holding Company remains active despite the Kenyan arm’s liquidation.
Industry observers say the development highlights persistent governance concerns in Kenya’s startup scene, where funding meant for scaling operations is sometimes redirected, leading to sustainability challenges. Whether Stahili succeeds could determine if this new approach represents a genuine strategic pivot or a continuation of risky practices.
Separately, former Copia chair Tracey Turner has co-founded Olverra, a U.S.-registered platform connecting African artisans to global buyers. Led by Kenyan data engineer Vijay Otieno, Olverra seeks to give local creators international market access, sidestepping some of the logistical hurdles that plagued Copia. While Stahili promises a lower burn rate and a potentially more sustainable growth path, it will need to prove it can scale effectively in a competitive market without repeating the missteps of its predecessor.