Mustek-Backed Startup Launches AI Marketplace to Connect African Enterprises with Vetted Solutions

Mustek-Backed Startup Launches AI Marketplace to Connect African Enterprises with Vetted Solutions

South African enterprises now have a streamlined way to access enterprise-ready artificial intelligence tools through a new marketplace launched by Business AI, a startup backed by technology distributor Mustek. The platform addresses a critical gap in the African AI market by providing vetted, locally-accessible solutions.

The Business AI Marketplace connects companies with accredited AI service providers while maintaining control over costs, data privacy, and AI sovereignty—key concerns for African businesses navigating digital transformation.

Major Corporations Already On Board

Early adopters include some of South Africa's largest companies:

• Mustek (technology distributor)
• Woolworths (retail giant)
• Italtile (tile and bathroom specialist)
• Bidvest (services and trading group)

These partnerships demonstrate growing corporate appetite for practical AI deployments with measurable returns, moving beyond the initial generative AI hype cycle.

Strategic Investment Fuels Growth

Mustek invested R7 million earlier this year to acquire a 51% stake in Business AI, positioning itself to expand beyond hardware distribution into the AI services ecosystem. According to Mustek's 2025 annual report, the company sees growth opportunities across AI-enabled hardware, software, and services, particularly in analytics, automation, and cybersecurity.

"The marketplace gives African enterprises access to the same trusted technologies as the world's largest players – but in a way that's local, accessible, and built for how we actually do business," said Rudi Dreyer, CEO of Business AI.

Experienced Leadership Team

The startup is led by CEO Rudi Dreyer, formerly Chief Business Environment Officer at 4Sight Holdings, and COO Andre Hogewoning, former CIO of Value Logistics. Their combined enterprise experience positions Business AI as a bridge between global technology providers and local business needs.

Developed in partnership with Beyond Now, the platform enables businesses to move workloads between AI tools based on operational requirements, optimizing for cost, security, or compliance as needed.

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