With this latest funding, the total amount raised by the startup now stands at $1.15 million. Previously, Aya Data garnered $300,000 from investors including Microtraction, Savannah Fund, and UK-based investors. The recent funding round was spearheaded by 54Collective, with contributions from various angel investors.
Founded in 2021 by Freddie Monk and Ama Larbi-Siaw, Aya Data focuses on employing individuals to gather and label essential data—such as images, videos, and text—necessary for the development of Large Language Models like ChatGPT and Gemini.
The startup also emphasizes training its workforce for advanced technical positions in data engineering and data science, currently employing 11 individuals in these roles.
In addition to data annotation and collection, Aya Data develops tailored AI solutions for businesses. Its two primary products include AyaGrow, a precision agriculture tool designed to assist both commercial and smallholder farmers, and AyaSpeech, a comprehensive speech-to-speech solution that facilitates communication in local African languages for businesses, consumers, and government entities.
Aya Data is part of an expanding network of startups—such as Shaip, Sama, iMerit, Cloudfactory, and Dataloop—that are contributing to the global advancement of AI systems. Large language models require extensive datasets that must be accurately collected and labeled by humans.
Major tech companies like Meta and OpenAI frequently outsource these data labeling and annotation tasks to firms like Aya Data, particularly in developing regions such as India, the Philippines, Kenya’s Dadaab, and Lebanon’s Shatila, where they hire individuals to ensure precise data handling.
“We are committed to fostering local expertise that can utilize AI to address the continent’s most urgent challenges,” stated Ama Larbi-Siaw, co-founder and COO of Aya Data.
The firm operates in the consultancy sector, competing with companies such as Brainpool.ai, Deeper Insights, SandTech, Pro AI, and Faculty AI. Nevertheless, these competitors frequently rely on outsourcing for their data collection and annotation tasks to business process outsourcing firms in developing countries.
Gillian Hammah, Marketing and Strategy Officer at Aya Data, emphasizes, "Our complete control over operations in Ghana allows us to provide faster and more efficient services without the complications of third-party involvement."
Aya Data charges for its data annotation services and generated $500,000 in revenue in 2023, currently catering to approximately 20 active clients, including notable names like MIT, Seedtag, Unilever, and Labelbox.
"While a significant portion of our projects has been with international clients, we are increasingly dedicated to assisting African businesses in harnessing AI to enhance their competitive edge."
The company has set a goal to train 1,000 data annotators, engineers, and scientists in the upcoming months while also enhancing its in-house products.
"Our ultimate objective is to empower as many businesses and individuals as possible to reap the benefits of AI swiftly, ensuring that the capability to develop this technology to a world-class standard is established in Ghana and similar markets."