Tunis-based sustainable travel startup WildyNess has secured an undisclosed pre-seed investment to scale its mission of redefining tourism in North Africa through community-led experiences. The round was co-led by Bridging Angels and the African Diaspora Network, marking a strong vote of confidence in the company’s vision and early traction. This WildyNess pre-seed funding round underscores growing investor interest in African startups that blend purpose, innovation, and market opportunity in high-potential sectors like sustainable tourism.
Founded in 2021 by Achraf Aouadi and Rym Bourguib, WildyNess operates as a digital marketplace connecting conscious travelers with authentic, locally rooted experiences curated in partnership with micro-entrepreneurs across Tunisia. From rural homestays and artisan workshops to eco-trekking tours and culinary immersions, the platform champions community-based tourism (CBT)—a model that ensures economic benefits flow directly to local hosts and small-scale operators.
What makes WildyNess stand out is not just its ethos, but its organic growth trajectory. Without any paid marketing, the startup has generated over $300,000 in sales since launch—driven entirely by word-of-mouth, traveler referrals, and grassroots promotion. This impressive milestone highlights both the rising demand for meaningful travel and the platform’s ability to deliver trusted, culturally rich experiences.
The new capital will be used to expand WildyNess’ footprint beyond Tunisia into Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE—markets with deep cultural heritage and growing appetite for responsible tourism. The funds will also accelerate development of its technology platform, enhancing user experience, booking automation, and host onboarding tools to support scaling while maintaining quality and authenticity.
Investors have praised WildyNess as a leading example of a new generation of African founders who are reshaping global industries through impact-driven innovation. “This is more than a travel platform,” said a representative from Bridging Angels. “It’s a bridge between global travelers and local stewards of culture and nature—one that empowers communities and preserves traditions.”
The timing aligns with a global shift in consumer behavior. According to recent studies, over 80% of international travelers now prioritize sustainability when choosing destinations and activities. WildyNess taps directly into this trend, offering curated journeys that minimize environmental impact while maximizing social value—a compelling proposition for eco-conscious explorers and diaspora travelers seeking deeper connections with their roots.
By formalizing informal tourism micro-enterprises and equipping them with digital visibility and secure payment systems, WildyNess is not only transforming how people travel but also how local economies participate in the global tourism ecosystem.
As North Africa emerges as a destination of choice for experiential and regenerative travel, the WildyNess pre-seed funding positions the startup at the forefront of a movement that values people and planet as much as profit.
In a world where mass tourism often erodes the very cultures it celebrates, WildyNess offers a different path: one where every journey supports a community, every host tells a story, and every trip leaves a positive trace.
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