Lagos Angel Network made an undisclosed investment in Midddleman, an AI platform for Africa to China trade, payments, and logistics expansion plans.
Midddleman, an Africa to China trade startup, has received an undisclosed investment from Lagos Angel Network. The angel group said the support will include funding, mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to its investor network.
The company, listed on Liners as Midddleman, was founded by Adeola Owosho and Omolara Sanni. It is building an integrated platform for cross-border trade between African buyers and suppliers in China.
Midddleman’s product includes an AI-powered sourcing assistant, meaning software that helps buyers find and compare suppliers and products faster, similar to a research assistant. It also works with verified procurement agents based in China to help with on-the-ground buying and quality checks.
On the payments side, the startup supports Naira-to-RMB transactions, which lets Nigerian customers pay suppliers in Chinese yuan without using informal routes. Midddleman said that since launching its payment service in May 2024, it has processed more than $1.6 million in transactions and registered over 12,500 users. It was also recognised as a 2025 Top AI Startup by Google for Startups.
Africa to China trade is large, but it is often slowed down by trust issues, supplier verification, foreign exchange friction, and shipping coordination. A single platform that combines sourcing, payments, and freight management can reduce failed orders and delays for SMEs.
For Lagos Angel Network, this is a bet on a clear pain point with measurable early traction. For Midddleman, new backing could speed up its planned expansion to Ghana and Kenya, and support a local operational base in Guangzhou, a key hub for procurement and export logistics.
Primary Source: Techinafrica
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