Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1961 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to promoting financial inclusion. The organization works to provide underserved individuals and small businesses with access to essential financial tools that can enhance their lives and foster community growth. Accion engages with financial service providers to deliver affordable, high-quality solutions at scale, challenging industry norms and advocating for regulatory changes to support financial accessibility. Through its Venture Lab initiative, Accion invests in innovative fintech startups that utilize technology and new business models to improve the quality and reduce the cost of financial services for those traditionally excluded from the formal economy. The organization offers both financial investments and strategic support, including governance and operational assistance, to help these startups grow and succeed. Accion's commitment to enhancing financial health and capabilities aims to create a more inclusive financial landscape globally.

Njord Andrewes

Managing Partner, Accion Digital Transformation Fund

Paarul Dudeja

Investment Director - Asia

Sebastian Molina Gasman

Investor

Ashley Lewis

Director, Africa - Accion Venture Lab

Paolo Limcaoco

Principal, Accion Venture Lab

Amee Parbhoo

Managing Partner, Accion Venture Lab

Vikas Raj

Managing Director, Accion Venture Lab

Michael Schlein

President and CEO

Raliat Sunmonu

Vice President and Program Manager, MEA

Past deals in Banks

Fairbanc

Seed Round in 2022
Fairbanc is a scalable, AI-powered mobile loan and payments platform for emerging market small-medium enterprises (SMEs) that requires no collateral or credit history. The company's AI-powered platform can read digital footprints such as transaction history with large suppliers, and data on the mobile phone to grant instant digital credit line that SMEs can use to purchase inventories from our selected suppliers. Fairbanc's proven gender-intelligent ecosystem for loans and payments can be used in many vertical markets, eliminating the shortcomings of cash. Retail shop-owners can boost sales up to 20%, eliminate cash shortages, enjoy an easier payments regimen, and develop a credit history; suppliers receive more consistent order cycles, more instant payments upon delivery, and SKU sales expansion.

Khazna

Series A in 2022
Khazna is an Egyptian company focused on enhancing financial services through its mobile application. The platform offers a range of services, including payments, savings, and insurance, while also allowing employers to provide cash advances to employees for unforeseen emergencies. Users can easily transfer and receive funds between each other and make cash withdrawals and deposits without incurring transaction fees. By leveraging smartphone technology, Khazna aims to deliver convenient, effective, and secure financial solutions to consumers in Egypt.

Annapurna Finance

Private Equity Round in 2021
Annapurna Finance Private Limited is a non-banking financial company based in Bhubaneswar, India, that specializes in providing microfinance services primarily to women and low-income households in rural and semi-urban areas. The company focuses on income generation loans for self-help groups and joint liability groups, offering financing for agricultural activities, micro enterprises, and various business needs. Additionally, it provides housing finance for home construction and renovation, as well as loans tailored for individuals with disabilities and the financially excluded. Annapurna Finance also supports initiatives for safe water and sanitation, dairy development, and solar energy, while offering credit-linked insurance to its clients. Originally founded as Annapurna Microfinance in 2009, the company changed its name in 2018 to reflect its broader mission of facilitating economic empowerment and integrating underserved populations into the formal financial system.

Dinie

Seed Round in 2021
Dinie specializes in providing embedded lending services aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The company offers flexible financing solutions through its comprehensive lending API, which allows digital platforms such as marketplaces, SaaS, and ERPs to offer instant credit to their customers. This approach facilitates access to financial tools for businesses that may be underserved in traditional lending markets. Founded by experienced entrepreneurs, Dinie has a strong leadership team with expertise in technology, finance, and fintech. The company has attracted investment from notable angel investors with backgrounds in leading financial and tech firms, positioning it to capture the growing market for embedded banking services as more companies integrate financial offerings into their products.

Lidya

Series B in 2021
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company focuses on improving access to credit and financial resources for small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. Lidya enables businesses to open online accounts quickly, manage their funds, and access necessary credit to facilitate growth. Utilizing mobile-first technology and proprietary credit scoring algorithms, the platform offers tools and dashboards that help businesses monitor their cash flow and receivables. This approach allows users to build their credit profiles, which can lead to higher credit limits and more affordable financing options. Lidya aims to empower businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed and plan for the future.

Fairbanc

Seed Round in 2021
Fairbanc is a scalable, AI-powered mobile loan and payments platform for emerging market small-medium enterprises (SMEs) that requires no collateral or credit history. The company's AI-powered platform can read digital footprints such as transaction history with large suppliers, and data on the mobile phone to grant instant digital credit line that SMEs can use to purchase inventories from our selected suppliers. Fairbanc's proven gender-intelligent ecosystem for loans and payments can be used in many vertical markets, eliminating the shortcomings of cash. Retail shop-owners can boost sales up to 20%, eliminate cash shortages, enjoy an easier payments regimen, and develop a credit history; suppliers receive more consistent order cycles, more instant payments upon delivery, and SKU sales expansion.

NOW Money

Venture Round in 2021
NOW Money is a financial technology company that focuses on providing mobile banking solutions to the unbanked population in the Middle East, particularly targeting low-income migrant workers. The company offers a user-friendly application that enables users to access banking services, including accounts and low-cost remittance options. By leveraging mobile technology, NOW Money aims to enhance financial inclusion for individuals who are often excluded from traditional banking systems. This service not only facilitates international money transfers and currency conversion at reduced costs but also helps users achieve significant savings on remittances. Through its innovative approach, NOW Money strives to empower its users with full access to essential financial services.

Khazna

Seed Round in 2020
Khazna is an Egyptian company focused on enhancing financial services through its mobile application. The platform offers a range of services, including payments, savings, and insurance, while also allowing employers to provide cash advances to employees for unforeseen emergencies. Users can easily transfer and receive funds between each other and make cash withdrawals and deposits without incurring transaction fees. By leveraging smartphone technology, Khazna aims to deliver convenient, effective, and secure financial solutions to consumers in Egypt.

Joust

Seed Round in 2019
Joust, Inc., based in Austin, Texas, offers a comprehensive suite of banking and payment solutions tailored for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2017, Joust provides services through its proprietary PayArmour tool, which safeguards invoice payments and helps resolve late or non-payment issues experienced by independent workers. The company operates as a subsidiary of ZenBusiness, Inc. and utilizes a chartered, FDIC-insured community bank to deliver merchant services and business banking. In addition to payment protection, Joust's offerings include business incorporation, invoicing, real-time payment processing, invoice insurance, and account analytics. Through its innovative technology and banking partnerships, Joust addresses the financial challenges faced by self-employed individuals.

BASIX Sub-K iTransactions

Series B in 2018
BASIX Sub-K iTransactions Limited is a Hyderabad-based company that provides a mobile technology-driven transactional platform aimed at enhancing access to financial services for residents in rural, urban, and semi-urban areas. Established in 2010 as a subsidiary of Bhartiya Samruddhi Investments and Consulting Services, the company focuses on serving the unbanked population by offering a range of services including banking, government payments, utility payments, and money transfers through a network of local convenience outlets. The name "Sub-K," which translates to "for everyone" in Hindi, reflects the company's mission to create accessible financial touchpoints within close proximity to communities. By training local entrepreneurs as Business Correspondent agents, BASIX Sub-K operates a self-sustaining ecosystem that connects consumers to banking solutions, enabling cash deposits, withdrawals, remittances, and more. Additionally, the company supports micro-entrepreneurs through various financial products, including microcredit and insurance, while also facilitating government services such as Aadhaar and PAN card assistance, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

Self

Series B in 2018
Self Financial is a venture-backed fintech startup that helps customers build credit and save money. It provides tools necessary for building on-time payment history and responsible use of credit, in collaboration with issuing banks.s services are for those who are new to credit or who might not have access to traditional financial products. It offers Self Credit Builder Account to help consumers build both credit and savings without relying on credit history and Self Visa Credit Card, a card that helps existing customers build their security deposit in instalments. Self Financial is formerly known as Self Lender. The startup was founded by Conor Swanson and James Garvey in 2015 and is based in Austin, Texas.

Self

Series B in 2018
Self Financial is a venture-backed fintech startup that helps customers build credit and save money. It provides tools necessary for building on-time payment history and responsible use of credit, in collaboration with issuing banks.s services are for those who are new to credit or who might not have access to traditional financial products. It offers Self Credit Builder Account to help consumers build both credit and savings without relying on credit history and Self Visa Credit Card, a card that helps existing customers build their security deposit in instalments. Self Financial is formerly known as Self Lender. The startup was founded by Conor Swanson and James Garvey in 2015 and is based in Austin, Texas.

Lidya

Series A in 2018
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company focuses on improving access to credit and financial resources for small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. Lidya enables businesses to open online accounts quickly, manage their funds, and access necessary credit to facilitate growth. Utilizing mobile-first technology and proprietary credit scoring algorithms, the platform offers tools and dashboards that help businesses monitor their cash flow and receivables. This approach allows users to build their credit profiles, which can lead to higher credit limits and more affordable financing options. Lidya aims to empower businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed and plan for the future.

BASIX Sub-K iTransactions

Venture Round in 2018
BASIX Sub-K iTransactions Limited is a Hyderabad-based company that provides a mobile technology-driven transactional platform aimed at enhancing access to financial services for residents in rural, urban, and semi-urban areas. Established in 2010 as a subsidiary of Bhartiya Samruddhi Investments and Consulting Services, the company focuses on serving the unbanked population by offering a range of services including banking, government payments, utility payments, and money transfers through a network of local convenience outlets. The name "Sub-K," which translates to "for everyone" in Hindi, reflects the company's mission to create accessible financial touchpoints within close proximity to communities. By training local entrepreneurs as Business Correspondent agents, BASIX Sub-K operates a self-sustaining ecosystem that connects consumers to banking solutions, enabling cash deposits, withdrawals, remittances, and more. Additionally, the company supports micro-entrepreneurs through various financial products, including microcredit and insurance, while also facilitating government services such as Aadhaar and PAN card assistance, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

Self

Series A in 2017
Self Financial is a venture-backed fintech startup that helps customers build credit and save money. It provides tools necessary for building on-time payment history and responsible use of credit, in collaboration with issuing banks.s services are for those who are new to credit or who might not have access to traditional financial products. It offers Self Credit Builder Account to help consumers build both credit and savings without relying on credit history and Self Visa Credit Card, a card that helps existing customers build their security deposit in instalments. Self Financial is formerly known as Self Lender. The startup was founded by Conor Swanson and James Garvey in 2015 and is based in Austin, Texas.

Self

Series A in 2017
Self Financial is a venture-backed fintech startup that helps customers build credit and save money. It provides tools necessary for building on-time payment history and responsible use of credit, in collaboration with issuing banks.s services are for those who are new to credit or who might not have access to traditional financial products. It offers Self Credit Builder Account to help consumers build both credit and savings without relying on credit history and Self Visa Credit Card, a card that helps existing customers build their security deposit in instalments. Self Financial is formerly known as Self Lender. The startup was founded by Conor Swanson and James Garvey in 2015 and is based in Austin, Texas.

NOW Money

Convertible Note in 2017
NOW Money is a financial technology company that focuses on providing mobile banking solutions to the unbanked population in the Middle East, particularly targeting low-income migrant workers. The company offers a user-friendly application that enables users to access banking services, including accounts and low-cost remittance options. By leveraging mobile technology, NOW Money aims to enhance financial inclusion for individuals who are often excluded from traditional banking systems. This service not only facilitates international money transfers and currency conversion at reduced costs but also helps users achieve significant savings on remittances. Through its innovative approach, NOW Money strives to empower its users with full access to essential financial services.

Lidya

Seed Round in 2017
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company focuses on improving access to credit and financial resources for small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. Lidya enables businesses to open online accounts quickly, manage their funds, and access necessary credit to facilitate growth. Utilizing mobile-first technology and proprietary credit scoring algorithms, the platform offers tools and dashboards that help businesses monitor their cash flow and receivables. This approach allows users to build their credit profiles, which can lead to higher credit limits and more affordable financing options. Lidya aims to empower businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed and plan for the future.

Lidya

Seed Round in 2017
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company focuses on improving access to credit and financial resources for small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. Lidya enables businesses to open online accounts quickly, manage their funds, and access necessary credit to facilitate growth. Utilizing mobile-first technology and proprietary credit scoring algorithms, the platform offers tools and dashboards that help businesses monitor their cash flow and receivables. This approach allows users to build their credit profiles, which can lead to higher credit limits and more affordable financing options. Lidya aims to empower businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed and plan for the future.

Dvara KGFS

Venture Round in 2015
Dvara KGFS focuses on establishing and supporting local community financial services institutions known as Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services (KGFS). These institutions are designed to enhance financial inclusion in geographically targeted areas, particularly in remote rural markets. Dvara KGFS operates under the umbrella of IFMR Holdings, which also includes IFMR Capital, a platform that facilitates debt capital markets for various originators, providing micro-loans, small business finance, and other financial services. Through its innovative KGFS model, Dvara KGFS aims to address the unique financial needs of underserved communities, promoting economic development and accessibility to essential financial services.

Billpocket

Seed Round in 2015
Billpocket is a financial technology company that transforms smartphones and tablets into point-of-sale terminals, facilitating card payments without the need for traditional banking infrastructures. Users can accept debit and credit card payments directly through their mobile devices, simplifying the payment process and eliminating high maintenance fees and complex setups associated with conventional systems. Billpocket's platform also offers the option for customers to convert payments into interest-free monthly installments, while the company charges a fixed commission to sellers. This innovative approach enables a seamless transaction experience for both businesses and consumers.

GO Finance

Seed Round in 2014
GO Finance Company Limited is a Tanzanian non-bank financial institution based in Dar es Salaam, specializing in providing digital financial solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The company utilizes its mobile and cloud-based tool, GOBi, to collect transaction data from micro, small, and medium enterprises, which facilitates informed credit decision-making. GO Finance offers a range of financial products, including working capital finance, short to medium-term loans, hire purchase, and insurance solutions, specifically targeting distributors in the value chains of multinational corporations that manufacture fast-moving consumer goods. In addition to its lending services, GO Finance emphasizes the importance of information technology by providing access to financial record-keeping tools and targeted training aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of entrepreneurs.

Umati Capital

Seed Round in 2014
Umati Capital (Kenya) Limited is a non-bank financial institution established in 2012 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The company specializes in providing innovative financial solutions, particularly credit and payment technologies, to sectors such as agri-business supply chains, retailer value chains, and fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers. It aims to enhance access to finance for small-scale suppliers, trading companies, and industrial processors through its proprietary technology and branchless financial services. Additionally, Umati Capital offers a lending platform that includes invoice discounting and other working capital solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises in East Africa, enabling them to secure necessary funding for growth.

Varthana

Seed Round in 2013
Varthana provides loans and support for affordable private schools. They are a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) headquartered in Bangalore, India.

Saija Finance

Series B in 2012
Saija Finance Private Limited is a non-banking finance company based in Patna, India, specializing in microfinance services for underserved populations in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. Established in 1997, the company focuses on providing financial assistance to self-employed individuals, particularly women, to meet working capital needs, purchase fixed assets, and support income-generating activities within households. Saija Finance also offers loans for eco-friendly products such as non-grid solar and solar lighting systems. As the only microfinance institution based in Bihar, Saija Finance serves approximately 26,037 clients across five districts, operating through seven branches. Its mission is to improve financial inclusion in some of the poorest regions of Northern and Eastern India, addressing the significant gaps left by traditional financial institutions.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.