Catalyst Fund
Catalyst Fund is an inclusive FinTech accelerator focused on supporting early-stage startups that create innovative financial solutions for the underserved populations in emerging markets. Since its inception in 2016, the Fund has worked to accelerate local innovation ecosystems by providing resources and guidance to entrepreneurs developing affordable and accessible financial services tailored to low-income demographics. It is backed by significant philanthropic support from organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and JPMorgan Chase & Co., and is managed by BFA Global with fiscal sponsorship from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Through its initiatives, Catalyst Fund aims to enhance industry knowledge and develop customized tools to empower the next billion users in digital financial services.
Past deals in East Africa
Octavia Carbon
Seed Round in 2024
Octavia Carbon is the Global South's pioneering Direct Air Capture (DAC) company, focused on developing innovative technology to filter carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. By utilizing Kenya's abundant geothermal energy and geological resources, Octavia Carbon aims to significantly reduce the costs associated with DAC technology. The captured CO2 can be transformed into stable rock formations underground or repurposed as an industrial gas, providing a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. This approach not only addresses climate change but also supports industrial power users in East Africa, contributing to the fight against energy poverty in the region.
Octavia Carbon
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Octavia Carbon is the Global South's pioneering Direct Air Capture (DAC) company, focused on developing innovative technology to filter carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. By utilizing Kenya's abundant geothermal energy and geological resources, Octavia Carbon aims to significantly reduce the costs associated with DAC technology. The captured CO2 can be transformed into stable rock formations underground or repurposed as an industrial gas, providing a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. This approach not only addresses climate change but also supports industrial power users in East Africa, contributing to the fight against energy poverty in the region.
Pesakit
Grant in 2020
PesaKit is an artificial intelligence-powered platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2018. It specializes in providing digital solutions for mobile money agents and merchants, focusing on last-mile distribution and access channels in the African market. The company’s software application features an AI-driven virtual assistant that helps users efficiently manage liquidity and conversion processes. By offering a seamless and interoperable interface, PesaKit aims to enhance financial inclusion and streamline operations for mobile finance agents, thereby supporting the growth of digital financial services across the continent.
Kwara
Grant in 2020
Kwara GmbH is a technology company that specializes in developing a digital banking platform tailored for savings and credit co-operative societies (SACCOs). Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with an additional office in Nairobi, Kenya, Kwara aims to modernize credit unions by providing a comprehensive cloud-based solution. The platform facilitates loan application servicing and approval for members, while also offering integration services, customer support, real-time financial tracking, and compliance assistance. Kwara's offerings include Kwara Pronto, a tool for managing loans. Currently, the company serves over 200 SACCOs across Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines, enabling these financial institutions to enhance their operations and improve access to formal financial services.
Asaak
Seed Round in 2018
Asaak is a financial technology company that specializes in providing asset financing to mobility workers in emerging markets, primarily focusing on East Africa and Mexico. The company has developed a mobile-based microfinance platform that aims to democratize financial services and empower businesses to grow. Asaak's platform streamlines lending operations, including underwriting, application processing, investor management, and loan servicing. By offering a range of digital finance tools, Asaak enables clients to easily access financial resources, thereby enhancing their ability to reach customers and improve their operational efficiency.
Asaak
Asaak is a financial technology company that specializes in providing asset financing to mobility workers in emerging markets, primarily focusing on East Africa and Mexico. The company has developed a mobile-based microfinance platform that aims to democratize financial services and empower businesses to grow. Asaak's platform streamlines lending operations, including underwriting, application processing, investor management, and loan servicing. By offering a range of digital finance tools, Asaak enables clients to easily access financial resources, thereby enhancing their ability to reach customers and improve their operational efficiency.
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