Catalyst Fund

Octavia Carbon is a pioneering company based in Kenya that specializes in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. It designs, builds, and deploys proprietary systems to filter CO2 from the atmosphere, aiming to reverse climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company uniquely leverages Kenya's geothermal energy and talent to accelerate DAC technology development and lower costs.

Octavia Carbon is a pioneering company based in Kenya that specializes in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. It designs, builds, and deploys proprietary systems to filter CO2 from the atmosphere, aiming to reverse climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company uniquely leverages Kenya's geothermal energy and talent to accelerate DAC technology development and lower costs.

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.

PesaKit is a platform for last-mile agent networks in Africa that provides inclusive, interoperable digital and financial access for mobile money agents and merchants. It features an AI-powered virtual assistant via an API-driven interface to digitize distribution and access channels for mobile money and digital finance, enabling liquidity management and conversion processes for agents. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Asaak offers asset financing solutions tailored for mobility workers in emerging markets, primarily East Africa and Mexico.

Smile Identity Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on identity verification solutions. Founded in 2016, the company has developed an application called SmartSelfie, which allows users to create a universal biometric for authentication on Android devices. The team comprises engineers and financial services professionals from both the United States and Africa, bringing expertise in global markets with a focus on highly regulated environments. Smile Identity has developed advanced encryption, authentication, and security solutions, as well as image processing technology. The company has experience working with telecoms, lenders, banks, and startups, enabling them to understand the unique challenges faced by consumers and enterprises in Africa. With support from prominent investors in Silicon Valley and Africa, Smile Identity has established a pan-African presence, operating in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda.

Smile Identity Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on identity verification solutions. Founded in 2016, the company has developed an application called SmartSelfie, which allows users to create a universal biometric for authentication on Android devices. The team comprises engineers and financial services professionals from both the United States and Africa, bringing expertise in global markets with a focus on highly regulated environments. Smile Identity has developed advanced encryption, authentication, and security solutions, as well as image processing technology. The company has experience working with telecoms, lenders, banks, and startups, enabling them to understand the unique challenges faced by consumers and enterprises in Africa. With support from prominent investors in Silicon Valley and Africa, Smile Identity has established a pan-African presence, operating in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda.

Asaak offers asset financing solutions tailored for mobility workers in emerging markets, primarily East Africa and Mexico.