Investor directory

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.
http://www.bfaglobal.com
http://www.catalyst-fund.org
https://crunchbase.com/organization/catalyst-fund
https://twitter.com/cf_bfa

Maelis Carraro

Program Director

Past deals in East Africa

Octavia Carbon

Seed Round in 2024
Octavia Carbon is the first Direct Air Capture (DAC) company in the Global South, focused on filtering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company designs, builds, and deploys patented technology that utilizes Kenya's geothermal energy and geological resources to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DAC technology. By capturing CO2 directly from the air, Octavia Carbon enables the conversion of this greenhouse gas into stable underground rock formations or repurposes it as an industrial gas, helping to replace polluting fossil fuels. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns 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 first Direct Air Capture (DAC) company in the Global South, focused on filtering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company designs, builds, and deploys patented technology that utilizes Kenya's geothermal energy and geological resources to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DAC technology. By capturing CO2 directly from the air, Octavia Carbon enables the conversion of this greenhouse gas into stable underground rock formations or repurposes it as an industrial gas, helping to replace polluting fossil fuels. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns 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 a technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that specializes in providing a platform for last-mile agent networks in the mobile money and digital finance sectors. Established in 2018, PesaKit utilizes artificial intelligence to develop a virtual assistant that streamlines the management of liquidity and conversion processes for mobile money agents and merchants. The company's software application features an API-driven interface, enabling users to digitize distribution and access channels effectively. PesaKit aims to enhance financial inclusion by supporting mobile money agents with innovative tools that improve their operational efficiency.

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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