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.

Maelis Carraro

Program Director

Past deals in Francophone Africa

Assuraf

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Assuraf is a prominent Pan-African InsurTech company headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, with a focus on Francophone Africa. The company operates a digital broking platform that caters to all types of insurance, aiming to enhance insurance inclusion across emerging markets. Assuraf's integrated platform is designed to streamline the process of obtaining insurance by allowing users to access a variety of digital products from multiple insurance providers in one convenient location. By building essential infrastructure and tailored products, Assuraf seeks to meet the diverse needs of individuals in the region, ultimately driving greater access to insurance solutions.

Smile ID (formerly Smile Identity)

Pre Seed Round in 2017
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 ID (formerly Smile Identity)

Grant in 2017
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.
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