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 Ghana

Swoove

Grant in 2021
Swoove is a logistics management platform that aggregates delivery services and provides dispatch and fleet management tools to improve delivery efficiency and reduce costs. Its cloud-based platform offers real-time route automation, driver and vehicle tracking, order and vendor management, and analytics, enabling logistics teams to monitor shipments, optimize routes, and scale operations across diverse fleet sizes, including in emerging markets.

Tendo

Grant in 2021
Founded in 2019 and based in Accra, Ghana, Tendo operates an online platform that facilitates reselling. It sources products from various suppliers and delivers them directly to customers of its resellers, enabling independent entrepreneurs to start their own e-commerce businesses without initial capital investment.

Jetstream Africa

Grant in 2021
Jetstream Africa Limited is a cloud-based logistics company headquartered in Accra, Ghana, established in 2018. The company operates a digital platform that facilitates cross-border marine logistics services for African businesses. It specializes in freight forwarding and global exports, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access international trade more easily. By offering services such as shipment booking and tracking, as well as consolidated shipping options, Jetstream enhances the supply chain experience for its users, effectively leveling the playing field in the competitive global market.

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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