Lagos-based mobile solutions startup, GONA raises multi-million dollar fund for expansion

·
August 2, 2019
·
2 min read

Editor's note (August 2, at 4:42PM): Headline has been updated to better reflect the actual nature of GONA's core activity. 


GONA is a mobile payments platform with primary operations in Lagos. The startup recently announced the completion of a multi-million dollar Pre-A round of financing.

According to news website, c.m.163.com the Chinese-led investment came from Crystal Stream Capital, UnityVC and Shaka VC.

Liu Xiaojun, founder and CEO of GONA says the round of financing will be used for team building and product technology upgrades.

Advertisement

GONA, which among other things, is enabling cashless payments on 'informal transit' public buses in Lagos, is working to solve the pains of inconvenience in the local travel market. This it is doing by using technical means to improve operational efficiency.


Suggested ReadGona is offering to bring cashless payments and efficiency into public transportation in Nigeria


Even though GONA is headquartered in China, Lagos remains its primary focus. In Lagos, GONA has fully completed localisation, with roll out in certain routes within Lagos, one of which is Yaba to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) campus.

Gona scaled

This new investment will further allow GONA to employ more locals to help develop the product and expand its popularity.

Join over 3,000 founders and investors

Subscribe to the Equity Merchants newsletter and start receiving tips and resources for startup success.
Equity Merchants form

Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

"We will try to employ the best people to help the most Lagosians have a better daily commuting experience," says co-founder, Noah Gu.

Larry, a partner at ShakaVC, notes that the minibus scene provides more efficient and convenient travel services for hundreds of millions of Africans, and the market potential is huge. As the first Chinese fund to focus on early African investment in Africa, ShakaVC will support the development of GONA in local resources, experience and capital.

GONA boasts of thousands of active users and nearly 10,000 transactions every day.

Ifeanyi is a desk reporter-turned administrator. Outside of work, I love to read and travel.
Ifeanyi is a desk reporter-turned administrator. Outside of work, I love to read and travel.
Ifeanyi is a desk reporter-turned administrator. Outside of work, I love to read and travel.

Other Stories

43b, Emina Cres, Allen, Ikeja.

 Techpremier Media Limited. All rights reserved
magnifier