The news
- Eric Jackson, co-founder of Hisa, has left the company shortly after its acquisition by Risevest.
- Jackson was initially appointed as CTO post-acquisition but has now stepped down from the role.
- Hisa experienced significant growth under Jackson's leadership, including securing regulatory approvals and expanding its user base.
Eric Jackson, co-founder and former CEO of Kenyan fintech startup Hisa, has departed from the company less than two months after its acquisition by Nigerian investment platform Risevest.
Initially appointed as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) following the merger, Jackson's exit raises questions about the integration process and future leadership dynamics within the organisation.
Hisa, founded in 2020 by Jackson and Eric Asuma, quickly established itself in Kenya's fintech sector by providing users with access to both local and international stock markets. The platform provided a much-needed solution for democratising investment opportunities, a gap that had previously hindered many Kenyan investors.
Under Jackson's leadership, the company achieved key milestones, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA) and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and forming strategic partnerships that facilitated its growth.
In September 2024, Risevest acquired Hisa in a deal approved by Kenya's CMA, allowing the Nigerian fintech to expand its operations into the Kenyan market.
Post-acquisition, Hisa retained its brand and operations, with Jackson transitioning to the role of CTO and Asuma becoming a strategy advisor. However, Jackson's departure shortly after the merger suggests potential challenges in the integration process or differing visions for the company's future direction.
Following his exit from Hisa, Jackson will now focus on the Mashuuru Sports Complex, an initiative aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure in East Africa.
Jackson's departure from Hisa marks a significant transition as he applies his expertise to the sports industry, aiming to create lasting impact through improved infrastructure and opportunities for athletes in East Africa.
