Fintech
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Ivorian fintech Djamo has raised $17M to expand its digital banking services across Francophone Africa, now serving over 1 million users with savings, investment, and payment tools.
Flutterwave has launched its Send App in Ghana, offering a secure, low-cost way to receive international remittances via bank transfers and mobile money platforms like MTN MoMo and Telecel.
PalmPay has launched Verve debit cards to expand its services, joining rivals OPay and Moniepoint in offering physical payment options to users.
Payhippo has rebranded as Rivy and raised $4 million to support its pivot from SME lending to clean energy financing, tapping into Africa’s growing climate tech sector.
Bank transfers are rapidly becoming Nigeria’s preferred payment method, following huge investments in payment infrastructure. In this article, we explore some developments driving this shift.
Paystack has launched its first consumer product after nine years. The product called Zap is expected to help users make bank transfers in under 30 seconds.
Mukuru is expanding across Africa to tap into the mobile money boom, as digital payments rise and Sub-Saharan Africa leads global growth.
Founder vesting: Gradual equity earning over time (common: 4-year plan, 1-year cliff). Protects company, incentivizes commitment. Key terms: grant date, vesting period. Legal counsel advised for fair agreements.
Debt financing: borrow, repay with interest. Use collateral. Unlike equity, keep control. Types: loans, lines of credit, bonds. Pros: ownership, tax-deductible. Cons: repayment pressure. Assess revenue, cash flow, & market before deciding.
VC IRR: High-risk, high-reward, aiming 30%+ for seed, less for later. IRR measures profitability over time. Factors: market, stage, exits. Use with TVPI, DPI, RVPI. Diversify, target growth. IRR vs. ROI: annual vs. total return.
Accelerated vesting: early access to stock options upon termination or acquisition. Single/double-trigger types exist. Benefits employees with financial security, but may cause tax issues. Employers attract talent but risk dilution. Negotiate terms carefully!
Flutterwave powers African payments. Offers diverse tools, but watch for delays & security issues. Compare with Paystack, Monnify, etc. Assess fees, features, & security to pick the best fit.
Pre-Series A funding bridges seed & Series A, fueling growth. Investors back potential, product traction. Challenges: valuation, market, fit. Secure funding with clear pitches & strong metrics.
Track equity changes with roll forward. Crucial for startup transparency & investor confidence. Manage dilution, funding rounds, & compliance. Use tools for accuracy. Vital for growth.
Incentive units (LLCs) vs. stock options (corps): Units grant ownership, options offer purchase rights. Units: flexible, taxed at vesting. Options: ISOs (capital gains), NSOs (income). Choose based on company type & goals.
Nigeria’s fintech sector is revolutionizing financial inclusion with mobile banking, digital payments, and more, enhancing accessibility, job creation, and economic growth across the country.
Egyptian fintech Valu is set to list up to 25% of its shares on the Egyptian Exchange, marking a major step in its evolution. Its IPO reflects a growing trend of African fintechs going public.
As Nigerian financial institutions advocate for contactless payments, consumer habits and security concerns present challenges. However, experts believe widespread adoption hinges on securing merchant participation.
Due to chip shortage and naira devaluation, the cost of issuing cards has gone from ₦600 to ₦1,800. But contactless payment could crash the price to ₦400.
Flutterwave has received approval from the Bank of Ghana to offer inward remittance services, marking a significant enhancement of its operations within the country.