Startups Directory

PayJoy provides buy-now-pay-later smartphone financing for underbanked populations in emerging markets, with loans typically spanning 3-12 months at no interest and no hidden fees. The company uses the smartphone itself as collateral and employs machine learning to assess creditworthiness, achieving 20% lower default rates than traditional lenders. PayJoy has served over 15 million customers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and recently expanded into credit products like the PayJoy Card to help customers build traditional credit scores.

Wasoko is a B2B e-commerce marketplace that connects large manufacturers (P&G, Unilever, Nestlé) with over 450,000 small retail shops and kiosks across East Africa. Shop owners order essential goods like rice, soap, and household items via a mobile app, receiving same-day delivery at bulk discounts. The platform also embeds Buy Now Pay Later financing with 99%+ repayment rates, functioning as both a distributor and informal financial services provider for underserved retailers.