Raenest, a fintech platform founded in 2022 by Victor Alade, Sodruldeen Mustapha, and Richard Oyome, has raised $11 million in a Series A funding round to bolster its support for African businesses. The investment, led by QED Investors, brings Raenest’s total funding to $14.3 million. Other participants in the funding round include Norrsken22, Ventures Platform, P1 Ventures, and Seedstars.
Raenest offers a comprehensive suite of financial services designed to simplify cross-border transactions for businesses in Africa. Its platform provides users with virtual and physical dollar cards, international transfers, invoicing for global payments, as well as the ability to create USD, GBP, and EUR bank accounts. Additional features include currency conversion and other tools aimed at facilitating international financial operations.
Initially structured as an Employer of Record (EOR) service, Raenest helped foreign companies pay employees across Africa while ensuring compliance with local regulations. However, after identifying deeper challenges in the continent’s gig economy, the platform shifted focus to serve businesses and independent workers directly, addressing their unique financial needs.
Raenest’s founders recognized that delayed payments—often a minor issue for U.S. companies—can create significant problems for African businesses and freelancers. In regions like Nigeria and Kenya, delayed payments can cause major disruptions, especially when conversion to local currencies introduces further complications. Raenest aims to resolve these challenges by providing a more seamless experience for African entrepreneurs and workers engaging in global commerce.
Looking ahead, Raenest plans to expand its operations, focusing on partnerships with financial institutions globally. The company is set to scale its presence in the United States and Egypt while continuing to strengthen its footprint in key African markets such as Nigeria and Kenya.
Gbenga Ajayi, partner and head of Africa and the Middle East at QED Investors, expressed excitement about the investment, noting that Raenest is “redefining cross-border banking for Africans.” He emphasized that the platform’s focus on financial inclusion, combined with a user-friendly experience, positions it as a game-changer for the region’s fintech ecosystem. Ajayi also highlighted the potential for Raenest to bridge the gap between local and global markets, driving economic empowerment for African entrepreneurs and businesses.
Lexi Novitske, general partner at Norrsken22, also shared her enthusiasm for Raenest’s mission. With Africa’s gig economy growing at an impressive 20% annually, Novitske stressed the importance of addressing the cross-border payment challenges that hinder both workers and businesses. Norrsken22’s investment in Raenest underscores their belief in the company’s potential to unlock new opportunities and transform how Africa’s global workforce connects to the world economy.
Raenest’s innovative approach to financial services and its commitment to empowering African businesses make it a significant player in the continent’s growing fintech space. As it expands its reach and services, the platform is set to play a crucial role in fostering greater economic connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world.
Main Image: AfroTech
