From Fun Math to Financial Inclusion: 5 Women Founders Making Waves at Knight Ventures

As we conclude Women's History Month and echo the powerful message of International Women's Day, #InvestInHer - Accelerate Progress, Knight Ventures is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable women leading the charge in our portfolio. These inspiring female founders are not just breaking barriers; they're building groundbreaking businesses that are transforming lives across Africa.

Knight Ventures is firmly committed to fostering a highly gender-supportive environment within the tech ecosystem. We believe that women entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. That's why we actively invest our resources in showcasing and empowering these talented leaders.

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1. BeGenio – Dr Grace Olugbodi (London, United Kingdom)

Making Math Fun and Engaging for All

Dr Grace Togun Olugbodi , the creator of BeGenio , is on a mission to make math fun and eliminate math anxiety for children. She's on a mission to help 10 million children love math and eliminate math anxiety. Her award-winning "Race to Infinity" game series uses gamification and AI to transform math learning into an immersive and enjoyable experience. Across Africa and on the booming global edtech scene, many educational systems struggle to make core subjects like math engaging. High math anxiety rates hinder academic achievement and limit career paths. By making math enjoyable, BeGenio empowers children to overcome math anxiety and opens doors to future STEM careers, critical for Africa's development. Dr. Olugbodi's dedication to education and her entrepreneurial spirit are making a real difference in the lives of children around the world and now in particular for African Children.

2. Sync by Spurt! – Kristin Wilson (Lagos, Nigeria)

Simplifying Project Management for Businesses

Kristin H. Wilson , Chief Strategy Officer at Spurt! , is a people-technology strategist passionate about empowering teams. Spurt!'s innovative Sync! platform is a game-changer for project management, offering real-time collaboration, advanced analytics, and a user-friendly interface. Kristin's expertise and leadership are helping businesses of all sizes work smarter and achieve greater success. SMEs across Africa often lack efficient project management tools, hindering collaboration and growth. Limited internet connectivity can further complicate communication. Cloud-based project management solutions are in high demand. Sync! can offer tiered subscription plans catering to businesses of all sizes and with varying internet connectivity. ?Improved project management helps African SMEs work smarter, achieve deadlines, and compete more effectively, driving economic growth and job creation.

3. Thembani Africa Group (TAG) – Lilian Okafor & Phindile Spies (Maputo, Mozambique)

Empowering SMEs in Mozambique

Lilian Okafor (FIMC, CMC) and Nelo Phindile Spies , the powerhouse duo behind Thembani Africa Group which leverages technology to craft customized financial solutions, while also equipping these businesses with the training and mentorship needed to thrive. Their innovative platform provides access to credit for women-run SMEs through digital loans, business bonds and credit guarantees, as well as technical support and market linkages. Limited access to credit and financial resources remains a major barrier for women-led SMEs in Mozambique and across Africa. This holistic approach, combining FinTech tools with business development support, is a game-changer for financial inclusion and economic empowerment in Mozambique.

4. Tabi Academy – Sophia Abubakar (Lagos, Nigeria)

Equipping Women with Digital Skills for the Future

Sophia Abubakar , a visionary software engineer and Tab? Academy founder, is passionate about equipping women with the digital skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Tabi Academy offers free training programs that empower women to pursue careers in tech and achieve financial independence. The digital skills gap in Africa is widening. Tabi Academy continues to partner with corporations and government agencies seeking to bridge the digital skills gap. Equipping women with digital skills fosters gender equality, creates a more diverse tech workforce, and fuels innovation across Africa. Sophia's leadership and dedication are inspiring a generation of female tech leaders.

5. Azapay – Jacquelyn Madu (Lagos, Nigeria)

Revolutionizing Payments in Africa

Jacquelyn Madu , the self-taught software engineer and CEO of HotBox Technology , is a disruptor in the African fintech space. Her innovative mobile payment application, AZAPAY , bridges the gap between customers and businesses, facilitating seamless and instant transactions. ?Cash-based transactions are still prevalent in Africa, limiting financial inclusion and hindering e-commerce growth. Many lack access to traditional banking systems. Azapay's mobile payment app offers a convenient and secure alternative for seamless person-to-person, business-to-business, and business-to-consumer transactions. Azapay wants to make cardless payments seamless (techpoint.africa). By promoting cardless mobile payments, Azapay fosters financial inclusion, drives e-commerce growth, and creates a more digitalized African economy. Jacquelyn's innovative spirit and determination are paving the way for a more inclusive and digital African economy.

?At Knight Ventures, we are deeply proud to support and accelerate these inspirational founders and their vision for a brighter future. By investing in their ideas and leadership, we're not just empowering these women, we're accelerating progress and unlocking the full potential for innovation across the continent. Together, we can ensure that Africa's future is shaped by the brilliance and innovation of its female leaders.

Join us in celebrating these inspiring women and all those who are #InvestinginHer!

#WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInTech #KnightVentures #InvestInHer

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Article by Onaopemipo Dara .