BUSINESS

WorldRemit raises $40m, seeks to target 5 million customers in Africa


Digital money transfer service WorldRemit has raised $40m to drive its next phase of global growth. The series C round of funding was led by LeapFrog Investments a dedicated equity investor in emerging markets, supporting fast-growth firms that deliver social impact alongside commercial returns.

The company says it’s aiming to serve 10 million customers connected to emerging markets, with half of these customers being in Africa.   

As part of the expansion, WorldRemit says it will enable customers in Africa to transfer money to 148 countries as easily as sending an instant message, using the WorldRemit app. Countries in Africa which now receive remittances through WorldRemit, will become send countries. Most importantly, the new service will make sending money within Africa faster, easier and low cost. According to the World Bank, inter-Africa transfers are amongst the most expensive in the world.

Money transfers to Africa account for more than half of WorldRemit’s total volume of transactions. The company currently handles 74% of remittances to popular mobile money services across Africa like MTN, Ecocash, Tigo Pesa, Vodafone M-Pesa and Airtel Money, making it the global leader in mobile-to-mobile international money transfers.

“This new funding will fuel our growth, and help bring our service to millions of more customers across the globe. Africa is a crucial market for us and over the next few years, we will expand our services so customers can send and receive with WorldRemit, getting the benefits of our fast, secure online service.”  Ismail Ahmed, founder, and CEO at WorldRemit, comments:

Since its last funding round in 2015, WorldRemit has launched 206 new services across the globe and has grown its transaction volume by 400%. Last month the company became Arsenal FC’s first-ever online money transfer partner.

The round also had significant participation from existing investors Accel and Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV).

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Nixon Kanali

Tech journalist based in Nairobi. I track and report on tech and African startups. Founder and Editor of TechTrends Media. Nixon is also the East African tech editor for Africa Business Communities. Send tips to nkanali@techtrendske.co.ke.

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