Power Learn Project Alumni Startup, Payd, Wins Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge Grant
Payd has been named among the winners of the prestigious Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge, a competition sponsored by Mozilla in partnership with Gladys Boss Shollei Foundation and Nairobi County.
Payd is an alumni startup of the Power Learn Project, an impact organization dedicated to providing affordable and accessible tech training to youth across Africa.
The startup’s revolutionary payment platform designed specifically for freelancers and creatives, captured the attention of the judges with its comprehensive solution to several challenges faced by individuals in the freelance industry. Co-founded by Japheth Achimba and Benaiah Wepundi, both esteemed alumni of Power Learn Project, Payd addresses issues such as delayed or non-payment by clients, lack of customizable payment workflows, manual receipting, and invoicing redundancies, and the absence of proper financial tracking and planning.
Out of numerous applicants, Payd secured a coveted position in the top twenty finalists after an intense pitch session held last Thursday – 22nd June 2023. The final event took place on 27th June 2023 at Arboretum, where the top twenty startups pitched their innovative ideas and exhibited their solutions.
The judges were impressed by Payd’s ability to streamline payment processes, enhance financial management, and empower freelancers to take control of their earnings. As a result, Payd was awarded a substantial grant of Ksh 4 million. This grant includes Ksh 3.5 million in milestone-based funding and an additional Ksh 500,000 in technical support to develop their innovative payment platform further.
“We are thrilled and honored to have Payd recognized in the Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge,” said Japheth, co-founder of Payd. “Our experience as freelancers inspired us to create a solution that addresses the pain points faced by many in the industry. This grant will enable us to accelerate the development of Payd and empower freelancers and creatives to thrive in their professional pursuits.”
Power Learn Project congratulated Japheth, Benaiah, and the entire Payd team on their remarkable achievement. The company says the success highlights the exceptional talent nurtured by Power Learn Project and serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among its learners.
“At Power Learn Project, we are dedicated to empowering our learners to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and build successful startups. We provide a transformative learning environment that fosters innovation, cultivates critical thinking, and equips individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. The recent win of our alumni start-up, Payd, in the Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge, is a testament to the power of our approach. We are proud to be part of their journey and celebrate their success. Join us as we continue to empower learners to turn their ideas into reality and create a lasting impact on the world.’’ said Mumbi Ndung’u, Chief of Growth & Operations at Power Learn Project.
Launched in April 2022 in Kenya, Power Learn Project (PLP) is a Pan African organization working to drive transformative change by empowering youth through providing quality, affordable, and decentralized software development and smart technologies training and opportunities for work after that. PLP currently has a presence in over 5 African countries and an estimated 10,000 software developers in training, with its first cohort of 1000 graduating in December 2022. These developers are then provided with several pathways ranging from upskilling to jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge aims to identify groundbreaking solutions that address perennial African problems and utilize technology to make a positive impact on communities. The competition comprised two tracks: the student track and the startup track. Payd applied for the startup track and successfully advanced to the final stages of the competition.
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