| Market Entry Advisory

01 · THE CHALLENGE

A cross-border payments fintech needed to raise a Series B anchored by a credible African investor and obtain SARB-aligned banking partnerships to operate legally across SADC. The founders had warm leads in the US and Europe but no direct access to Cape Town’s tier-1 VC ecosystem or to JSE-listed banking partners.

02 · OUR APPROACH

1. Curated a focused pitch tour across 6 South African and pan-African VCs aligned with the company’s stage and thesis.
2. Introduced specialist legal and compliance advisors familiar with SARB, FIC, and POPIA requirements.
3. Brokered partnership conversations with two JSE-listed banking groups for licensing and settlement rails.
4. Coordinated investor due diligence and term-sheet negotiation support.

03 · RESULTS

• $18M Series B closed with a Cape Town-based lead investor.
• Banking partnership signed with a tier-1 SA institution for SADC settlement.
• Operational launch in 4 SADC markets within 90 days post-close.
• Board strengthened with two seasoned African fintech operators introduced through our network.

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