EZRA

Invested Jan 2023

Profile

EZRA is a leading micro-lending fintech which partners with banks, mobile network operators, utility companies, and e-commerce platforms to deliver “easy and rapid” credit solutions in financially underserved markets. Its integration provides partners with credit solutions that can be adapted to each business’s individual needs. Moreover, its robust and proprietary credit scoring system allows EZRA to ensure that at least 60% of its partners’ end consumers are eligible for a loan.

EZRA is on a mission to contribute to financial inclusion in emerging markets.

Website www.ezra.world

Headquarters

Dubai

Region

Africa

Sector

Payments

Sub-sector

B2B2C Payments

Fund

Apis Growth Fund II

Where did the idea behind Ezra come from?

The credit industry in developing markets especially in Africa is at a very nascent stage. Financial industry has been dominated by traditional banks with the focus on large corporates and a limited capacity and intent to serve large portions of small businesses and individuals due to the high acquisition and risk costs. The only options for individuals to borrow money was either to rely on their friends and family or turn to loan sharks.

Ezra has taken the challenge to fill this void and to offer small and medium sized loans to individual customers and small merchants by partnering with mobile money operators, mobile network operators and banks. Ezra’s proprietary credit scoring engine was able to generate credit scores for these customers using their daily transactional data. Customers can borrow money in real time and have the ability to improve their credit score by ensuring timely repayments.

Where do you see the company in 5 years?

The financial services industry in emerging markets and especially Africa is on a trajectory to grow and evolve in coming years. In 2022 only, Ezra has served 40 Million plus customers on monthly basis and processed 2 Billion plus loans worth 1.6B USD annually. At Ezra, we have an ambition to play a role in driving financial inclusion and providing affordable and accessible financial services to people who are currently excluded from the formal financial sector. To achieve this we will continue to innovate and find new ways to deliver financial services that meet the needs of our partner’s end consumers.

How does EZRA contribute to its local audience?

Ezra is providing affordable and accessible financial services to the customers in emerging markets by collaborating with Mobile money operators, Mobile network operators, banks and utility companies. By providing access to credit, Ezra is helping its customers to start or grow a business, finance a major purchase, or cope with an unexpected expense. This helps increase their income, create new job opportunities, and improve their standard of living.

“Apis has shown a great aptitude in understanding the intricacies of our business and has gained considerable knowledge in working with fintech infrastructure companies similar to EZRA. This expertise makes Apis more than just a financial investor to us; they are a strategic partner as we embark on our next phase of growth.”

— Erwan Gelebart, CEO