Angolan Crowdfunding Startup Deya Secures Funding To Democratise Access To Finance
Deya, a Luanda-based tech startup, has raised its first round of over $50 000 in pre-seed funding from a group of local angel investors. The startup will use the funding to develop its platform, extend its current business model with the ultimate effect of improving its sales.
“I am thrilled about the success of this financing round, as it lasted for almost a year until we closed negotiations with investors on this round. This pre-seed financing is important because it will allow us to develop new intellectual property for the platform and expand Deya’s products offer so that its users (individuals and organizations) can get the most value possible, and thus enabling us greater exponential growth,” said Vanda de Oliveira, CEO of Deya.
According to a statement released by the startup, it has raised around $22 000 for social impact projects since it was founded.
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A Look At What The Startup Does
Launched in 2017, claims to be Angola’s first and Portuguese-speaking African countries crowdfunding platform and aims to increase access to financing for social impact causes and entrepreneurs.
“The beauty of crowdfunding is the possibility for individuals, companies, and organizations to be able to raise funds without the intermediation of banks or other traditional financing institutions, and in this potential, we are working to become a reference platform in this sector for sub-Saharan Africa in the next five years. This funding is the first phase to reach this goal,” de Oliveira said.
With a safe and open mechanism and tech-based interface, the platform serves as the middle-man between fundraisers and donors. The startup is currently operating in the donation and reward model, but is working within the organisation to develop an equity model. Implementation of the equity model would enable start-ups and small and medium-sized companies to expand funding through collective financing.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer