Stitch，一家總部位於南非開普敦的金融科技公司，已與全球領先的金融科技投資者Ribbit Capital達成協議，獲得了2500萬美元的資金費用擴展輪融資，Ribbit Capital爲主要投資者。
本輪融資使Stitch的A輪融資總額增加至4600萬美元，繼續參與的

Stitch，一家總部位於南非開普敦的金融科技公司，已與全球領先的金融科技投資者Ribbit Capital作爲主要投資者，成功獲得2500萬美元的資金費用擴展輪融資。

這一輪融資使Stitch的總A輪資金增加至4600萬美元，現有投資者如CRE Ventures、PayPal Ventures和Raba Partnership繼續參與。

Stitch於兩年前推出其首個支付產品[2021]，目前每年處理超過5000萬筆支付，處理價值超過20億美元，爲南非一些大型企業提供服務，包括：

![](http://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb)* MTN
* 多選
* Foschini Group (TFG)的狂歡
* 好萊塢賭注
* 樂透之星
* 盧諾
* 優科

該公司擁有超過80名員工，已從單一方式的(通過銀行)提供商發展爲擁有八種支付方式的端到端支付解決方案提供商。

這些產品包括全面的支付能力和一個強大的支付管理平台(PayOS)，能夠通過一個應用程序實現支付編排和對帳。PayOS在Stitch方法和其他提供商及方法中同樣有效。

 

*“我們從一個單一方法的平台轉變爲一個面向本地和全球企業的下一代支付服務提供商，”* 聯合創始人兼首席執行官Kiaan Pillay說，他與Natalie Cuthbert和Priyen Pillay共同創立了Stitch。

*“最初，我們只有一個充值功能，支持銀行和卡支付。雖然我們已經增加了更多功能，但現在我們有了一個編排層，許多企業使用它來管理支付方式並在不同銀行之間進行對帳。我們提供支付，無論是發放、退款還是提款。我們的解決方案對那些第一次嘗試進入市場的全球公司具有吸引力，因爲它提供了端到端的流程。”*

 

在過去兩年裏，Stitch一直專注於企業客戶，最近推出了一款名爲WigWag的解決方案，旨在爲中小企業提供支持的社交商務支付平台，使它們能夠通過獨特的支付連結接受數字支付。

 

根據Stitch，WigWag是一個簡化的無代碼企業產品版本，專門爲沒有開發團隊甚至沒有網站的小型企業設計。

*“雖然我們期待擴展到新的市場，但我們也在加倍致力於南非。我們相信這是世界上最具活力和獨特性的市場之一，而我們在其潛力方面僅僅是初步探索，”* Stitch 說。

 

根據Stitch的說法，使南非成爲一個有利市場的一些原因包括：

* 一個人口高度銀行化的國家，特別是與其他新興經濟體相比
* 一個蓬勃發展的開放銀行生態系統
* 一個具有高水平互聯網和移動滲透率的重要人口規模
* 大量成熟的企業商家
* 爲尋求在該大陸上啓動平台的國際玩家提供友好的環境

Stitch, a fintech company based in Cape Town, South Africa, has secured $25 million in an extension round of funding with leading global fintech investor, Ribbit Capital, as the primary investor.
This round has increased Stitch’s total Series A funding to $46 million with continued participation fr

Stitch, a fintech company based in Cape Town, South Africa, has secured $25 million in an extension round of funding with leading global fintech investor, Ribbit Capital, as the primary investor.

This round has increased Stitch’s total Series A funding to $46 million with continued participation from existing investors such as CRE Ventures, PayPal Ventures, and the Raba Partnership.

Stitch, which launched its first payment product two years ago [2021], is currently processing over 50 million payments annually, and over $2 billion in value, for some of the largest businesses operating in South Africa, including:

![](https://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb)* MTN
* Multichoice
* The Foschini Group (TFG)’s Bash
* HollywoodBets
* LottoStar
* Luno
* Yoco

The company, which has over 80 employees, has gone from a single-method (Pay by bank) provider to an end-to-end payments solution provider with eight pay-in methods, it says.

These offerings includes comprehensive pay outs capabilities and a robust payments management platform (PayOS), enabling payments orchestration and reconciliation via a single application. PayOS works as well for Stitch methods as it does for other providers and methods.

 

*“We moved away from being a single method platform to a next-generation PSP for local and global enterprises,”* said Co-Founder and CEO, Kiaan Pillay, who founded Stitch with Natalie Cuthbert and Priyen Pillay.

*“Initially, we just had a pay-in feature where we support bank and card payments. While we’ve added more, we now have an orchestration layer, which many enterprises use to manage payment methods and reconcile across different banks. And we do payouts, whether a disbursement, a refund, or a withdrawal. Our solution is attractive for global companies trying to enter the market for the first time because of the end-to-end process.”*

 

While Stitch has been focusing on enterprise clients for the better part of its two years, it recently introduced a solution for SMEs called WigWag, a social commerce payment platform designed to empower small businesses by enabling them to accept digital payments through a distinctive payment link.

 

According to Stitch, WigWag is a simplified, no-code version of the enterprise product that’s designed specifically for SMEs without access to developer teams or even a website.

*“While we’re looking forward to expanding into new markets, we’re also doubling down on our commitment to South Africa. We believe this is one of the most dynamic and unique markets in the world, and we’ve only just scratched the surface in terms of its potential,”* Stitch said.

 

Some of the reasons that make South Africa a favorable market according to Stitch include:

* A highly banked population, especially when compared with other emerging economies
* A burgeoning open banking ecosystem
* A significant population size with a high level of internet and mobile penetration
* A significant number of established enterprise businesses
* A welcome environment for international players looking for a launchpad on the continent

FUNDING | South African Fintech, Stitch, Raises $25 Million in Series A Extension

融資 | 南非科技金融公司Stitch在A輪擴展中融資2500萬美元

Twytch，一款在南非推出的新打車應用，利用區塊鏈技術進行身分認證，以提高行業的安全性和保障，解決身分欺詐和未認證用戶等問題。

RIDE

打車應用程序 Twytch 已在南非正式上線，引入區塊鏈的可驗證憑證，以解決困擾該行業（如優步等玩家主導）的安全問題。

Twytch是非洲首個採用區塊鏈支持身分驗證的電子叫車平台，旨在確保用戶的安全和保障。

 

Twytch 表示它專注於安全性：

![](http://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb019283746574839201*“這家電召車公司與 Secure Citizen 獨家合作，爲所有用戶提供可驗證憑證)VC(系統。

*通過區塊鏈技術和可驗證憑證的力量，我們不僅提高了安全性和保障性；我們還重新定義了在電子叫車服務行業中信任的意義.*

*“每一次乘車都是一個安全的空間，每一次互動都是經過驗證的，每一個用戶都是受到保護的，”* 說 Denvin Naidoo，Twytch Africa 的安全與安保負責人。

 

根據Twytch，驗證憑證)VCs(是身分信息的安全數字版本，採用加密方式存儲在去中心化的區塊鏈上，使其幾乎不可能被僞造或修改。

 

*“與傳統的身分識別方法不同，VC是數字化的、防篡改的，並確保只有經過驗證的用戶可以訪問該平台。南非的電子召車行業長期以來一直面臨安全問題，包括身分欺詐事件和涉及未驗證用戶的犯罪。”*

Twytch, a new ride-hailing app in South Africa, utilizes blockchain technology for identity verification to enhance safety and security in the industry, addressing concerns like identity fraud and unverified users.

Ride-hailing app, Twytch, has officially launched in South Africa, introducing the use of blockchain’s verifiable credentials to tackle the safety issues that dog the sector dominated by players like Uber.

Twytch is the first e-hailing platform in Africa to incorporate blockchain-backed identity verification, which aims to ensure user safety and security.

 

Twytch says it has a focus on safety:

![](https://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb)*“The e-hailing company has exclusively partnered with Secure Citizen to put in place a Verifiable Credential (VC) system for all users.*

*Through the power of blockchain technology and verifiable credentials, we are not just enhancing safety and security; we are redefining what trust means in the e-hailing service industry.* 

*Every ride is a safe space, every interaction is verified, and every user is protected,”* said Denvin Naidoo, safety and security lead for Twytch Africa.

 

According to Twytch, verifiable credentials (VCs) are secure digital versions of identity information, stored cryptographically on a decentralized blockchain, making them nearly impossible to forge or modify.

 

*“Unlike traditional identification methods, VCs are digital, tamper-proof, and ensure that only verified users can access the platform. The e-hailing industry in South Africa has long grappled with safety concerns, including incidents of identity fraud and crimes involving unverified users.”*

INTRODUCING | South African Ride Hailing App, Twytch, Pioneers Blockchain Identification to Tackle E-Hailing Safety Issues

介紹 | 南非打車應用 Twytch 首創區塊鏈身分認證以解決電子打車安全問題

2024年5月標志着Celo生態系統的一個重要裏程碑，因爲它實施了首個追溯性公共產品資助(RPGF)計劃。RPGF試點以創紀錄的發獎池250,000 CELO推出，以表彰和激勵對Celo社區最有價值的貢獻。

CELO

2024年5月對於Celo生態系統來說是一個重要的裏程碑，因爲它實施了首個追溯性公共產品資金(RPGF)項目。RPGF試點以創紀錄的發獎池25萬CELO啓動，以表彰和激勵自2020年5月19日以來對Celo社區最有價值的貢獻。

 

**第0輪 – 感謝公共利益貢獻**

Celo推出的RPGF試點，品牌名爲\”Round 0,\” 是識別對社區做出重大進展的項目的重要事件之一。此外，這突顯了Celo的願景，即通過開發能夠影響積極轉型和創新的項目，確保建立一個強大和可持續的區塊鏈社區。

![](http://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb)

**RPGF輪次報告**

在2024年5月24日，CELO Gather活動展示了RPGF第0輪的結果。演示包括輪次報告，說明支付是如何進行的，以及對支持項目的深入分析。演示的亮點包括：

**結果公告：該輪頂級項目匯總：**

* 支付分配：如何將250,000 CELO發獎池分配給獲勝項目
* 輪後分析：對選拔過程及資助項目影響的洞察
* 文檔和市場營銷：記錄此次輪次的努力，並宣傳所選項目的成就

這種透明度和細節的程度旨在建立社區內的信任，並爲未來的回合樹立積極的榜樣。

 

**與Gitcoin的合作**

RPGF試點中最令人興奮的元素之一是與Gitcoin團隊的合作。這促進了在Gitcoin Grants 21的GG21期間部署Allo v2和Grant Stack，以協調Celo原生融資輪。通過與Gitcoin合作，Celo希望融資過程對所有參與者變得更加高效、及時和用戶友好。

CELO Gather 是一個令人興奮的活動，匯聚了區塊鏈支持者、開發者和社區成員。與會者體驗了：

* 重大公告：Monty 和 Luuk 的演講讓每個人都了解了 RPGF 輪次的內容，並幫助獲取了資金過程中的重大見解。
* 網路機會：與其他社區成員、項目負責人和區塊鏈專家連接的機會。
* 研討會和小組討論：在Celo生態系統中培養學習和合作的會議。
* 創新展示：在CELO上展示出豐碩工作貢獻的項目洞察，分享他們的歷程和影響。

 

**在Celo RPGF倡議中識別頂尖項目**

BitKE在Celo RPGF倡議中脫穎而出，成爲前100個項目之一，因其在教育、意識和社區發展方面對區塊鏈生態系統的承諾和重大貢獻而受到認可。這一認可重申了BitKE致力於培養一個有意識、知識豐富和參與的區塊鏈社區的決心，這與Celo建立一個爲所有人創造繁榮條件的金融系統的使命相一致。

BitKE通過精心的活動報道、深入的項目亮點和詳細的Celo教程支持了Celo生態系統，讓全球觀衆了解非洲的核心事件和影響力項目。BitKE制作的教育教程使復雜的概念變得簡單，讓新的用戶和開發者能夠接觸到Celo。

 

**CELO公共物品資金的未來**

RPGF試點項目的啓動標志着在構建一個可持續且具有影響力的生態系統方面邁出了重要的一步。追溯性融資模式涵蓋了之前的所有工作，同時鼓勵進一步的創新發展。

與 Gitcoin 的集成進一步增強了該倡議，通過引入先進的工具和方法來提升資金流程。RPGF 計劃將隨着 Celo 的發展不斷迭代，整合每輪的反饋和經驗教訓，以更好地服務社區。

 

Celo RPGF試點不僅僅是一個融資輪；它是對社區成功的慶祝，也是對未來創新的承諾。在Celo Gather上宣布的結果聚焦於在生態系統內取得突破的項目。這爲未來有影響力的貢獻鋪就了一條金光大道，並設定了一個價值和獎勵的先例，從而實現一個繁榮和可持續的Celo社區。

May 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Celo ecosystem as it implemented its first Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RPGF) program. The RPGF pilot was rolled out with a record reward pool of 250,000 CELO to recognize and incentivize the most valued contributions to the Celo community from th

May 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Celo ecosystem as it implemented its first Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RPGF) program. The RPGF pilot was rolled out with a record reward pool of 250,000 CELO to recognize and incentivize the most valued contributions to the Celo community from the date of its inception on May 19 2020.

 

**Round 0 – Appreciating Public Good Contributions**

The RPGF pilot by Celo, branded as \”Round 0,\” was one of the most significant events that could have happened to identify the projects that made great progress for the community. Further, this highlighted Celo’s vision to ensure there is a robust and sustainable blockchain community in place by looking to develop projects that influence positive transformation and innovations.

![](https://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb) 

**RPGF Round Reporting**

On May 24 2024, the Celo Gather event presented the results of Round 0 of RPGF. The presentation included round reporting stipulating how the payments were given and a deep analysis of the projects supported. Highlights of the presentation include:

**Results Announcement: Summary of top projects in that round:**

* Payments Distribution: How the 250,000 CELO reward pool was allocated among the winning projects
* Post-Round Analysis: Insights into the selection process and the impact of funded projects
* Documentation and Marketing: Efforts to document the round and promote the achievements of the selected projects

This degree of transparency and detail was designed to be trust-building within the community and set a positive example for future rounds.

 

**Collaboration with Gitcoin**

One of the most exciting elements of the RPGF pilot was the collaboration with the Gitcoin team. It facilitated the deployment of Allo v2 and Grant Stack during the GG21 period of Gitcoin Grants 21 to pull off the coordination of Celo-native funding rounds. By partnering with Gitcoin, Celo wants the funding process to be even more efficient, timely, and user-friendly for all participants.

Celo Gather was an exciting event that brought together blockchain supporters, developers, and community members. Attendees experienced:

* Major Announcements: The presentation from Monty and Luuk got everyone up to speed on what’s in the RPGF round and helped major insights from the funding process.
* Networking Opportunities: Chances to connect with other community members, project leads, and blockchain experts.
* Workshops and Panels: Sessions that nurtured learning and collaboration within the Celo ecosystem.
* Innovation Showcase: Projects’ insights that showed prolific work contributions on Celo, sharing their journey and impact.

 

**Recognizing Top Projects in the Celo RPGF Initiative**

Having emerged among the top 100 projects in the Celo RPGF initiative, BitKE was among the projects recognized due to their commitment and significant contribution to the blockchain ecosystem in terms of education, awareness, and community development. This recognition re-affirmed a dedication from BitKE to nurturing an aware, knowledgeable, and participatory blockchain community in line with the Celo mission of building a financial system that creates the conditions for prosperity – for everyone.

BitKE has supported the Celo ecosystem through elaborate event coverage, in-depth project highlights, and detailed Celo tutorials, keeping the global audience informed on core events and impacting projects in Africa. Educational tutorials produced by BitKE made complex concepts simple, opening up Celo to new users and developers.

 

**The Future of Public Goods Funding in Celo**

The launch of the RPGF pilot program marked a great milestone in building an ecosystem that is both sustainable and impactful. The retroactive funding model captured all the work that preceded it while encouraging further innovative development.

The integration with Gitcoin further amplified the initiative by bringing in advanced tools and methodologies to enhance the funding process. The RPGF program will continue to iterate as Celo grows, integrating feedback and lessons from each round to better serve the community.

 

The Celo RPGF pilot was more than a funding round; it was a celebration of the successes of the community and a commitment to innovation moving forward. Results announced at Celo Gather shone a spotlight on projects that made breakthroughs within the ecosystem. This paves a golden path and sets a precedence for impactful contributions in the future to be valued and rewarded, resulting in a thriving and sustainable Celo community.

INTRODUCING | Inaugural Celo Public Goods Funding Initiative Rewards Key Projects and Initiatives in Africa

介紹 | 首個 Celo 公共產品資助計劃獎勵非洲的關鍵項目和倡議

Mercy Corps Ventures已與Polygon Labs合作，以增強新興市場中服務不足社區的區塊鏈解決方案。該倡議專注於資金費用試點、組織黑客馬拉松和開展教育訓練營，以推動金融包容性和韌性。

Mercy Corps Ventures (MCV)，全球發展組織Mercy Corps的影響力投資部門，已宣布與區塊鏈領域的龍頭企業Polygon Labs達成合作。

該合作夥伴關係旨在加速爲新興市場中服務不足和低收入個人及社區提供區塊鏈解決方案。

慈善軍團風險投資公司投資並促進由風險主導的解決方案，以幫助服務不足的羣體融入全球經濟。自2015年成立以來，MCV已支持41個早期風險項目的發展，並籌集了超過3.339億美元的後續資金，該組織表示。

![](https://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb)此外，MCV投資組合中有51%爲女性創辦，專注於適應性農業和食品系統、前沿金融科技以及氣候智能系統的韌性建設解決方案。

與Polygon Labs的合作將側重於三個關鍵支柱：

* 資助區塊鏈試點項目，使傳統上被排除在外和服務不足的社區能夠獲得金融系統的接入
* 一系列區塊鏈黑客松活動，開發者爲新興市場用戶服務，以提高對區塊鏈如何幫助解決影響領域本地挑戰的教育和意識
* 在慈善機構Mercy Corps的覆蓋市場中開展區塊鏈訓練營路演，旨在爲當地教育機構、非政府組織及其他希望通過區塊鏈技術改善運營的組織提供教育和信息會議。

這一合作關係恰逢區塊鏈和Web3解決方案在欠銀行人羣中的熱潮尚未在新興市場得到實現的時候。雖然一些現實世界的用例存在，但大多數缺乏可衡量的結果來爲這些技術建立商業和影響案例。

MCV一直在積極試點Web3解決方案，以負責任的方式測試、降低風險，並爲有前景的尖端創新建立證據基礎。這些解決方案利用Web3探索其論點的新興領域，爲服務不足的個人和社區建立韌性。

由MCV於2023年2月推出的Crypto for Good Fund II預計將通過一系列試點項目推動全球金融包容性和氣候韌性，建立證據基礎以證明區塊鏈支持的解決方案在新興市場產生積極影響的可擴展性。

*“我們知道初創公司正在爲世界上最緊迫的挑戰帶來新的創新解決方案，”* Mercy Corps Ventures的常務董事Scott Onder說道。

 *“我們希望通過提供戰略支持和資金，幫助創始人擴展這些新興解決方案，以測試、驗證和加速他們的工作，從而吸引下一代用戶進入新興市場。”*

Polygon網路是數以萬計的去中心化應用程式的家園，包括一些最傑出的DeFi參與者，如Aave、QuickSwap、OpenSea和Uniswap V3。

Mercy Corps Ventures has partnered with Polygon Labs to enhance blockchain solutions for underserved communities in emerging markets. The initiative focuses on funding pilots, organizing hackathons, and conducting educational bootcamps to drive financial inclusion and resilience.

Mercy Corps Ventures (MCV), the impact investing arm of the global development organization, Mercy Corps, has announced a partnership with Polygon Labs, a leading player in the blockchain space.

The partnership aims to accelerate blockchain solutions for under-served and low-income individuals and communities in emerging markets.

Mercy Corps Ventures invests in and catalyzes venture-led solutions to help under-served groups join the global economy. Since its founding in 2015, MCV has supported 41 early-stage ventures in scaling and raising over $333.9 million in follow-on capital, the organization says.

![](https://img-cdn.gateio.im/social/moments-9e92ed6a7ecd856144d0eaf8d5de0ecb)Additionally, the MCV portfolio is 51% female-founded and centers around resilience-building solutions in adaptive agriculture and food systems, frontier fintech, and climate smart systems.

The partnership with Polygon Labs will focus on three key pillars:

* Funding blockchain pilots that will enable access to the financial system for traditionally excluded and under-served communities
* A series of blockchain hackathons with developers serving emerging market users to increase education and awareness about how blockchain can help solve local challenges in the impact space
* Running a blockchain bootcamp roadshow in markets where Mercy Corps has a presence aimed to provide educational and informational sessions for local educational institutions, NGOs, and other organizations looking to improve operations through blockchain technology

The partnership also comes at a time when the hype of blockchain and Web3 solutions for under-banked populations has not yet been matched by the reality in emerging markets. While some real-world use cases exist, most lack the measurable outcomes to build a business and impact case for these technologies.

MCV has been actively piloting Web3 solutions to responsibly test, de-risk, and build the evidence base for promising, cutting-edge innovation. These solutions leverage Web3 to explore nascent areas of their thesis, building resilience for under-served individuals and communities.

The Crypto for Good Fund II, launched by MCV in February 2023, is expected to drive global financial inclusion and climate resilience through a series of pilots, building an evidence base to prove the scalability of blockchain-enabled solutions in making a positive impact in emerging markets.

*“We know that startups are bringing new, innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges,”* says Scott Onder, Managing Director of Mercy Corps Ventures.

 *“We want to support founders to scale these nascent solutions by offering strategic support and funding to test, validate and accelerate their work to onboard the next generation of users in emerging markets.”*

The Polygon network is home to tens of thousands of decentralized applications, including some of the most prominent DeFi players such as Aave, QuickSwap, OpenSea, and Uniswap V3.

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慈善團體Mercy Corps Ventures與Polygon合作，推動區塊鏈解決方案在非洲等新興市場的應用