Firm raises $ 8.5m to scale decentralised payment infrastructure

PAYMENT infrastructure company, Zone has raised $ 8.5 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by reputable VC firms, Flourish Ventures and Tlcom Capital.

The deal marks a pivotal moment for Zone as the company continues its journey to build a Blockchain- based decentralised payment infrastructure for financial services providers across the continent and beyond.

Zone has a unique position as Africa’s first regulated blockchain network for payments and has already signed up over 15 of Africa’s largest banks and fintech companies.

The new funding will enable Zone to further expand the coverage of its network domestically and connect more banks and financial services companies.

A significant portion of the proceeds, according to the firm, will also be allocated to conducting a comprehensive pilot programme to test its crossborder capabilities, scheduled for 2025. A key priority of the Company is to ensure that it is well- prepared to extend its footprint across Africa to support Intra- African and international payments which will bring the company closer to its vision of becoming a global payment network.

Flourish Ventures, an early- stage global fintech venture firm with purpose will provide Zone with a global perspective, networks of industry influencers and extensive Africa fintech expertise, paving the way for expansion into new markets. UK- based Tlcom Capital provides essential local credibility and understanding of the African tech space while leveraging its existing relationships with key decision- makers In Nigeria to establish a strong foundation for Zone within its home market.

Other investors in this round include international blockchain- focused VC firms Digital Currency Group ( DCG), VKAV ( Verod- Kepple Africa Ventures) and Alter Global, each bringing niche sector expertise and credibility. These investments at a time when start- up funding has dried out are a testament to investor confidence in Zone’s mission to connect every monetary store of value and establish a regulated and decentralized global payment infrastructure.

Commenting on the funding round, Chief Executive Officer and co- founder of Zone, Obi Emetarom, said: “The participation of high- quality investors despite the funding drought and the fact that we had more interested investors than we needed, is a sign of trust in the Zone brand and investor excitement about the opportunity to redefine payment infrastructure in Africa.