KIGALI, RWANDA – Kayko, a rising fintech startup based in Kigali, has raised $1.2 million in seed funding to accelerate its mission of digitising Rwanda’s informal merchant ecosystem and building a robust data infrastructure to improve access to credit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The investment round was led by Burrow Capital, with participation from LuxDev, Hanga Ignite, and develoPPP Ventures, underscoring growing investor confidence in Rwanda’s fintech and SME enablement landscape.
A Homegrown Solution to a Billion-Dollar Problem
Founded in 2021 by brothers Crepin and Kevin Kayisire, Kayko began as a university capstone project and has grown into a fast-scaling micro-ERP platform. Today, the company serves over 8,500 informal and semi-formal SMEs, helping them digitise core business functions like:
- Bookkeeping
- Inventory tracking
- Tax compliance
- Real-time financial performance monitoring
By generating structured financial data, Kayko enables merchants to move beyond paper-based systems—unlocking transparency and helping financial institutions better assess creditworthiness without relying solely on physical collateral.
Building Financial Bridges Through Data
Kayko’s goal is to close the multi-billion-dollar financing gap facing African small businesses. The platform acts as a data bridge between merchants and lenders, making it easier for banks and MFIs to underwrite loans based on digital transaction history, inventory records, and business health metrics.
According to the founders, the newly secured capital will be used to:
- Scale operations across more districts and sectors in Rwanda
- Enhance credit scoring algorithms based on transactional behavior
- Strengthen partnerships with local banks, SACCOs, and fintech lenders
A Bright Future for Rwanda’s Informal Economy
Kayko’s rise signals a broader trend in Rwanda’s tech ecosystem—where local innovation is tackling long-standing challenges in financial inclusion and informal sector integration.
With continued support from ecosystem partners like Hanga Pitchfest and global development agencies, Kayko is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping Rwanda’s inclusive digital economy.
Interested in partnering with or learning more about Kayko? Visit their website or follow their journey via Rwanda Tech News for future updates.
