XA Network, a leading investment network founded by tech alumni in Southeast Asia, on Thursday announced its expansion into Africa with the launch of XA Africa.

The move underscores the network’s vision and commitment to fostering innovation and supporting promising startups globally.
XA Africa is founded by a trio of experienced tech professionals:

● Nitin Gajria, former MD of Google Sub-Saharan Africa
● Jason Scott, venture capitalist and an architect of the Black Founders Fund at Google
● Marek Dawidowicz, current Marketing Director at YouTube and South African native

“Founders of technology startups in Africa are uniquely placed to solve some of Africa’s most profound challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities.

“We see the foray of XA Network into Africa as a natural progression, allowing us to connect amazing founders to experienced and expert operators from the tech industry”, says Nitin Gajria, Co-Founder of XA Africa.

XA Africa aims to connect exceptional African tech founders with seasoned investors and industry experts, primarily from global and regional technology companies, to provide not just capital but also the guidance and support needed to scale their ventures.

The newly established XA Africa has already made notable investments in promising African startups, including:

● Crop2Cash (Nigeria)
● BuuPass (Kenya)
● Kaya (South Africa)
● Talamus Health (Ghana)

“We are excited to have XA network on board because of their strong network of experts who are open to listening and helping.

“They’ve introduced us to advisors from Expedia and truly understand the dynamics of emerging markets, making them a valuable investor.” – Sonia Kabra & Wyclife Omondi – Founders of BuuPass

“Partnering with XA Network has been a game-changer for our company. Their strategic guidance and network have opened doors to new opportunities, and we’re excited to see the impact of our collaboration continue to unfold.

“We’re grateful for their trust in our vision.” – Michael Ogundare – CEO of Crop2Cash

Since its inception six years ago, XA Network has established itself as a significant player in the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem, making nearly 100 investments in the region, and consistent ranked as #1 investment network in the region.

XA Network comprises senior leaders from prominent global and regional technology companies and notable company founders.

This approach distinguishes XA Network, enabling it to offer portfolio companies unparalleled guidance and support from experienced industry operators.

“We also see an opportunity to build a stronger bridge between ecosystems in Africa and Southeast Asia along the way.

“In fact, this investment hypothesis has already been proven across some of the African founders we are currently supporting.”, Mr Gajria added

The XA Africa team will be hosting their first public Demo Day webinar on Thursday November 7, 1-2pm GMT+1, where Africa focused investors can meet and invest in four founding companies and learn more about XA Africa. Click here to register for the event.

In celebration of Customer Service Week 2024, Kuda hosted a webinar to equip its employees with tips to deliver exceptional service to internal and external customers.

The webinar, ‘Going Above and Beyond for Internal and External Customers,’ aligns with this year’s Customer Service Week theme, “Above & Beyond.”

The event featured presentations from Kuda’s key customer experience leaders, including Senior Customer Support Specialist, Olubukola Ojo and Compliance Manager, Oluwamuyiwa Falusi, who shared practical insights on raising service standards.

The webinar provided tools for employees to embody the values of love, kindness, empathy, and respect in their daily interactions.

In her presentation, Olubukola Ojo emphasised the importance of active listening and personalised service when engaging with customers and colleagues.

“To go above and beyond, it’s crucial to engage meaningfully with customers, tailoring our approach to their individual needs and anticipating potential issues,” Ojo explained.

She encouraged attendees to follow up with customers after interactions to ensure satisfaction, adding that, “proactively reaching out to customers shows that you genuinely care about their experience and are committed to resolving any concerns they may have.”

Ojo also highlighted the importance of internal collaboration in delivering exceptional service.

“Fostering teamwork across departments ensures that customer needs are met seamlessly and efficiently,” she said.

Falusi highlighted how delivering top-tier customer service is key to building trust, brand loyalty, and standing out in a competitive market.

“In fintech, providing exceptional service is not just about solving problems—it’s about building relationships that encourage customer retention and generate positive referrals,” he noted.

He also discussed the vital role of compliance in customer service, particularly in the fintech sector, where regulatory standards are stringent.

“When compliance is seamlessly integrated into customer-facing processes, it reassures customers that their best interests are prioritised while ensuring we meet legal obligations.

“This builds trust and credibility, fostering long-lasting relationships,” he explained.

Falusi further stressed the importance of balancing compliance with a positive customer experience.

“By explaining compliance processes transparently and straightforwardly, we turn regulatory obligations into opportunities to strengthen customer relationships.

“Customers appreciate it when we take the time to show how these measures benefit them,” he added.

Kuda’s approach to customer service reflects a deep commitment to innovation and collaboration.

Its focus on employee satisfaction empowers staff to deliver top-quality service, and the synergy between compliance and customer experience strengthens long-term relationships with customers.

Kuda’s celebration of Customer Service Week features activities including a football tournament, giveaways, and a games night.