Zone raises $8.5mn in seed funding round

Zone, a payment infrastructure company leveraging blockchain technology, has successfully raised $8.5 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round. The round was led by prominent venture capital firms Flourish Ventures and TLcom Capital. This significant financial milestone marks a pivotal moment for Zone, signaling an opportunity to redefine payment infrastructure across Africa. The Co-Founder and CEO of Zone, Obi Emetarom, outlined the strategic deployment of these funds to enhance the company's core platform, expand transaction channels, and increase network coverage. Emetarom emphasized that the primary focus will be on developing new functionalities to improve performance and cater to client needs, as well as introducing additional transaction origination channels beyond ATM services. Moreover, Zone plans to amplify its network by onboarding more financial institutions, including commercial banks and Fintech companies, to broaden its reach and accessibility. By bolstering its infrastructure and operational capabilities, Zone aims to streamline payment processes and enhance the overall user experience. One of the key aspects that set Zone apart is its decentralized payment network, which facilitates direct transactions between banks, Fintechs, and other financial entities without intermediaries. This approach not only ensures swift and secure payments but also expedites reconciliation and settlement processes, benefiting both customers and businesses. Emetarom highlighted the significance of instant reconciliation and settlement, emphasizing the real-time liquidity provision that Zone offers to businesses upon receiving payments. This feature is particularly advantageous for small-scale enterprises and low-income individuals who rely on timely access to funds for their operations. Looking ahead, Zone envisions becoming a global payment network, with aspirations to venture into intra-African and international payment markets in the medium to long term. By facilitating seamless cross-border transactions and eliminating the need for multiple currency conversions, Zone aims to revolutionize the remittance landscape and simplify fund transfers across different regions. Emetarom underscored the transformative potential of Zone's platform in catering to the needs of diaspora Africans and remittance operators seeking cost-effective and real-time money transfer solutions. The integration of local banks and financial institutions plays a pivotal role in enabling instant value transfers and reducing operational inefficiencies associated with traditional remittance processes. In conclusion, Zone's successful seed funding round not only propels the company towards its global expansion goals but also signifies a paradigm shift in digital payment infrastructure in Africa. With a strategic focus on innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity, Zone is poised to shape the future of financial transactions on the continent.