Build the next layer.
We work with investors, technology partners, financial institutions and startups to build the infrastructure inclusive finance is missing.
1.3 billion
adults still lack access to financial services.Source: World Bank, Global Findex Database 2025, press release of 16 July 2025.58%
of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa have an account, up from 49% in 2021.Source: World Bank, Global Findex Database 2025.850 million
people around the world do not have an official ID.Source: World Bank ID4D, estimates released at the end of 2022.The demand is there. The infrastructure is not.
Built for a systemic challenge.
Defy Ventures is a venture studio. It takes on one systemic challenge, inclusive finance, and builds the set of innovations that change the industry around it. Each venture is funded as it proves its case.
Venture Building Funds
Our funds capitalise local venture builders, the ventures they spin out and the growth ventures that speed up adoption of the studio’s infrastructure.
Venture Builder
Our venture builders design and build each venture in-house with co-founders, then spin it out as an independent company.
Corporate Accelerators
We run accelerator programmes with financial institutions, so startups can build and pilot their solutions with them.
Innovation Sandbox
We provide banks and fintechs with an environment to develop and test new inclusive finance solutions before they reach the market.
Talk to the team.
Tell us who you are and what you would like to build with us.