With a “stock now, pay later” model, Sevi is driving financial inclusion and transforming FMCG supply chains in Kenya.
Sevi Secures Investment to Enhance Stock Financing in Kenya
Kenyan fintech startup Sevi, which specializes in stock financing for wholesalers and retailers through its innovative “stock now, pay later” platform, has secured fresh funding from Africa-focused impact investment firm Renew Capital. The investment, the amount of which remains undisclosed, will help Sevi enhance its technology, expand its supplier and retailer network, and further streamline its financial inclusion efforts.
Bridging the Working Capital Gap
Founded in 2018, Sevi was established to tackle a common challenge in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector—insufficient working capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By providing a credit solution that ensures suppliers receive upfront payments while allowing retailers to access stock on credit, Sevi effectively bridges the gap between suppliers and businesses that need to scale. The company’s mobile app enables retailers and sales agents to place and pay for orders using Sevi’s financing platform.
Sevi’s platform has already onboarded major suppliers, including Coca-Cola, Anytime, and Philmed, ensuring that payments are made directly to them while retailers benefit from credit-based purchasing. This model facilitates business growth, allowing retailers to focus on expansion without immediate financial constraints.
AI-Driven Credit Assessment for Smarter Financing
Sevi leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance its credit evaluation process. This data-driven approach enables the company to offer seamless, reliable credit transactions between suppliers, retailers, and credit funds. The platform operates on a one-week credit cycle, reducing friction in supply chains and improving efficiency for all stakeholders.
According to Sevi’s founder, Walter aan de Wiel, the company’s mission is to empower wholesalers and retailers by providing them with essential working capital. “With our app, retailers can access stock on credit, repay easily, and focus on expanding their businesses, while suppliers benefit from upfront payments,” he explained.
Renew Capital’s Strategic Investment
Renew Capital’s investment in Sevi underscores the fintech’s high-growth potential and its role in enhancing financial accessibility within Kenya’s FMCG sector. Calvin Chitangala, Investment and Project Manager at Renew Capital, highlighted Sevi’s impact, stating, “Sevi is solving a critical working capital gap in the FMCG sector. Their platform makes stock financing more accessible and efficient, empowering businesses to grow faster.”
With this fresh investment, Sevi aims to strengthen its platform, scale operations, and further its mission of driving financial inclusion. By addressing the liquidity challenges faced by SMEs, the company is set to play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and supply chain efficiency in Kenya’s retail sector.
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