Emerging markets hold a staggering $1 trillion opportunity for economic growth, and Verda Ventures is seizing the moment to bridge the financial access gap.

With the launch of the $40 million MiniPay Fund in partnership with Opera, Verda Ventures is championing a wave of fintech innovation aimed at transforming financial services in underserved regions.

By prioritizing scalable, founder-driven solutions, this initiative aims to redefine banking, payments, and wealth creation for millions worldwide.

About Verda Ventures

Verda Ventures is dedicated to transforming financial services in emerging markets by investing in high-growth fintech and blockchain startups.

Through its strategic partnerships, technical support, and the MiniPay ecosystem, Verda Ventures empowers companies to scale faster and deliver impactful solutions to underserved populations.

Tackling Financial Exclusion: A Global Imperative

Financial exclusion remains a significant barrier to economic prosperity for individuals, small businesses, and communities in emerging markets.

Recognizing this challenge, Verda Ventures joined forces with Opera as an anchor investor, alongside key supporters such as Jump Crypto, Borderless Capital, and Richard Parsons, former chairman of Citigroup.

Together, they have launched the MiniPay Fund to empower startups capable of delivering impactful, scalable financial solutions.

At the core of this initiative lies MiniPay, a mobile wallet spun out of Opera and powered by the Celo blockchain.

MiniPay’s innovative platform allows users to send and receive money instantly using just phone numbers, providing an accessible financial lifeline in areas lacking traditional banking infrastructure.

Since its launch in September 2023, MiniPay has attracted an impressive 4.8 million users, leveraging Opera’s 320+ million monthly active user base to make financial transactions seamless and inclusive.

Why MiniPay Stands Out

By integrating stablecoins, MiniPay offers secure, low-cost financial tools that mitigate local currency volatility, a critical advantage in emerging markets.

With its seamless integration into Opera Mini, a browser with over 100 million users in Africa alone, MiniPay is uniquely positioned to scale its impact.

Alex Witt, a leader at Verda Ventures, highlights the significance of this partnership:

“By partnering with Opera, we’re leveraging stablecoin-powered solutions to close the financial access gap. MiniPay is transforming financial services, empowering individuals and businesses at a fraction of the traditional cost.”

Three Pillars Driving Change

The MiniPay Fund targets three strategic areas to maximize financial inclusion in emerging markets:

• Mobile Banking: Extending essential banking services to unbanked populations.
• SME Lending: Supporting the growth of over 65 million small and medium-sized enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Wealth Building: Providing investment tools to manage currency risks and foster financial security.

These priorities are critical to unlocking opportunities for individuals and businesses, driving lasting economic transformation.

Creating an Ecosystem for Innovation

What sets the MiniPay Fund apart is its ecosystem-driven approach. Portfolio companies gain immediate access to MiniPay’s infrastructure, Opera’s expansive distribution network, and the Celo Foundation’s technical expertise.

This enables startups to hit the ground running, focusing on scaling their solutions and delivering measurable impact.

Early adopters of the MiniPay ecosystem, such as Pretium, Partna, Mural, and Mento Labs, are already pushing the boundaries of financial innovation.

By integrating with MiniPay, these startups are rapidly expanding financial access to underserved populations, demonstrating the tangible impact of Verda Ventures’ hands-on support.

Why Emerging Markets and Blockchain Are a Perfect Match

Emerging markets present a fertile ground for blockchain-based financial solutions. Stablecoin-powered platforms like MiniPay offer a secure, low-cost alternative to traditional banking systems, making financial services more inclusive and efficient.

Blockchain technology eliminates barriers such as high fees and limited infrastructure, empowering billions of unbanked individuals to participate in the global economy.

As Alpen Sheth, a partner at Borderless Capital, notes:

“Scaling requires building trust with billions worldwide by genuinely addressing their needs. We’re proud to collaborate with Verda, Opera, Jump, and other leaders dedicated to advancing global financial access.”

Join the Movement to Transform Global Finance

The MiniPay Fund is more than an investment initiative—it’s a movement to drive meaningful change. By equipping fintech startups with the resources, networks, and technical support they need, Verda Ventures is accelerating a new era of financial inclusion.

Whether your focus is on payments, remittances, identity, or stablecoin banking, the MiniPay Fund offers unparalleled opportunities to make an impact.

Are you a founder with a vision for scalable financial solutions?

Verda Ventures invites you to explore partnership opportunities and join their mission to make financial services universally accessible.