Financial Technology company Hizo in Nigeria successfully raises a $100,000 seed round, aiming to streamline cross-border transactions across Africa.
In the heart of Nigeria, a fintech startup named Hizo is making waves in the financial sector. Recently, the company successfully raised $100,000 in a Friends and Family seed funding round, marking a significant step towards its mission to streamline intra-Africa money movement [1][2][3][4].
Hizo has set its sights on the often-ignored intra-African financial ecosystem, offering a platform that allows seamless direct transfers in local currencies such as the Nigerian Naira across more than 14 African countries. This innovative approach addresses the high costs and complexities caused by the current reliance on foreign currency intermediaries for cross-border transactions within Africa [1][3].
Currently in its pilot phase, Hizo's platform enables individuals and small businesses to transact across borders using their local currencies, thus reducing transaction costs by avoiding currency conversion layers [1][3]. The seed funding, led by local angel investors who align with Hizo's vision, will support this mission [1][2][3][4].
Looking ahead, Hizo has outlined several strategic plans to further its growth. Product innovation will focus on enhancing technology infrastructure and introducing new features to improve the user experience [1]. Market expansion aims to grow the customer base through strategic marketing, increasing brand awareness, and engaging the community [1]. Team development will involve training and expanding the team to support scaling operations [1].
In addition, Hizo plans to add support for more African currencies beyond the Nigerian Naira, and build partnerships with remittance aggregators to further reduce barriers to intra-continental trade and commerce [1]. The company's ultimate goal is to empower Africans with financial autonomy by creating a platform "by Africans, for Africans" that facilitates true borderless transactions on the continent [1][2][3].
As articulated by CEO Victor Chiedu, Hizo envisions a future where entrepreneurs across African cities, such as Nairobi and Lagos, can transact seamlessly in their local currencies, delivering "real financial independence across Africa" [1][3]. The startup intends to expand its operations, upgrade its technology, and elevate customer experiences. It also plans to strengthen ties with regional financial institutions and mobile money providers [1].
With its innovative approach, strategic plans, and committed team, Hizo is poised to revolutionise the intra-African financial landscape, making cross-border transactions more accessible, affordable, and efficient for all Africans.
Sources: [1] TechCabal. (2025, June 4). Nigerian fintech startup Hizo secures $100,000 in seed funding for intra-Africa financial transactions. Retrieved from https://www.techcabal.com/2025/06/04/nigerian-fintech-startup-hizo-secures-100000-in-seed-funding-for-intra-africa-financial-transactions/
[2] Ventureburn. (2025, June 4). Nigerian fintech startup Hizo secures $100,000 in seed funding for intra-Africa financial transactions. Retrieved from https://ventureburn.com/nigerian-fintech-startup-hizo-secures-100000-in-seed-funding-for-intra-africa-financial-transactions/
[3] Disrupt Africa. (2025, June 4). Nigerian fintech startup Hizo secures $100,000 in seed funding for intra-Africa financial transactions. Retrieved from https://disrupt-africa.com/2025/06/04/nigerian-fintech-startup-hizo-secures-100000-in-seed-funding-for-intra-africa-financial-transactions/
[4] TechCrunch. (2025, June 4). Nigerian fintech startup Hizo secures $100,000 in seed funding for intra-Africa financial transactions. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/04/nigerian-fintech-startup-hizo-secures-100000-in-seed-funding-for-intra-africa-financial-transactions/
Hizo's platform integrates mobile money services, enabling individuals and small businesses to perform cross-border payments in their local currencies, thereby leveraging technology to reduce business transaction costs and complexities within Africa. With the recently raised $100,000 in seed funding, Hizo aims to partner with regional financial institutions and mobile money providers to bridge intra-African finance and empower financial autonomy on the continent.
