Village Capital has unveiled its latest round of investments, channeling USD 150,000 into two trailblazing women-led startups: Rhea Soil Health Management (Rhea) and Regxta. This initiative is powered by Standard Chartered’s Women in Tech Financing Facility, a groundbreaking program designed to support alumni of the Futuremakers by Standard Chartered initiative.
These investments represent a pivotal step in bridging the gender funding gap, empowering innovative women entrepreneurs to tackle critical challenges in agriculture and financial inclusion while fostering economic resilience in Africa.
Rhea, a Kenyan agritech startup, is transforming the agricultural sector with its affordable and accessible soil testing solutions. By equipping smallholder farmers with the tools to optimize yields and promote sustainable soil health, Rhea is addressing one of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today.
“Building a science-driven hardware-software business in Africa’s agritech sector is challenging, especially with the need for continuous R&D and market-driven innovation. Village Capital’s investment will help us finalize the production of our Agripad devices, expand our agent network, and strengthen our impact on smallholder farmers and agronomists across Kenya. The Standard Chartered Women in Tech program equipped us with the tools to scale sustainably and create meaningful results, and joining Village Capital’s portfolio solidifies that foundation,” said Priscilla Wakarera, Founder of Rhea.
Meanwhile, Regxta, based in Nigeria, is driving financial inclusion by delivering tailored financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a keen focus on empowering women-owned businesses. By leveraging technology, Regxta is creating opportunities for underserved communities to access the financial tools they need to grow and thrive.
“Village Capital’s investment arrived at a crucial time, enabling us to expand our reach, secure a microfinance banking license, and enter new markets. This support affirms Regxta’s position as a high-impact startup driving poverty reduction, fostering economic growth, and creating sustainable opportunities for underserved communities in Nigeria,” shared Rukayat Bello, Founder of Regxta.
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The Women in Tech Financing Facility is a testament to the shared vision of Village Capital and Standard Chartered to address the systemic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. Despite the critical role women-led businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation, gender disparities in access to capital persist. This facility offers catalytic funding to empower women-led enterprises, particularly in underserved regions, to scale their solutions and create lasting change.
Village Capital’s partnership with Standard Chartered reflects a broader commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs who are tackling some of the most pressing issues in their communities. By investing in businesses like Rhea and Regxta, they are enabling these founders to overcome unique challenges, expand their impact, and pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable economies across Africa.
This latest round of funding not only highlights the potential of women entrepreneurs but also serves as a call to action for greater investment in gender-inclusive innovation. As Rhea and Regxta continue to break barriers and drive meaningful change, they set a powerful example of how women-led businesses can transform industries and uplift communities.
