Village Capital has invested $150,000 in two female-led startups: Rhea Soil Health Management (Rhea) and Regxta, through Standard Chartered’s Women in Tech Financing Facility.
Rhea, based in Kenya, provides affordable and accessible soil testing solutions to smallholder farmers, enhancing crop yields and improving soil health.
Regxta, based in Nigeria, offers tailored financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), focusing on empowering women-owned businesses.
These types of investments are aimed at helping women overcome barriers and create positive change in their communities.
Priscilla Wakarera, founder of Rhea, commented:
“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 programme equipped us with the tools to scale sustainably and create meaningful results, and therefore joining Village Capital’s portfolio solidifies that foundation.”
Rukayat Bello, founder of Regxta, also shared her thoughts on the investment:
“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.”