Nigerian fintech aims high after Startup World Cup success

In the competitive atmosphere of San Francisco’s Startup World Cup 2024 finals, Platnova, a rising fintech platform, captured the attention of judges and investors alike. The Nigerian-based start-up, founded by Benjamin Oyemonlan and Joshua Chinemezu, finished as the second runner-up, distinguishing itself as one of the world’s most promising companies in fintech.

The event, which drew global innovators to pitch cutting-edge ideas, saw Platnova make a strong impression with its financial platform designed to bridge the gap between traditional and digital finance. Platnova’s offerings include multicurrency wallets, cryptocurrency swaps, and a unique Vault savings feature.

READ MORE: Platnova set to disrupt finance at Startup World Cup 2024

Speaking on the achievement, Platnova CEO Oyemonlan remarked, “Standing on that stage in San Francisco, among some of the brightest minds in the world, was an incredible honour. Our platform is built on the belief that financial freedom should be accessible to everyone, regardless of borders, and to see that vision recognized on a global stage was a proud moment for our entire team.”

Oyemonlan, alongside co-founder Chinemezu and key team members, brought Platnova’s mission of financial inclusion to the forefront, particularly for the Nigerian diaspora and other global users managing cross-border transactions. Their pitch underscored the platform’s flexibility, ease of use, and capacity to simplify complex financial processes for both individuals and businesses.

Reflecting on the competition, Oyemonlan said, “The journey was intense, but it validated our belief that Platnova is on the right path. We faced challenges, but every obstacle was an opportunity to refine our pitch and learn valuable lessons. We’re more determined than ever to expand our platform and continue driving innovation in the fintech space.”

Although they didn’t secure the top prize, Oyemonlan emphasised that this recognition had already opened doors to new partnerships and opportunities for growth.

“This is just the beginning,” he stated confidently. “The visibility we’ve gained from this event is invaluable. We’re excited for what the future holds for Platnova as we continue to evolve and push boundaries in the financial world.”

Platnova’s journey at the Start-up World Cup has solidified its position as a global player in fintech, with Oyemonlan promising, “We’re ready to take Platnova to new heights, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our community. The best is yet to come.”