African fintech platform, M-KOPA, co-founded by Oxford Saïd alumni Jesse Moore, Chad Larson, and Nick Hughes, has earned a prestigious spot on TIME magazine’s list of the Most Influential Companies of 2023, standing alongside giants like Apple and SpaceX. The platform offers digital financial services to underbanked individuals, revolutionizing financial access in Sub-Saharan Africa.
David Damberger, another Oxford Saïd graduate and the company’s Managing Director, shed light on the company’s journey, crediting the Oxford Saïd community for shaping M-KOPA’s approach. He emphasized the importance of their network at Skoll and Oxford Saïd, which transformed into their funders, mentors, business partners, and even employees.
Highlights from the Q&A with David Damberger include:
- Being featured alongside notable companies like Apple, Nvidia, and SpaceX is both an honor and humbling for M-KOPA.
- The collaboration between Jesse and David began even before M-KOPA, originating from their involvement in the Canadian Non-Profit International Development sector. Their reunion at Oxford, a chance encounter, led David to join M-KOPA, leaving his business plan behind.
- Balancing profit and purpose is a continuous challenge. David believes in acknowledging the tension between the two and striving for situations where they align. He also emphasizes the importance of aligned partners who understand the complexities of trade-offs and offer support during challenging times.
- For budding social entrepreneurs, David suggests gaining practical experience in business and social impact before venturing into the entrepreneurial world. He believes that prior experience provides invaluable skills, insights, and connections that can be critical to success.
In sum, M-KOPA’s recognition is not only a testament to its transformative role in Africa but also a reflection of the influence and power of the Oxford Saïd community in shaping global businesses.
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