Village Capital has invested $150,000 in two innovative women-led startups: Rhea Soil Health Management (Rhea) and Regxta. This investment was made through Standard Chartered’s Women in Tech Financing Facility, which was created to support Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers program alumni.
Rhea, operating in Kenya, empowers smallholder farmers by providing affordable and accessible soil testing solutions which enhance crop yields and improve soil health. Regxta, based in Nigeria, is advancing financial inclusion by offering tailored financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), specifically focusing on empowering women-owned businesses.
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“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,” Priscilla Wakarera, Rhea founder, said.
“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.”
For Rukayat Bello, Regxta founder, the funding represents a significant validation and opportunity.
“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,” Bello said.
The Women in Tech Financing Facility, a joint initiative of Village Capital and Standard Chartered, addresses the funding gap for women entrepreneurs. By providing catalytic capital, the facility empowers women, especially in underserved regions, to overcome barriers and drive positive change in their communities.
