2. FasterCapital backs Rafode through EquityPilot for rural finance and energy access

Kisumu, Kenya & Dubai, UAE — 02 Apr 2026 

FasterCapital has selected Rafode to join EquityPilot, supporting the Kenyan fintech’s plan to digitize operations and expand financing for micro, small and medium enterprises, smallholder farmers, and renewable energy access across Western and adjacent regions of Kenya.

FasterCapital and EquityPilot will prioritize Rafode’s digital transformation and portfolio growth in the first 30–60 days, focusing on product and operational execution milestones to prepare the startup for scaled outreach and improved service delivery.

Why It Matters? 

Rural and underbanked communities in Kenya face persistent barriers to affordable finance and clean energy products. Affordable, credit-enabled access to solar home systems, clean cookstoves, and productive-use appliances can improve health, lower energy costs, and support income-generating activities. Rafode targets these gaps by combining lending with renewable energy distribution and tailored SME financing.

What the Startup Delivers? 

Rafode provides a mix of micro and SME loans, agricultural input financing, asset finance, and credit for renewable energy products. The company operates from Kisumu with outreach across Western, Northern and Rift Valley regions, offering products such as solar home systems, energy-saving cookstoves, irrigation pumps on lease-to-own, and loans structured for groups and individuals. Rafode emphasizes women and disadvantaged households as primary beneficiaries.

Why Now? 

Timing Digital financial services and mobile-first delivery are increasingly central to serving dispersed, low-income customers. Rafode aims to migrate to a fully digitized model, build a mobile app and an e-commerce platform, and improve IT systems to reach more clients efficiently while reducing operational costs.

What FasterCapital Will Provide? 

FasterCapital Support Scope - Execution-focused coaching on milestone planning and fundraising readiness 

- Technical guidance for digitization, including product and platform strategy - Connections to relevant mentors and ecosystem stakeholders for fintech and energy sectors 

- Support refining go-to-market and customer acquisition approaches 

- Advice on operational readiness for scaling lending and appliance distribution

First 30–60 Days Program Plan 

Initial work will center on defining a prioritized product roadmap for the mobile app and e-commerce platform, assessing core IT integrations, and establishing measurable operational milestones for portfolio growth. FasterCapital will work with Rafode’s leadership to set execution timelines, refine pitch materials, and align team responsibilities for the digital transition.

Leadership Comment 

Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Rafode through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’” 

Next 90 Days

Near-Term Roadmap Rafode plans to complete a technical requirements specification, begin iterative development of its mobile and e-commerce interfaces, train staff on digital workflows, and accelerate lending to priority client segments as systems come online.

About Rafode 

Rafode is a Kenyan fintech and renewable energy financier headquartered in Kisumu that focuses on inclusive finance for base-of-pyramid consumers, micro, small and medium enterprises, and smallholder farmers. Its products include business loans, green energy loans, education loans, asset financing, and renewable energy appliances supplied via credit. Rafode emphasizes financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and environmentally sustainable energy access. 

About FasterCapital

Faster capital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

Media Contact:

Lydia Zeng