Invest with SEVI in Kenya

Invest with SEVI in 15,000 Retailers in Kenya

Context
SEVI empowers small retailers in Kenya by enabling them to purchase inventory on credit through a simple mobile app. This allows them to grow their businesses, maintain consistent stock levels, and increase their income—while suppliers receive immediate payment and face reduced risk.

The Challenge
Kenya is home to an estimated 1 to 2 million small retailers (often referred to as dukas), collectively responsible for over 80% of all retail sales. Despite their importance, these businesses face significant barriers in accessing credit. Many are forced to rely on high-interest consumer loans to sustain operations.

Limited access to financing is driven by several factors: informal business structures, lack of collateral, small transaction sizes, and elevated default risk. As a result, retailers are unable to place larger, more efficient orders and must instead purchase inventory in very small quantities using scarce cash resources.

Consider a small neighborhood shop selling soft drinks. Instead of placing a cost-efficient weekly order, the owner can only afford to restock every two days. This inefficient cycle—caused by lack of credit—constrains growth for both the retailer and the supplier.

For retailers operating on thin margins, nearly all available cash is tied up in inventory, leaving little room for expansion. Large suppliers, such as Coca-Cola in Kenya, face operational inefficiencies as well, processing millions of small daily orders instead of fewer, larger shipments that better suit their logistics systems.

“It has been more than six months since I joined SEVI. My business was in financial distress, and SEVI truly helped me regain stability.”
— Diana Wanja Mugo, Retailer

SEVI’s Solution
SEVI offers an automated, app-based credit platform that supports both suppliers and small retailers. When goods are delivered, SEVI pays the supplier immediately on behalf of the retailer. The retailer then repays SEVI after selling the goods – typically within one week. This model enables both retailers and suppliers to scale faster and improve profitability.

“SEVI helps me by pre-financing the inventory of small entrepreneurs who buy milk from me. This allows me to focus on sales and distribution.”
— Simon Omeno, Supplier (Lato Milk)

SEVI’s Mission
SEVI stands out through its combination of mission, innovation, and measurable impact. While not explicitly a faith-based company, it is deeply mission-driven and aligns closely with the values of MissionInvest.

The founders launched SEVI driven by a strong Christian belief to use their expertise to combat poverty in Africa, with a focus on Kenya. Their belief forms the foundatio of the foundation of their work: every person is created with dignity and deserves equal opportunity.

The Strength of SEVI
SEVI has introduced a highly innovative and proven model, already adopted by thousands of retailers and suppliers. Its strength can be summarized in five key pillars:

• Financing for small entrepreneurs: Focused on underserved retailers and kiosks lacking access to traditional banking services.
• “Order now, pay later” model: Retailers purchase goods on credit and repay after selling their inventory.
• Innovative fintech solution: Advanced technology and AI enable transparent, efficient, and accessible credit scoring, including automated KYC processes.
• Strong partnerships: SEVI has developed strategic partnerships with funds such as Invest International and Achmea Foundation. In addition, it actively collaborates with the Dutch impact investing company Truvalu. Furthermore, SEVI has obtained a formal license from the Central Bank of Kenya.
• Scalability: A highly scalable model with potential expansion into other regions facing similar challenges.

SEVI’s Impact
SEVI started with a clear mission: to make credit accessible and affordable for small entrepreneurs. Today, nearly 15,000 retailers are connected to the platform, with over 5,000 actively using it each month—and thousands more expected to join in the coming years. A recent impact study highlights the transformative results!

84% of retailers increased their household income since working with SEVI. Of these:

• 68% doubled their income
• 8% tripled their income

SEVI firmly believes that when small businesses thrive, entire communities prosper. These results demonstrate that SEVI is successfully closing the financing gap and enabling sustainable growth.

Your Investment in SEVI
To expand its credit fund, SEVI is seeking €500,000 in loan capital. The minimum investment is €100,000, with the following options:

• 1 year: 4%
• 3 years: 5%
• 5 years: 6%

Recommendation from MissionInvest
SEVI’s mission aligns seamlessly with that of MissionInvest: investing with purpose while generating solid financial returns.

MissionInvest’s Investment Advisory Committee has conducted a thorough assessment with highly positive results. Detailed information is available for interested investors, who are encouraged to make their own informed decisions.

In our view, SEVI presents a compelling investment opportunity, offering flexible terms (1, 3 and 5 years) and attractive returns (4-6%). SEVI is expected to reach break-even by the end of 2026, followed by accelerated growth.
By providing additional loan capital, you enable SEVI to scale into a profitable business model—impacting tens of thousands of small entrepreneurs across Africa. Join us in advancing SEVI’s mission!