VaultPay, a pioneering fintech startup based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has achieved a significant milestone by being selected for Y Combinator’s prestigious 2023 summer cohort. This achievement is historic, as VaultPay becomes the first Congolese-led enterprise to be chosen for the program. Out of the 202 startups globally selected for Y Combinator’s summer class, only three are from the African continent, with VaultPay representing the DRC.
Co-founded by Ntambwa Basambombo and Christel Ilaka, both experienced professionals with backgrounds at companies like Airbnb and Google, VaultPay aims to establish a payments framework for the Central African region. The recognition of VaultPay’s inclusion in the Y Combinator cohort is not only a positive development for the startup but also highlights the growing potential of the Congolese tech landscape on a global scale.
While Y Combinator’s investment approach in Africa has recalibrated, with fewer startups selected this year compared to previous years, VaultPay’s achievement remains significant. As the first Congolese startup to attain this distinction, VaultPay’s success showcases the potential of innovation and aspirations to gain global recognition. This achievement reflects hope and innovation for the entire nation and signifies the positive direction of the tech ecosystem in the DRC.
