Zidisha
Zidisha is a pioneering fintech company based in Sterling, VA, offering direct peer-to-peer lending to entrepreneurs in developing countries, significantly reducing borrowing costs by eliminating intermediaries.
Company Overview
Founded in 2009, Zidisha is a fintech company based in Sterling, VA, USA, with a team size of one. The company operates in the credit and lending sub-industry, offering direct person-to-person connections for lending without intermediaries. Zidisha operates in the United States, Canada, and remotely, supporting over 432,103 members worldwide.
Unique Peer-to-Peer Lending Model
Zidisha offers a groundbreaking peer-to-peer micro-lending platform that allows individuals globally to lend money directly to entrepreneurs in developing countries. The platform bypasses traditional local intermediaries, significantly reducing costs for borrowers. By utilizing internet and mobile phone technologies, Zidisha connects entrepreneurs with lenders, charging only a 5% service fee to cover essential operations—one of the lowest rates in the microfinance industry.
Projects and Funding
Zidisha has successfully funded a total of 302,726 projects, raising an impressive $20,567,490. Entrepreneurs in regions such as Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia benefit from Zidisha's low-cost lending model. Borrowers pay a small service fee for each project to cover money transfer and administrative costs. Furthermore, Zidisha's Pay It Forward program encourages entrepreneurs to reinvest in other projects on the platform.
Membership and Community
Zidisha has built a robust community of 432,103 members, comprising both lenders and borrowers. Membership fees are refundable, and members can end their membership at any time if they have no outstanding loans or projects. The platform facilitates communication between lenders and entrepreneurs, allowing them to share updates, impact stories, and messages of inspiration.
Media and Industry Recognition
Zidisha has been featured in numerous press and media outlets for its innovative work in the fintech sector. As the world's first direct peer-to-peer micro-lending platform, Zidisha has garnered attention for its minimalist, cost-effective operations and its ability to offer loans with significantly lower interest rates compared to traditional microfinance institutions.