AI fintech Optasia to raise $375 million in Johannesburg listing
AI-driven financial technology company Optasia announced plans to raise up to 6.3 billion rand ($375 million) through a listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The Dubai-based firm said the funds would come from a mix of new shares and a private placement of existing ones.
Optasia, which operates in 38 countries, will raise 1.3 billion rand in its initial public offering and an additional 5 billion rand through existing shareholders. The company is partly owned by Ethos Capital.
CEO Salvador Anglada said the IPO will help Optasia scale operations and “expand financial opportunity where it is needed most.” The fintech provides AI-powered micro-loans and mobile airtime credit to unbanked individuals, processing more than 32 million daily transactions for about 121 million users.
Founded in 2012, Optasia focuses on Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, working with telecom partners such as MTN, Vodacom, and Airtel.