C2FO accesses $30M investment with World Bank-backed IFC to expand KC firm’s working capital platform
April 14, 2025 | Startland News Staff
A just-announced capital infusion for Leawood-built C2FO reflects a shared commitment with global partners to boosting jobs and strengthening economic opportunities — notably for micro, small and medium enterprises in emerging markets worldwide.
The $30 million funding round features investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and existing shareholders.
“Having IFC as an investor is a great honor for us and a catalyst that will accelerate our shared mission to fully scale a global, durable, inclusive and sustainable platform for the world’s businesses,” said Sandy Kemper, founder and CEO of C2FO.
The company’s innovative platform leverages advanced technology to deliver dynamic funding, enabling suppliers — predominantly smaller businesses in such regions as India, Indonesia, Brazil and Africa — to access working capital faster and more efficiently than through traditional financing.
“C2FO believes when everyone has the capital they need to grow, everyone benefits. It fosters innovation, job growth and a more resilient economy,” explained Kemper. “That’s why we’ve created a platform where businesses can access low-cost, efficient working capital on demand without the burdens of traditional credit-based lending.”
The investment news comes about seven months after C2FO was named SME Financier of the Year-North America by the SME Finance Forum, which is managed by the IFC, and began working with the organization to enhance financing for local enterprises in Africa, starting with Nigeria. That initiative — with the potential to unlock tens of billions of dollars in annual financing for African MSMEs — is expected to launch later this year.
ICYMI: Worlds’ biggest financial leaders applaud C2FO for job-creating capital access
Sandy Kemper, C2FO, sits alongside Mohamed Gouled, vice president of industries for the International Finance Corporation, during a signing event in October 2024 for the organization’s strategic partnership with C2FO; photo courtesy of C2FO
“IFC provides more than capital — our expertise in supply chain finance and fintech is instrumental in scaling C2FO’s operations,” said Farid Fezoua, global director for disruptive technologies, services and funds at IFC. “This initiative will unlock the economic potential of smaller suppliers who cannot easily access needed working capital, driving growth and jobs.”
With operations around the globe, C2FO already facilitates a material amount of liquidity to emerging markets, the company said. In 2024, more than $13 billion in funding was provided to more than 20,000 businesses in developing nations across the globe through C2FO.
As C2FO continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing accessible and efficient working capital solutions, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape, the company said, noting the strategic and financial support from IFC is a pivotal step in realizing this mission and expanding the impact of C2FO’s services on a global scale.
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Bill to help ease veterans’ transition from military to business passes US House with KC leaders in the trenches
A legislative effort to boost support for U.S. military veterans pursuing a new chapter as entrepreneurs now heads to the U.S. Senate — buoyed by broad partisan support and championed by two members of Kansas City’s congressional delegation. The Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans SERV Act successfully passed in the U.S. House of Representatives this…
Porter House KC earns $400K in renewed support for inclusive entrepreneurship, retail incubator
Support from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation is expected to help The Porter House KC make good on its founders’ promise to help emerging entrepreneurs in their community get their promising ventures off the ground, said Dan Smith. “Like many of the small business owners that we encounter, we started our organization based on a need…
Black Pantry expands to Troost, setting a cornerstone for new Black business hub
A second location for the Black Pantry is about more than adding a “cool little gift shop” to Troost, said Brian Roberts, detailing his plan for a broader mission: a whole block of Black-owned businesses and a hub for Black entrepreneurs and creatives. It begins with Roberts’ in-the-works standalone space at 3108 Troost Ave., he…
‘Why would you put that on a cake?’ The C Word Cakery frosts the boundaries of good taste
The C Word Cakery is a reflection of the baker behind the business, Savannah Brady shared. “It doesn’t take itself too seriously,” she explained. Brady — a southwest Missouri native who moved to Kansas City during the pandemic — specializes in, as she puts it, “good cake, bad words” — vintage-looking, classic, floral cakes that…