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
Head in the grounds: Why Ben Cloud is the first (and last) hand to touch his evolving coffee brand
Americans drink coffee like water, youth entrepreneur Benjamin Cloud noted, and he’s doing his part to fuel their habit. The recent Shawnee Mission North graduate — inspired by an intro to business class — started Cloud’s Coffee two years ago when he was 15. “I initially thought about coffee because of the size of the…
Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures among 7 local restaurants, bars named James Beard semifinalists
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Kansas City is well represented in the national food competition this year — with The Town Company, Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures and…
Diverse startups are growing in KC, but is equitable funding matching their traction?
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Kansas City Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. While Kansas City has ample resources for the growing number of budding entrepreneurs, BIPOC…
The Nelle — a ‘third space’ for women and LGBTQ+ creatives — closing its doors Jan. 31
Lauren Saks Merriman is proud of The Nelle HQ’s two years in the Crossroads Arts District, she said, recalling its impact as a genuine environment for empowered thought, inclusion and connection. “We set out to offer a safe space for inspiration and community,” said Merriman, founder of The Nelle. “And that’s exactly what we’ve accomplished.” …