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
When a global health crisis exposed ‘broken’ systems, these KC startups jabbed back
Patients need easier access to their medical records, said Saroj Gupta, stressing the life-threatening outcomes for individuals who might miss important vaccinations — or erroneously obtain multiple doses — because of poor or hard-to-find documentation. “We call ourselves a developed country, but our healthcare system is so broken,” said Saroj Gupta, the founder and CEO…
AT&T deal brings head-to-head ‘Pet Battles’ to Boddle in a first for the KC-made edtech app
A new collaboration between Boddle Learning and AT&T hopes to keep students plugged into learning long after they’ve unplugged from the classroom. “With summer break quickly approaching, it’s important to help kids maintain knowledge outside of the classroom,” AT&T said in a release announcing its teamed up with Tulsa-based, Kansas City-born Boddle to introduce new…
Budget bump to $31M would help MTC attack its 16-point plan for Missouri entrepreneurs; funding fate rests with governor
A key funder of initiatives like Digital Sandbox KC and LaunchKC could see its own fortunes rise if Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signs a budget that includes $31 million to boost technology, entrepreneurship and innovation efforts in the state. The Missouri legislature last week passed a budget that would dramatically up the Missouri Technology Corporation’s…
Ennovation Center taps hometown entrepreneur to lead Independence-based resource hub
Support is in place for entrepreneurs looking for customized services, the Ennovation Center said Friday, announcing a new executive director already at work at the Independence-based community resource. “I love helping entrepreneurs grow their business,” said Danielle DuPree, who began her role leading the Ennovation Center in April. “My passion lies in working with small…