Zazu raises $1 million pre-seed from Plug and Play and fintech founders

Zazu has raised a $1 million pre-seed round, according to TechCabal's report of 1 December 2025. Plug and Play Ventures took part, as did Launch Africa Ventures, AUTO24.africa, Paymentology, Chari, Fiat Republic and founding members of the European fintech companies Qonto and Solarisbank. A seed round is planned to open in early 2026.

What Zazu does

Zazu is a digital financial operating system for African small businesses. It offers accounts, cards, transfers and financial insights, with integrations for accounting, payroll, tax and payment tools. The company was founded in 2024 by Rinse Jacobs and Germain Bahri, both former Solarisbank employees. It earns from monthly subscription tiers, card interchange, deposit interest and marketplace commissions, and works with regulated banks rather than seeking its own banking licence.

Early traction

More than 50 small businesses are testing the product in beta, and over 1,000 are on the waitlist. Zazu has live integrations with Paystack, Shopstar and Ozow and more than 20 ecosystem partners, and was selected for the Visa Accelerator Program. Co-founder Jacobs said traditional banks have "very archaic measures and metrics" for dealing with small businesses.

Where it goes next

The money will speed up the rollout in South Africa and Morocco and lay the groundwork for pan-African expansion in 2026.

At a glance

• Company: Zazu
• Raised: $1 million
• Round or Type: Pre-seed
• Investors: Plug and Play Ventures, Launch Africa Ventures, AUTO24.africa, Paymentology, Chari, Fiat Republic
• Founded: 2024
• Markets: South Africa, Morocco
• Key number: More than 1,000 businesses on the waitlist