Uzoma Dozie, former CEO of Diamond Bank, has officially launched Sparkle, startup offering personal finance, business support and lifestyle services. This happened on Wednesday, following its successful acquisition of a banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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The platform will allow individuals open bank accounts with it from wherever they are, fund those accounts, work with savings goals, make payments, and track personal finances. Users can also take advantage of its data analytics capacities to view their spending over time and improve their savings habits.
Dozie, who is also a tech entrepreneur and enthusiast, says the platform could be transformative for Nigerians and the Nigerian financial sector. Following the official launch of the startup, he spoke about how the solution could link finance and lifestyle for people in the country and the diaspora.
“We are removing barriers using technology and data, driving inclusion at scale,” he said. “In doing so, we are empowering Nigerians to fulfill their potential, democratizing access to valuable solutions for both business and personal needs.”
The platform is already partnering with VISA, Microsoft, and PwC Nigeria to provide a comprehensive financial service offering. Dozie explained that these partnerships will enable it access world-leading capabilities in cloud technology, machine learning, data analysis, and financial advisory.
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Sparkle also enables businesses manage their employees. Business owners can create and update staff profiles within minutes, from wherever they are. HR functions are simplified and made executable, regardless of the user’s location.
Other business-oriented services available on Sparkle include business bank accounts, inventory and invoice management, and schedules for recurring payments. Taxation and payroll cap off the platform’s impressive list of services dedicated to SMEs in Nigeria.
Customers of the virtual bank will also be able to conduct transactions with their Sparkle debit cards. The cards will be deliverable to the platform’s users anywhere they are in Nigeria.
Prior to starting up Sparkle, Dozie has been involved in several tech-related engagements. These include Black Knights– an angel investment and mentorship platform, and TechTurks– a TV show which profiles digital technology entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Featured image source: Disrupt Africa
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