Jefa
Digital bank empowering women across Latin America. Grew to 200,000 users before acquisition by Tala.
The Problem
1.3 billion women globally are underbanked. In Latin America, women face systemic barriers to financial services — from lack of credit history to products designed without their needs in mind. No one was building banking specifically for them.
The Process
Built Jefa as a digital bank designed from day one for women in Mexico and Latin America. Offered savings accounts with no deposit minimums, digital payments with in-person agents for cash in/out, and tandas — rotating savings circles that combine community savings with peer-to-peer lending.
Competed in TechCrunch Startup Battlefield as a 2020 finalist, raising visibility for the mission. Raised a $2M seed round and attracted 115,000 women to the waitlist before even launching widely.
Operated across San Francisco and Berlin, building a product that respected the financial realities of women in LATAM while leveraging modern fintech infrastructure.
The Outcome
Grew to 200,000+ users. Acquired by Tala in 2023 — combining Jefa’s commitment to serving underserved women with Tala’s unparalleled reach in financial services for the underbanked. The mission continues at scale.