Edge Growth backs South Africa's Trade Shield
Trade Shield helps businesses manage trade credit risk.
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Trade Shield, a South Africa-based business offering credit risk management solutions, has secured ZAR15 million (about $825,000) in funding from FNB’s Vumela Enterprise Development Fund, managed by Edge Growth.
The funding will be used to unlock growth opportunities in South Africa and globally.
Trade Shield helps businesses manage trade credit risk through automated data collection, predictive modelling, and AI-driven analytics. By providing real-time insights via a subscription-based platform, it enables businesses to extend credit responsibly, boost revenue, and maintain stable debt ratios. Trade Shield was originally developed by Inoxico – a Vumela-backed company since 2020. While Trade Shield focuses on AI-powered credit assessments, Inoxico continues to operate as a traditional credit bureau, offering various risk management services on a pay-per-use or retainer basis.
“To date, Vumela has been a very supportive shareholder in Inoxico. Having them invest further in the growth of Trade Shield – with their extensive experience in the South African business landscape – confirms that we are doing something unique and special,” says Trade Shield chairman, André Stürmer. “At Trade Shield, we pride ourselves not only on helping our customers grow revenue and improve profitability but also on driving financial inclusion for small businesses by giving them access to trade finance.”
Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Trade Shield employs approximately 45 trade credit experts, data scientists, software developers, sales executives, and customer support staff.
“Trade Shield is an exciting business with a relevant and novel product offering that radically improves its customers’ credit management processes. They have an impressive management team, deep industry knowledge, and an innovative approach that is supported by a market with strong tailwinds. We are excited about the growth that our funding unlocks,” says Sally Kitley, associate principal at Edge Growth. “The Trade Shield product demonstrates impact by showing how trade credit can unlock business growth. It is innovative, relevant, and value-adding to the businesses that use it.”
Mike Sage, an FNB Vumela trustee, commented: “Our participation in this funding round was to help Trade Shield unlock additional business value and growth potential. Trade credit is an integral part of the funding ecosystem, which we believe is a catalyst for economic growth in our country.”
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