African freelancers frequently face persistent challenges in receiving payments. To tackle this problem, Benaiah Wepundi has created a financial platform to provide quick access to their funds.

Kenyan software engineer and tech entrepreneur Benaiah Wepundi founded Payd, a financial platform launched in 2022 aimed at streamlining international payments for freelancers, creatives, and digital workers in emerging markets.

Payd's goal is to simplify how these professionals receive payments globally, spend locally, and access financial services such as savings, credit, and management tools. The platform allows users to generate personalized payment pages, payment links, and QR codes, as well as issue invoices and receipts.

"We asked ourselves: Why should independent workers — the backbone of the modern economy — be penalized for their global reach? This question ignited our passion to build Payd," Wepundi said.

To date, Payd has helped reduce delays, costs, and stress associated with international money transfers. The platform has garnered over 18,000 users across 15 countries, processed more than $500,000, and recorded over 45,000 transactions.

Prior to launching Payd, Wepundi established EasyHouse Africa in 2021, a Kenyan-based tech company focused on simplifying property rentals. He earned a software engineering degree in 2023 from Moringa School, a learning accelerator, and is currently pursuing law studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Between 2023 and 2024, Wepundi served as Chief Operating Officer at Cyphon AI, a U.S.-based tech firm. Concurrently, he also worked for Precision Consulting, an American research firm, where he held roles as a software engineer, business development manager, and ultimately, chief technology officer.

By Melchior Koba,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji