About

Mission Statement

IkniteLab’s mission is to empower 10 million SMEs digitally in the next 5 years. We combine AI, embedded fintech, and SaaS to solve critical challenges for SMEs—driving sustainable economic growth.

Why IkniteLab?

SMEs account for 90% of businesses in Africa

They drive 80% of jobs but remain under-digitized.

$330 billion SME financing gap

Traditional banks reject 51% of SME credit applications due to lack of financial records.

Governments and donors are funding SME digitization

The African Development Bank (AfDB) launched a $500M SME digitalization fund in 2023.

Over 44 million SMEs

lack access to proper banking, financial tools, and software.

E-commerce & digital payments booming

Mobile money transactions exceeded $1 trillion in 2022, yet SMEs struggle with payments & online transactions.

Francophone Africa represents a $10B+ fintech

opportunity by 2027 and only 15% of SMEs in this market use accounting, lending, or digital payments solutions

Core Pillars

Validation First

6-week structured testing to ensure market fit.

Talent Ecosystem

Founders, engineers, and operators trained for success.

Hybrid Funding

Blending grants, corporate partnerships, and smart capital.

Growth Engineering

AARRR framework for rapid, scalable traction.

Meet Our Professional Team

Ayuk Etta - CEO & Venture Builder

10+ years in fintech & venture building.

Bermond Yange - CPO

10+ years in Product design

Ryan Yoder – CTO

10+ years in AI, fintech SaaS, and product development

Amin Jefferson - Creative Director

10+ in Branding and Design

Berlinda Esoh - COO

8+ in Product development operation, product ownership

Mirabel Tieseh - CFO

8+ in Finance and Accounting

Martin Elong - IRD

10+ in innovation, Research, and Development

Bill-Elton Ndoh

5+ in UI/UX Researcher