Bixie Takes Home Two MAIAs, for Best Pilot Fintech and Best For-Profit in Developing Countries

Bixie, a groundbreaking fintech start-up focusing on developing countries, emerged triumphant at the prestigious Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (MAIAs), winning not just one but two awards: Best Pilot Fintech and Best For-Profit Initiative in Developing Countries.

A Visionary’s Journey

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Rosalia Gitau, the Bixie platform empowers women by providing them with the knowledge, network, and tools to manage their money and invest wisely. It caters to the unique needs of women in finance, tapping into the largest untapped market in the industry, estimated to be worth a staggering $3 trillion dollars.

The MAIA judges particularly appreciated Rosalia’s personal journey in creating Bixie.

Drawing on her experience at the United Nations, where she witnessed the transformative power of financial investments, she was inspired to develop a solution that would address the gender gap in finance.

With her mother’s story as a migrant worker driving her forwards, Gitau embarked on a path that led her through fintech, blockchain, and payments, ultimately culminating in the creation of Bixie.

“Women deserve to know their worth and grow their worth,” Gitau explained.

“Financial institutions have failed to respond adequately to women’s unique behaviours and needs when it comes to money. We aim to bridge that gap by providing a comprehensive platform tailored to the way women interact with finances.”

Bixie’s Unique Approach and Impact

The recognition from the MAIAs further solidifies Bixie’s position as a trailblazer in the field of women’s financial empowerment. The co-founders of the MAIAs, Michael Gilmore and Trudi Harris, were impressed by Bixie’s innovative approach and its tangible impact on women’s lives.

Gilmore praised the fintech start-up, stating, “Bixie has demonstrated exceptional dedication to closing the gender gap in finance. Through their Project RISE, they have directed micro investments and micro insurance to women-owned MSMEs in the Philippines. This has increased access to vital capital grants, business insurance, and loans.”

Harris echoed the sentiment, adding, “What sets Bixie apart is its commitment to accessibility and awareness. By promoting financial literacy, creating a supportive community, and designing investment tools tailored to women, Bixie is equipping women with the means to secure their financial futures.”

Incorporating Innovative Technology

Much of Bixie’s success comes from its incorporation of innovative technologies and responsible practices. The platform utilises gamification for financial literacy, generating personalised finance plans based on user behaviour and goals. Furthermore, Bixie’s stringent measures ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of its community, preventing fraud and fostering a supportive environment.

The Impact of Bixie’s Initiatives

The impact of Bixie’s initiatives has been little short of incredible.

• Project RISE in the Philippines showcased a substantial increase in the net worth of 500 female-owned SMEs.
• 99% of participants procured SME business insurance, protecting their businesses from the annual cyclones that posed a threat.
• Financial literacy scores rose by an impressive 30% among the project participants.

Bixie’s Engagement and Retention Success

With over 10,000 users in the Philippines, Bixie has achieved exceptional user engagement and retention rates.

• Users spend an average of 3.5 hours on the app per month, a staggering 60 times more than the industry average.
• Monthly churn is under 2%, which is 30 times lower than the industry average, indicating the platform’s effectiveness and value to its users.

Looking Ahead

Bixie aims to expand its presence to more markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond. With strategic partnerships with global organisations such as AXA and CRS, Bixie’s vision is to be ubiquitous in the pockets of women worldwide, starting with millennial women living in cities across the Global South.

With their recent accolades from the MAIAs, Bixie’s influence is set to grow, inspiring women around the world to know their worth and grow their worth.

To learn more about Bixie and Rosalia Gitau’s remarkable work, as well as all the other winners at MAIA 2023, visit: https://www.maiawards.org/winners-2023