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144 is an impact-driven investment platform that connects businesses and their customers with innovative startups addressing societal challenges.
Our vibrant ecosystem unites businesses, customers, investors, startups, and experts, fostering collaboration that fuels lasting, transformative impact.
Empowering everyone to invest in and benefit from purpose-driven startups/projects, creating an inclusive future for all communities and society.
We help you match your investments with your principles and support long-term growth and systemic change without sacrificing your financial goals.
A simple and effective platform that allows SMEs and their customers to easily invest in innovative purpose-driven companies/start-ups. We enable SMEs and their customers to create positive change while also generating a financial return on their investment.
In 2021, Daariq and Tobi founded 144 to revolutionize impact investing for individuals and SMEs. Daariq, a Somali refugee living in South Africa, witnessed firsthand the transformative power of investing in local businesses and startups in his community. Inspired by the long-term systemic impact, they aimed to create a platform to help others invest in their communities.
Joined by Gisele later, we focused on creating a platform that connects SMEs with impactful startups or initiatives, through this approach, 144 hopes to enable startups to seek funding beyond traditional sources and open up new avenues for growth and impact. 144 is committed to building a world where impact and growth go hand in hand.
The ultimate goal is to empower businesses to invest in the future they want to see, through every transaction.
In the 1950s and 60s in East Africa, an Italian professor presented a mathematical problem to a class of students. Among the young minds sat a boy named Ismail Duale. Despite the challenges that he and his community faced, Ismail had an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a razor-sharp mind. He quickly solved the problem with ease, arriving at the answer of 144. And with that, Ismail gained a new nickname from his classmates: 144.
This story speaks to the harsh realities of inequality and the lack of opportunities afforded to minority and emerging markets. Ismail’s natural talent and ability were clear, but the opportunities available to him were limited by a system that favoured the few.
Today, we at 144 are working to balance the scales of opportunity and investment, to create a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Simplifying the investment process, educating and driving true impact and systematic change.
We provide you with a wide range of carefully vetted investment opportunities that generate both financial returns and drive systemic change. Get access to tangible impact measurement.
Make informed financial decisions and connect with an impact-driven community to foster personal and financial growth while ensuring accessibility for all.
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Our streamlined automated process ensures efficient and thorough equity agreements and due-diligence, lifting administrative and legal hurdles for you.
By offering SME niche segmentation, reduced ticket sizes, and tailored support services, we aim to empower small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive and reach their full potential.
The executive team at 144 comprises a group of exceptionally talented and visionary individuals who are poised to lead the startup to great success. With their impressive skills and expertise, they bring a fresh and innovative perspective to the industry.
Daariq, the visionary, brings a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur and business strategist. With a keen focus on business development, strategy, project management, and product innovation, he drives success and growth.
Fun Fact: Daariq has visited almost every country in Africa.
Tobi combines his expertise in software engineering, system architecture, and product management. His versatile skills also encompass AI, driving innovation and excellence in technology development.
Fun Fact: Tobi skydived, dressed as a cave man to get a free game.
Gisele brings 5 + years of startup experience, specializing in team structuring, business model pivoting, and monetizing software. Her financial acumen drives sustainable growth and fosters innovation for long-term success.
Fun Fact: Gisele walks her cat every day with a leash and all.
Linda is an experienced online marketing leader with a sharp analytical mindset, goal-driven attitude and a proven track record in team management, customer acquisition, and revenue growth.
Fun Fact: Linda's cat got a TikTok account before she did.
Our Board of Advisors are a collective powerhouse of wisdom, experience, and visionary insights. Comprising ofindustry leaders and forward-thinking strategists. Combined, they all bring wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide 144 towards unprecedented success.
Formerly the CPO for Penta Bank and currently serving as the CPO for Alteos. Chiedza is an experienced financial products and services product professional with proven technical and commercial expertise across the complete Product Development Lifecycle.
A member of the Investment Committee and oversees ESG aspects of investments as well as impact measurement over the entire life cycle. Prior to her role at KfW Capital, she worked at the impact asset manager, Finance in Motion, and DZ Bank AG.
Fashion designer, consultant in the creative industries and professor of business administration. He also leads research projects in the field of sustainable value creation and teaches at universities in Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland.
A passionate father, entrepreneur, and trusted advisor with a strong affinity for marketing and sales. He thrives on discussing strategic initiatives, go-to-market strategies, and leveraging the power of LinkedIn. He helps B2B businesses unlock their growth potential.
Driven by a belief in collective intelligence, Simon fosters self-organizing networks and collaborative solutions. With a passion for empowering communities, he serves as a valuable advisor, promoting trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
Former Business Development Executive at IBM, Laurenz, is an accomplished professional with a rich background in IT and digital services. He brings extensive expertise in SaaS, Digital Transformation, and Start-ups.
Our cultural values are not just words on paper – they are deeply ingrained in our DNA. These values guide our decision-making, shape our interactions, and drive our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients. We believe that by staying true to our culture, we create an environment where our team can flourish, our clients can trust us, and our business can thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Innovation is at the core of everything we do. We continuously strive to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and explore new possibilities. Our team is encouraged to think outside the box, embrace creativity, and bring fresh perspectives to drive meaningful change. By fostering an environment that nurtures innovation, we empower our team to develop groundbreaking solutions that address complex problems and meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Collaboration lies at the heart of our success. We believe that the best outcomes are achieved through collective effort and shared expertise. At 144, collaboration is not just a buzzword – it's ingrained in our culture. We actively promote cross-functional collaboration, encourage open communication, and foster a supportive environment where diverse voices are valued. By working together, we leverage the collective intelligence of our team, resulting in superior solutions and a strong sense of unity.
Integrity is the cornerstone of our business. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions, ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability. We believe in building trust with our clients, partners, and team members by delivering on our promises and acting with integrity in every decision we make. By prioritizing integrity, we establish long-lasting relationships built on mutual respect, credibility, and a commitment to doing what is right.
Transparency is our guiding principle, promoting openness and clear communication. We believe in open and honest communication, sharing information, and fostering a culture of trust and transparency. We provide clear and timely updates to our clients, keeping them informed about progress, challenges, and opportunities. Internally, we promote transparency in decision-making, encouraging active participation and feedback from our team members. By being transparent, we create an environment of accountability, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
Inclusivity is a fundamental value at 144. We celebrate diversity and believe that a diverse team leads to better outcomes. We actively seek out and embrace diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We foster an inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique strengths. By promoting inclusivity, we unlock the full potential of our team, spark innovation, and create a culture where everyone can thrive.
