What if funding the informal economy could unlock South Africa’s next wave of entrepreneurs?

In this episode of How Would You Build It, we talk to Katie Dodge, co-founder of Koola Capital, who’s helped over 200 informal businesses access funding through loans rooted in trust and long-term growth.

Katie shares the honest story of building a company while learning to build it, the realities of being a female founder, and why relationships beat marketing. Our audience has always enjoyed when we dive into topics around the township economy, and I think you will feel quite inspired after this one.

👉 Sign up to get notified about new episodes at www.howwouldyoubuildit.com

👉 Join the newsletter at www.theopenletter.ioConnect with the Hosts:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-sequeira/https://www.linkedin.com/in/renier-kriel/

00:00 Intro

02:39 Koola Capital - fueling the informal sector

03:36 How did they discover the opportunity

06:46 What constitutes a business for Koola

11:06 Challengers faced by informal businesses

13:11 Impact of crime

16:01 No one teaches us "the how"

19:07 Stories

23:20 Loans vs grants

27:15 Building the business in WhatsApp

31:22 How to manage Applications?

32:42 Journey as a female founder

39:53 Lessons in expanding

43:56 Nuturing relationships vs marketing

47:23 How do you AI?