Cloud9 Secures Funding to Expand Borderless Banking Services

Cloud9, a Kenyan digital bank focused on cross-border payments for African businesses and consumers, has received an undisclosed investment from crypto and fintech accelerator Alliance. This brings the startup’s total funding to $1 million.

The company addresses a critical gap in the market: moving money across borders remains slow and expensive for Kenyan entrepreneurs who import over $20 billion worth of goods annually. Traditional banks take weeks to open accounts and settle transfers, while informal agents lack transparency and security.

From MarketForce Pivot to Cloud9 Launch

The founders, Tesh Mbaabu and Mesongo Sibuti, previously built sales force automation software company MarketForce, which later pivoted to a B2B retail marketplace called RejaReja. While RejaReja ultimately closed due to scaling challenges during the funding winter, the experience informed their approach with Cloud9.

Stablecoin-Powered Banking for Global Merchants

Cloud9 operates on stablecoin rails, offering users:

  • A single mobile account in multiple currencies (KES, USD, EUR, GBP, CNY)
  • Near-instant payments to suppliers in over 100 countries
  • Virtual accounts for receiving international client payments
  • Access to savings vaults and global stock markets through Cloud9 Wealth

“Kenya already skipped the bank branch once with mobile money,” said Mbaabu. “With Cloud9, a merchant in Nairobi should be able to pay a supplier in Guangzhou as easily as they pay a vendor down the street.”

The startup has seen rapid growth since launching in early 2026, reaching over 25,000 users with transaction volume increasing by more than 15% weekly. Alliance’s Imran Khan noted that stablecoins are becoming “the settlement layer for global trade,” and Tesh’s experience building for African merchants positions Cloud9 to capitalize on this shift.

With this new funding, Cloud9 plans to expand payment corridors, enhance its user experience, launch virtual/physical cards, and grow its customer base across Africa.