Egyptian digital payments company Octo has joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Star Venture programme. The 24-month initiative will provide specialized advisory services and access to international expertise instead of direct financing. The move is designed to strengthen the company’s operational, commercial, and investment capabilities as it pursues expansion.
Advisory Support and Growth Objectives
Under the 24-month programme, octo will receive tailored support after an assessment of its needs and growth stage. The assistance covers areas such as financing, product development, sales, governance, marketing, and overall business strategy. The company will also gain connections to local and international specialists, mentors, investors, and venture capital funds.
Executive Perspective on the Partnership
Karl Marko, co-founder and chief executive officer of octo Digital Payments, described the selection as an important step in the company’s growth journey. He said the EBRD’s expertise and the network of experts available through the programme would help octo refine its business model and strengthen its readiness for expansion. Marko added that startups gain an opportunity to work in a more structured manner on operational, commercial, and investment functions while addressing growth challenges.
Tailored Support Without Direct Funding
Star Venture targets high-potential startups in markets where the EBRD operates. The programme begins by evaluating a company’s needs and identifying challenges before designing advisory projects that match its stage of growth. Rather than providing direct financing, it helps participants close operational gaps, accelerate their development, and build a stronger foundation for future fundraising.
Programme Results and Regional Footprint
Since its launch in 2019, Star Venture has directly supported more than 400 startups and over 40 business accelerators. The initiative operates across more than 30 markets, including the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Balkans, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Türkiye, and Sub-Saharan Africa. According to EBRD data, 73 percent of portfolio startups secured financing during or after participation, raising more than $850 million collectively.
Portfolio Impact and Investment Indicators
Supported companies recorded average revenue growth of six times, while 76 percent achieved revenue growth. Youth-led businesses represent 51 percent of the portfolio, women-led startups account for 34 percent, and green-focused companies make up 43 percent. Portfolio companies raised an average of approximately $2.9 million, and EBRD-linked venture capital investors contributed $157 million in co-investments across 13 companies.
octo’s Fintech Profile and Services
Founded in Egypt in 2021, octo develops digital payment and financial services solutions for individuals and businesses. Its application offers money transfers, payment services, bill settlement, card management, payroll solutions, and other digital financial products. The company focuses on expanding access to financial services and supporting broader financial inclusion through user-friendly technology.
Strategic Value for Egypt’s Fintech Ecosystem
The selection of an Egyptian fintech startup highlights the growing maturity of the country’s digital payments sector. octo will be able to draw on the EBRD’s regional experience and its network of investors and mentors to refine its market approach. This type of support can help local companies scale their services and compete more effectively in a rapidly evolving financial technology landscape.
The participation in Star Venture positions octo to strengthen its internal capabilities and refine its growth strategy in the competitive digital payments market. Over the next 24 months, the company plans to use the programme’s advisory resources to improve operational, commercial, and investment readiness. This engagement reflects the EBRD’s broader push to support innovative startups in emerging markets and could help octo attract future investment.