Smile Identity is a Nigerian startup that provides digital identity verification solutions to businesses and individuals. The company was founded in 2017 by Mark Straub, William Bares, and Brooke Watson with a vision to make identity verification simpler and more accessible in emerging markets. Smile Identity operates in several countries in Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania, as well as in India and Uganda.

The founding team noticed that access to financial services and other important online services was often limited in emerging markets due to inadequate identification systems. Many people in these regions lack formal identification documents, which makes it difficult for them to open bank accounts, obtain loans, or access government services. Moreover, even those who have identification documents often face challenges in verifying their identities online due to fraud and other security concerns.

To address this problem, Smile Identity developed a digital identity verification platform that uses facial recognition and other biometric data to verify the identity of individuals. The platform is designed to be integrated into the systems of financial institutions, mobile network operators, and other businesses to provide a fast and secure way of verifying customer identities.

The platform uses machine learning algorithms and computer vision to analyze facial biometrics, including facial structure, expressions, and unique features. This technology allows the system to accurately verify the identity of an individual in a matter of seconds, making it easier and more convenient for customers to access financial services, healthcare, and other online services that require identity verification.

One of the key benefits of Smile Identity's platform is that it is highly scalable and can be easily integrated into existing systems. This makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses, especially those operating in emerging markets where traditional identification methods are often ineffective. The platform also helps to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft, which can be a major concern for businesses that rely on online identity verification.

Smile Identity has partnered with various financial institutions and mobile network operators to provide identity verification solutions to their customers. The company has raised several rounds of funding to expand its operations across Africa and has won several awards for its innovative technology and impact in the region.

Investors have recognized the problem that Smile Identity is solving in Africa, and have pumped in $35.1m across seven funding rounds. Here's a breakdown of the standout funding rounds the startup has raised so far:

1. Seed Round (2018): Smile Identity raised $1 million in a seed round led by CRE Venture Capital, Khosla Impact, and Zephyr Acorn.
2. Series A Round (2019): In November 2019, Smile Identity raised $7 million in a Series A funding round led by Costanoa Ventures. Other investors that participated in the round included LocalGlobe, Intercept Ventures, Future\Perfect Ventures, and unnamed strategic investors.
3. Series B (2023): In February 2023, Smile Identity raised $20m with returning investors like Constanoa Ventures. Norrsken22 also participated in this round.

What Does the Future Look Like for Smile Identity?

I think the future is bright for Smile Identity, as there is a growing demand for digital identity verification solutions in emerging markets. The company's innovative technology and scalable platform make it a compelling solution for businesses and individuals looking to improve their access to financial services and other online services that require identity verification.

As more people in emerging markets gain access to mobile devices and the internet, the need for secure and reliable identity verification systems will continue to grow. Smile Identity is well-positioned to meet this demand, as it has already established partnerships with financial institutions and mobile network operators across Africa.

In addition, Smile Identity has shown a commitment to innovation and expanding its offerings. The company has already introduced new features, such as voice recognition and document verification, to its platform, which will help to further enhance its capabilities and appeal to a broader range of customers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the shift towards digital channels and the need for remote identity verification, which presents an opportunity for Smile Identity to expand its customer base and offerings. The company's platform can help businesses to comply with social distancing measures and other health protocols by enabling them to conduct identity verification remotely.

Overall, I believe that Smile Identity has a strong growth potential in the years ahead, as it continues to develop innovative solutions and expand its operations in emerging markets. The company's focus on improving access to financial services and other online services is an important mission that can have a significant impact on people's lives and the growth of the digital economy in Africa and beyond.