- Loan Did Not Meet Target Subscription Amount
A Financial Ecosystem Designed For True Financial Inclusion
XCUB-E PTE LTD
- Singapore
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This loan failed to reach its funding target of
- 2,888 USD
In the heart of the Middle East, countless women live in the shadows of vulnerability—migrants, refugees, mothers striving to rebuild shattered dreams. Defy, a bold initiative by xcube.co, is their beacon of hope. Through inclusive finance, it empowers 130,000 women to rise above adversity, offering dignity and opportunity where few existed. With $500,000, we can rewrite their stories into ones of resilience, courage, and triumph. Together, we can turn their struggles into stepping stones.
- 3 Lenders
Committed
- 18 months
Loan Period
- 7%
Interest Rate
- BACKGROUND
Loan summary
Defy is a transformative FinTech initiative by xcube.co, driven by the belief that inclusive finance is key to building a better, more equitable world. Focused on empowering vulnerable communities—women, migrants, and refugees—Defy uses cutting-edge technology to create a Circular Financial System that addresses systemic barriers such as under-documentation, reliance on cash economies, lack of tailored financial products, and financial illiteracy. By equipping individuals with resilient financial identities and enabling access to essential services regardless of their history or circumstances, Defy bridges the gap between underserved populations and financial institutions while meeting critical risk mitigation requirements.
At the heart of Defy’s mission is the power of collaboration. Through partnerships with NGOs and international organisations, including a major alliance with UNFPA GCC and Shamsaha, Defy is poised to serve 130,000 women in vulnerable situations across the Middle East. This initiative not only provides these women with tools to achieve financial independence but also fosters long-term economic resilience within their communities. The success of this project will unlock new avenues for international funding and serve as a model for scaling inclusive finance globally.
Defy’s innovative approach will be showcased at the 4th UN International Conference on Financing for Development, where its impact will inspire global adoption. With your support, we can turn this vision into reality—empowering lives, transforming systems, and creating a sustainable future for all.
Borrower's mission
Defy’s mission is to ignite a transformative wave of financial empowerment, crafting a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the tools to thrive. By dismantling barriers like under-documentation and cash dependency, Defy creates a seamless financial ecosystem that nurtures resilience and independence. Through strategic partnerships and innovative technology, we aim to uplift communities, enabling them to build sustainable futures and inspire global change, one empowered life at a time.
The activities funded by this loan are helping to achieve the above Sustainable Development Goals as defined by the UN.
Intermediary's experience with impact enterprises
Lightwheel Advisors, established in 2022, specialises in optimising operational efficiency and driving commercial growth for organisations at various stages, from startups to SMEs and MNCs. With a holistic approach, Lightwheel integrates corporate governance, strategic advisory, business development, and brand management, leveraging the extensive industry experience of its team. To date, Lightwheel Advisors has partnered with over 10 impact-driven companies across sectors like impact investing, electric mobility, health-tech, and carbon capture, providing tailored support in Go-to-Market strategies, fundraising, and business development to help these enterprises scale and thrive.
- IMPACT
Impacts and how they are measured
In the heart of the Middle East, Defy embarks on a mission to transform the lives of 130,000 vulnerable women, weaving a narrative of empowerment and resilience. Imagine a refugee mother, once trapped in the cycle of financial exclusion, now holding a digital wallet that serves as her gateway to a brighter future. Through Defy’s innovative platform, she can now build her financial identity by recording her cash transactions and access a tailored savings account setting segregating her personal and small business finances. As she transacts, she can gain access over time to microloans to expand her small business, and insurance to protect her family—all while gaining financial literacy through her mobile device. Not only is she now economically empowered but also she is now a stable pillar for her community’s resilience against future shocks. Defy measures its impact by capturing these transformative stories, tracking how women transition from cash to digital economies and gaining access to tailored financial products. Each success is a testament to the power of financial inclusion—income growth, improved savings habits, and newfound economic stability are celebrated milestones. By partnering with NGOs and international organisations, Defy ensures that these women are not just numbers but empowered individuals whose journeys inspire global change. Key Financial Inclusion Indicators Defy measures its impact by tracking both quantitative and qualitative outcomes that reflect sustainable financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Key indicators include the number of women transitioning from cash to digital economies, access to tailored financial products, improvements in financial literacy, and the creation of resilient financial identities. Through partnerships with NGOs and international organisations, Defy collects data on beneficiaries’ income growth, savings habits, and access to credit, ensuring alignment with both individual needs and institutional risk mitigation requirements. Regular assessments also evaluate how financial inclusion enhances overall well-being, such as increased economic participation and reduced vulnerability. International Recognition As Defy prepares to showcase its achievements at the UN International Conference on Financing for Development, it sets the stage for a global movement. The initiative’s success will unlock international funding and serve as a beacon of hope for communities worldwide. Through Defy, these women are not only rewriting their own stories but also paving the way for sustainable financial inclusion on a global scale.
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