Lula, a prominent figure in providing digital finance solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) locally, has appointed Buhle Goslar as the new Chairperson of its Board.
Goslar brings a wealth of experience in the fintech space, particularly in emerging markets, having served as CEO of Jumo Africa. Her arrival at Lula comes at a crucial juncture as the company enters its next phase of expansion, following a successful $35m Series B funding round and the launch of its innovative digital business banking platform in 2023.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the company’s mission, Goslar highlighted Lula’s significant impact on assisting South Africa’s SMEs since its inception in 2014. She emphasized her alignment with Lula’s dedication to fostering more inclusive economic growth.
Goslar praised Lula’s track record in connecting SMEs with vital funding and commended the recent launch of the full-service digital bank tailored to these businesses, the first of its kind in South Africa. She underscored the importance of Lula’s work for SMEs and its broader implications for the economy.
Looking ahead, Goslar expressed excitement about Lula’s potential to redefine SME banking and drive economic growth in the country. She outlined plans to leverage new data capabilities, enhance user experiences, and establish strategic partnerships to further differentiate Lula in the market.
Goslar emphasized the importance of inclusivity in Lula’s banking offering and its role in providing improved cash-flow solutions for SMEs, particularly those owned by women and other marginalized groups.
Goslar drew inspiration from a diverse group of mentors and role models, including environmentalist Wangari Maathai, tennis star Serena Williams, and philanthropist John Bogle, highlighting their advocacy for equity and social justice.
Lula CEO and co-founder Trevor Gosling says of the appointment, “We welcome Buhle’s leadership and look forward to benefiting from her significant experience operating in emerging market fintech environments. We’re confident she will help us achieve our ambitious growth objectives, while also maintaining the highest standards of corporate responsibility.”
