Optasia’s IPO was significantly oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor demand for Optasia’s data-driven growth model and global expansion strategy.
FirstRand acquired a 20.1% stake in the Company in an off-market transaction announced on Monday, 27 October
London and Johannesburg, 18 November 2025 – Development Partners International (“DPI”), a leading investment firm focused on Africa, has announced the successful initial public offering (“IPO”) of its portfolio company, Optasia (“Optasia” or “the Company”) – a pioneering AI-driven platform expanding access to digital financial services – on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”).
The IPO attracted strong demand from a wide-range of investors. The listing raised approximately R6.3 billion (c.$375 million) and Optasia achieved a R19.00 per share listing price, implying a market capitalisation of R24.5 billion. The successful listing and strategic investment by FirstRand represent a significant milestone for Optasia.
Since DPI’s investment, Optasia has evolved from a regional mobile lending platform into a global AI-led fintech operating across 38 countries.
James Griffiths, Partner, Development Partners International, commented:
“We are proud to have partnered with Optasia as it enters this exciting new chapter. DPI congratulates Optasia’s exceptional team on scaling a pioneering, technology-driven business into a global fintech platform and successfully concluding this landmark IPO. By harnessing AI to extend access to financial services for underserved populations, Optasia continues to demonstrate how innovation and impact can go hand in hand.”