Lendable MSME Fintech Credit Fund

Impact Story

Lhoopa’s tech-driven solutions for affordable housing

Lhoopa leverages technology to provide low-cost, scalable solutions for affordable housing in the Philippines. The company harnesses the power of machine learning to analyze data across hundreds of categories. This fuels its innovative platform, which pinpoints potential properties, particularly in areas near Metro Manila. The platform further streamlines the process by connecting local contractors to build or renovate the properties. It equips the contractors with tools to generate estimates and track progress through uploaded media, minimizing the need for on-site visits. Lhoopa prioritizes community collaboration by combining a network of over 80 contractors and more than 3,000 agents to create a business model that unites automation and local engagement. Lhoopa’s partners (agents & contractors) reported that their income increased by 100% in the last year, with 90% experiencing a significant boost in self-confidence alongside their financial success.

The company focuses on empowering low-income families by providing them with access to affordable housing. Their model has transformed the lives of over 2,500 families across 52 cities, helping them achieve their dream of homeownership, and build financial stability and security. 92% of their clients are first-time homebuyers and 50% of buyers are women. Lhoopa champions gender equality through its innovative “Tipster” program funded by technical assistance provided by Lendable. This program empowers stay-at-home mothers and community workers by training them to become referral sources, which enables them to generate income and achieve financial independence.

Lhoopa recognizes that affordability and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. As part of its evolving strategy, its embracing green homes, creating a win-win for both the environment and low-income homeowners. Lhoopa has collaborated with the IFC for EDGE certification, a globally recognized green building standard. Homes integrate features like rainwater harvesting and solar panels to reduce energy, water use, and carbon emissions. In one development, Lhoopa achieved a 55% reduction in energy, 24% reduction in water use, and decreased utility bills for residents. The business is now seeking to partner with government institutions that focus on green and sustainable housing programs.

Lhoopa’s innovative approach to financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainability through technology deeply aligns with Lendable’s mission to empower positive change in emerging markets.

Impact Story

Access to finance with a gender lens

Lidi Ernawati, a Surabaya-based self-taught small business owner, is another one of the borrowers funded through KoinWorks. She has been selling mothers’ & kids’ supplies online on a marketplace for around 5 years. She was working as a store attendant before starting her journey in online selling. She learned everything from scratch and realized that one of her challenges was in stocking supplies, especially during big sale events. Funding from KoinWorks helps her to stock supplies for her store. Now, she doesn’t need to be worried about customer orders since she always has her stock ready. As her business keeps growing, she is glad that her business can help empower her unemployed neighbors. Photo: Courtesy of KoinWorks

Impact Story

Inclusive transportation

Planet42 is a socially inclusive car subscription platform funded by the Lendable MSME Fintech Credit Fund. Planet42 started with the objective of fighting transport inequality by putting cars in the hands of people who are unfairly ignored by banks in major developing economies like South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil. Not having a car limits access to employment and educational opportunities, inhibiting financial inclusion. “Our car subscription is socially inclusive. For us, the differentiating factor is our customers would not have a car without us,” says CEO and co-founder Eerik Oja. Planet42 buys second-hand cars, which lowers the unit cost compared to a subscription model that purchases new cars. Customers can find suitable cars using Planet42’s tools, which includes its proprietary algorithms, from the over 700 dealers in the network. The company then buys the car and rents it to the customer.