Lula, a local leader in digital finance solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has announced the appointment of Buhle Goslar as the new Chairperson of its Board.
Goslar brings extensive experience in the emerging market fintech space, most recently as CEO of Jumo Africa. She joins Lula at a pivotal moment as the company embarks on its next phase of growth having completed a $35 mILLION Series B funding round and also launched its pioneering digital business banking platform in 2023.
Accepting the appointment, Goslar expressed her enthusiasm about the company’s mission and the many strides made in assisting South Africa’s small and medium sized enterprises since its inception in 2014.
“The decision to join Lula was an easy one. The company’s dedication to empowering SMEs is aligned with my personal passion for driving more inclusive economic growth,” said Goslar.
The team at Lula have built a remarkable track record of connecting SMEs with essential funding, and the recently launched full-service digital bank dedicated to these businesses – the first in South Africa – builds on this. The importance of Lula’s work, both for SMEs and at the macro level, is inspiring.”
Looking ahead, Goslar is equally excited by the potential Lula has to set new benchmarks in SME banking and the impact this will have on the economic growth of the country.
“By investing in new data capabilities, enhancing user experiences and forging new strategic partnerships, we’ll continue to further differentiate Lula in the market. Lula’s SME proposition focuses on the ‘missing middle’, which is critical for job creation but still underserved by traditional banks,” she says.
Goslar plans to share vital lessons learned in adapting to local market context, scaling partnerships and building customer trust to support Lula’s strategic goals. Under her stewardship and supported by a board room team with exceptional skill across emerging markets, Lula looks set to transform the SME banking and funding landscape in South Africa.
“As a board, we are conscious that the new banking offering presents an opportunity for Lula to be more inclusive than ever and effectively build scaffolding for SMEs to access improved cash-flow solutions. I look forward to supporting the team in this effort, which will see us servicing more female owned and other marginalised SMEs,” she says.
Goslar believes that resilient economies require inclusive growth and her approach to leadership is in part guided by the principle of developing solutions that work for the majority and not just the few.
When asked about mentors and role models who have inspired her on her professional journey, Goslar cites a diverse array of leaders who have challenged conventional wisdom and advocated for equity and social justice.
Her list includes influential figures like environmentalist turned social justice activist Wangari Maathai, tennis luminary Serena Williams, and John Bogle, the legendary American philanthropist and founder of the Vanguard Group.
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.”
