Destin Africa 20 Inspiring Woman
Mary Mwangi Creates a Thriving Tech Company by Digitizing Payment Systems for Businesses Ms. Mary Mwangi is an entrepreneur, co-founder, and the chief executive officer of Data Integrated Limited (DIL), a Fintech company that specializes in developing customized point of sale systems. The company automates payments processes found within Sub-Saharan Africa by providing software as a service (SAAS.) Ms Mwangi has managed a team with whom she has developed Integrated Point of sale solutions for both Kenya and Rwanda. The innovative entrepreneur has a broad range of experience having worked in banking, accounting, IT and business management in the Kansas City area before moving back to Kenya about 5 years ago. She holds a degree in accounting from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO USA.
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H
ow did you get started as an entrepreneur? I had been living in the US for many years and each year I came to visit Kenya my family would ask me to move back. I told them that I would only move back if I found something I would enjoy doing. I saw an opportunity with Mpesa that I thought was a needed solution to digitize payment systems for business and have them get paid through Mpesa. That is how I started Data Integrated as an automation payment system for small to medium “SME”sized businesses, thus I became an entrepreneur.
Tells us more about Data Integrated? DIL is a company that is working to digitize payments and payment process for SME’s. To date, we have developed a payment platform for two main verticals: Transport industry and the hospitality industry (bars and restaurants). DIL’s team created a payment aggregator platform that is integrated with mobile money providers and banks.
What inspired you to start the business? I was inspired by seeing how small companies did not use payment automation to improve their businesses and knowing that this is an important factor for today’s businesses to survive. I was brought up by a business woman and all along knew I would start my own business. It just was not always clear what kind of business it would be. What sets Data Integrated apart from others? At Data Integrated, we build customized solutions with the local businesses. We have a comprehensive approach to the problem we are trying to solve which is payments automation. We develop solutions that give 360 degrees view to payment processes and the resources that are being utilized to transact. What can you say you have achieved so far? Our transport management fee payments
