Executive Assistant
About the job
- At least 3 years of experience supporting a founder, executive, or senior leader.
- Excellent written English and sound judgment about tone when corresponding on the CEO's behalf.
- Ability to track commitments independently and close loops without reminders.
- Comfort working with ambiguity and shifting priorities in an early-stage environment.
- Discretion and experience handling confidential business information.
- Fluency with Google Workspace, Slack, and Notion.
- Based in New York City with availability to meet in person in Brooklyn or Manhattan.
- Own the CEO's calendar, including scheduling, rescheduling, protecting focus time, and structuring the week so meetings are batched rather than scattered.
- Manage inbound email by triaging messages, flagging items requiring attention, drafting replies, and following up on open threads.
- Coordinate meetings with investors, partners, and the executive team across United States, Irish, and East African time zones.
- Support board and investor operations by scheduling meetings, assembling quarterly update materials, and chasing inputs to deadlines.
- Process expenses, invoices, and vendor and subscription renewals.
- Run research and preparation work ahead of meetings, including briefing notes, background on companies and people, and agendas.
- Build lightweight systems and documentation to improve the efficiency of the role over time.
- Exposure to fintech, financial services, or venture-backed startups.
About the company
Umba is a digital bank in Africa focused on Kenya and Nigeria. Its mobile app provides free checking, transfers, bill payments, and deposits, powered by a credit-led model that also offers salary advances, installment loans, SME financing, and payroll solutions for businesses. In Kenya, Umba became a licensed microfinance bank after acquiring Daraja Microfinance Bank, enabling full banking services like current accounts and savings, while serving customers through a network of 5,000+ agents. The company uses machine learning to assess credit risk, approve loans, and detect fraud, aiming to expand affordable, convenient digital banking and credit to individuals and SMEs across emerging markets.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
Debt Financing
Total Funding
$27.3M
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
2018
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- April 2025 Star Strong debt funded Umba's loan book expansion without equity dilution.
- TechCabal reported sixfold revenue growth in 2024 and 19% monthly gains.
- Peach Cars' 24-hour car-finance partnership and six-hour online underwriting accelerate high-value loan origination.
What critics are saying
- FairMoney's 2024 $20 million acquisition talks expose Umba's weak standalone exit options.
- Umba's 2023 bridge round at $25 million signaled brutal down-round pressure and funding fragility.
- Loan-book losses or recessionary defaults can choke debt capital, forcing a shutdown or fire-sale.
What makes Umba unique
- Kenya's microfinance license gives Umba regulated deposit-taking distribution and secured lending access.
- Umba's 5,000-agent Kenyan network converts dealerships and field agents into customer acquisition channels.
- Vehicle financing and SME loans define Umba's credit-led model, not generic consumer banking.
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Benefits
- Remote Work Options