About us

Recognitions and highlights

Our Commitments

Everything we build at DreamStart Labs is grounded in purpose, shaped by the belief that technology should serve people first. Our work is underpinned by five core commitments: financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation, data privacy, and consumer protection.

These commitments align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, guiding how we design, collaborate, and measure success.

No Poverty (SDG 1)

Creating safe, accessible pathways for communities to save, borrow, and grow wealth — one group at a time.

Gender Equality (SDG 5)

Empowering women to take ownership of their financial futures, with 70% of DreamSave members being women.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

Supporting entrepreneurship and income-generating activities that promote financial independence.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

Building inclusive digital infrastructure that works anywhere even under a tree in underserved regions.

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

Extending opportunity to those left behind, from refugees and smallholder farmers to rural entrepreneurs.

Each milestone, award, and recognition we’ve earned stems from these principles, proof that when innovation is rooted in inclusion, impact follows naturally.

Awards & Recognition

Our commitment to financial inclusion and innovation has earned recognition from leading organizations around the world. These awards reflect the strength of our mission and the measurable impact of our work across communities.

From global fintech honors to innovation spotlights, each recognition highlights our dedication to building tools that drive lasting progress, proving that responsible technology can open doors to opportunity for everyone, everywhere.

Inclusive Fintech 50 Winner

Inclusive Fintech 50 – 2020

DreamStart Labs, an award-winning provider of digital banking technology for emerging markets, is pleased to announce its selection to the Inclusive Fintech 50.

Fast Company World Changing Award Winner

Fast Company Magazine – 2021

DreamStart Labs, an award-winning provider of digital banking technology for emerging markets, is pleased to announce its DreamSave app won four awards at the 2021 World Changing Ideas competition hosted by Fast Company magazine.

Vodafone Innovation Award Winner

Vodafone Americas Foundation – 2017

The Vodafone Americas Foundation, at the Social Innovation Summit 2017 in Chicago, IL, announced the winners of its ninth annual Wireless Innovation Project (WIP), a competition for potential life-changing connected innovations addressing critical issues facing the world today. DreamSave, a mobile financial services solution, will be granted the third-place prize of $100,000.

Savings-Led Digital Finance: The Dawn of a New Era?

The booming digital lending market surpassed $300 billion in 2020, with significant growth coming from new smartphone users in emerging markets.

January 17, 2022

Sharing the Risk: “Micro Equity” for Savings Groups

FineDev Gateway

How DreamStart Labs is re-thinking assumptions about how to design solutions for people in emerging economies

DreamSave increasing digitising womens access finance

Women for Women

Across the world, women often have less access to technology, mobile phones and the internet compared to men.

Who Do You Trust? Building a “TrustScore” for Savings Groups

FineDev Gateway

DreamStart Labs explores how to incorporate member-driven assessments into credit scoring

September 20, 2022

DreamStart Labs, KEIPhone Gift Smartphones to Unbanked Women

Digital banking tech platform DreamStart Labs and free smartphone organization KEIPhone are teaming up to offer digital banking in underserved areas across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

DreamStart Labs, BRAC Bank partner to provide digital financial services to unbanked women in Bangladesh

Fintech DreamStart Labs and commercial bank BRAC Bank in Bangladesh have announced a partnership to provide digital financial services to unbanked women in Bangladesh.