Smile ID
The digital identity verification and KYC compliance engine built for Africa
What it does
Smile ID (formerly Smile Identity) was founded in 2017 by Mark Straub to provide pan-African identity verification, biometric KYC, and anti-fraud software. The platform connects directly to government ID databases across multiple African nations, enabling fintechs to onboard customers securely. It is recognized as the leading identity verification partner for major African tech companies.
KYC / KYB / identity verificationeKYC & biometricsIdentity infrastructure
Known for
- Pan-African biometric KYC infrastructure
- Identity verification & face match APIs
- Anti-fraud enterprise software
- Government database verification integration
Model & industry
Identity-as-a-ServiceCompliance / KYC-as-a-ServiceAPI-as-a-ProductAll / Cross-industry
Funding history
$31.0M
Total raised
3
Rounds
Series B
Latest stage
2023
Latest year
| Date | Stage | Amount | Lead investor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-02 | Series B | $20.0M | Costanoa Ventures |
| 2021-07 | Series A | $7.0M | Costanoa Ventures |
| 2019-04 | Seed | $4.0M | — |
Source: Condia Funding Tracker
Products & subsidiaries
Smile ID Biometric Verification · Facial Authentication APISmile ID Business Verification (KYB) · Corporate Identity Verification
Acquisitions
- Appruve (2023). Pan-African identity verification provider acquired to expand coverage into Francophone Africa.