Bakari Sencere Smith and Austin Evans are changing how micro-sellers manage their money. The pair recently launched Guala, a merchant wallet platform that combines fragmented payment apps into one space. Smith brings his background as a music executive and restaurant owner to the company, while Evans adds his experience navigating collegiate retail partnerships.
The core of the Guala platform is its ability to turn daily business transactions into organized financial records. By consolidating revenue tracking, the app helps entrepreneurs establish the documented financial history required to apply for loans and secure credit lines. This functionality addresses a major hurdle for many small business owners who struggle to prove their income for professional banking services.
The venture has already secured $400,000 through various pitch competitions and accelerator programs. Investors include Pinnacle Bank and Halogen Ventures, which provide capital as well as access to banking expertise. Guala is currently preparing for a $3 million pre-seed funding round as the founders look to expand the platform's reach.
Desyree Nicole serves as the chief strategy officer, overseeing branding and user experience. Her focus remains on customer insights and reporting features that allow owners to monitor their sales growth in real time. The app is available for download on the Apple Store, and the team recently hosted a launch event in Atlanta to mark the start of their operations.