What does it take to build a tech-driven microfinance company as a woman in a new country? In the latest episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I speak to Fumiko Inada, Founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, to explore her journey from volunteering in Vietnam to pioneering digital microfinance in Malaysia.
From Volunteer Roots to Financial Visionary
Fumiko’s story begins far from the world of startups and digital lending. She was deeply involved in volunteer work, supporting NGOs in Vietnam and Cambodia that provided shelter for street children. These early experiences sparked her curiosity about how people can achieve economic independence and the role of community in supporting that journey.
After university, Fumiko took the advice of mentors and entered the financial sector, working for over a decade in Japan’s central bank, consulting and at Rakuten Securities. But her heart remained with social impact, and she sought a way to combine her financial expertise with her passion for empowering others.
The answer came in the form of microfinance—a field she discovered through the inspiring work of Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Dr Shameran Abed of BRAC, an international development organisation founded in Bangladesh, as well as her own travels in Bangladesh.
Building a Business with Purpose
Fumiko’s time in Bangladesh was transformative. She witnessed firsthand how microfinance could be both a sustainable business and a powerful tool for social change. Inspired, she set out to modernize the industry, bringing digital solutions to an area that had remained largely unchanged for decades.
Relocating to Malaysia, Fumiko co-founded Bee Informatica with a Bangladeshi CTO, leveraging their combined expertise in finance and technology.
“I started this microfinance business by myself in 2019 when I was 38 years old,” says Fumiko proudly.
Despite having no technical background herself, Fumiko used her prior experiences in managing IT projects to help her understand the world of technology. Her vision: to make microfinance faster, more accessible, and more secure for small business owners—especially women.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman Founder
Starting a tech company in a new country is never easy, and Fumiko faced her share of obstacles. From building a network from scratch to navigating the complexities of digital lending licenses, her journey was marked by sheer and dogged persistence, remarking, “I will never fail because I will never stop trying.”
For the first five years, Bee Informatica was funded by angel investors—over 200 pitches later, they finally secured venture capital, enabling them to invest in new technology and scale their impact.
As a woman founder, Fumiko acknowledges the unique challenges of raising funds and breaking into the tech world. Yet, she credits her international experience and clear sense of mission for giving her the confidence to persevere. “I have very little fear,” she shares with me openly, reflecting on her years of travel, study and work across different cultures. I imagine her as a bit of a creative soul and she shares that her favourite book is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
Reimagining Microfinance for the Digital Age
Bee Informatica stands out for its commitment to digital transformation. Gone are the days of manual paperwork and in-person visits. Today, clients can apply for loans entirely online, upload documents, and receive decisions within a single working day. The company uses OCR technology, GPS verification, and even psychometric testing to streamline the process and ensure responsible lending.
Fumiko’s approach is both innovative and empathetic. She understands the anxieties many women feel around finance and is committed to providing education and support alongside funding. Bee Informatica offers webinars on financial literacy and a user-friendly loan calculator, empowering entrepreneurs to make informed decisions.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Fumiko’s advice for those starting out? Don’t be afraid to seek out global networks and accelerator programs. She wishes she had tapped into these resources earlier, noting that today’s entrepreneurs have unprecedented access to information and support.
This episode is more than a business success story—it’s a candid conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the role of technology in driving social change. Fumiko’s journey will resonate with anyone who has ever dreamed of making a difference, faced setbacks, or wondered how to turn passion into impact.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a supporter of women in business, or simply curious about the future of microfinance, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration in this episode.