FlexiLoans

FlexiLoans

Key Details
City
Mumbai
Founded In
2016
Founders
Deepak Jain, Ritesh Jain, Manish Lunia, Abhishek Kothari
Category
Fintech
Website
Click here

FlexiLoans Foundation Story

FlexiLoans is a significant player in India's fintech landscape, particularly in the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) lending sector. Founded in 2016, the company has been driven by a clear vision to empower MSMEs through easy access to finance. Here’s a look at their foundation story.

Vision and Early Days

FlexiLoans was born out of the need to bridge the vast capital gap in India's MSME sector. The founders recognized that less than 10% of MSMEs had access to loans from traditional financial institutions, leaving a huge opportunity for digital lending solutions. Their vision is to be the preferred financial partner for SMEs across India, driving economic growth and fostering entrepreneurship[1][3][4).

The early days were marked by challenges, including the IL&FS crisis, but the founders' determination and "this too shall pass" mindset helped them navigate these difficulties. They were committed to making a difference in the lives of MSMEs, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities where access to finance is limited[4).

Founding Team Background

The founding team of FlexiLoans consists of Deepak Jain, Ritesh Jain, and Manish Lunia. These co-founders brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Deepak Jain and Ritesh Jain have a strong background in finance and technology, while Manish Lunia has extensive experience in the financial services sector. Together, they have been instrumental in shaping the company's strategy and growth[1][3][4).

The founders' diverse skills and shared vision have been key to FlexiLoans' success. They have led the company through various phases, from its initial concept to its current state as a leading digital lending platform[1][3][4).

FlexiLoans Business Evolution

FlexiLoans has undergone significant evolution since its inception. From its initial concept to its current state, the company has expanded its operations, enhanced its product offerings, and strengthened its technological infrastructure. Here’s a detailed look at its business evolution.

From Initial Concept to Current State

Initially, FlexiLoans focused on providing easy access to finance for MSMEs through a fully digital platform. This approach was revolutionary, as it simplified the loan application process and enabled small businesses to receive loan approvals in as little as 48 hours. Over the years, the company has refined its processes, leveraging alternative data sources and machine learning to assess creditworthiness[1][2][3).

Today, FlexiLoans is a prominent fintech lender in the MSME sector, with over 75,000 loans disbursed amounting to ₹5,000 crores. The company has also expanded its reach to over 2,100 towns and cities across India, making it a nationwide player[2][3]).

Key Growth Milestones

FlexiLoans has achieved several key milestones in its growth journey. Here are some notable ones:

  • Funding Rounds: The company has raised significant funds, including a $34.5 million Series C round, to expand its operations and enhance its product offerings[1][3]).
  • Profitability: FlexiLoans achieved net profitability in FY23, marking a significant turnaround after navigating through challenging times[4]).
  • Loan Disbursements: The company has disbursed over ₹7,000 crores in loans and manages over INR 2,000 crores in Assets Under Management (AUM)[1][2]).
  • Customer Base: FlexiLoans has served over 3 lac customers, with 70% of its business originating from tier 2, 3, and 4 towns and cities[2]).

Product Portfolio Expansion

FlexiLoans has expanded its product portfolio to cater to the diverse needs of MSMEs. Here are some of the key products and services:

  • Term Loans: The company offers term loans ranging from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakhs[1][4]).
  • Supply Chain Finance: FlexiLoans provides supply chain finance with limits ranging from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 10 crores[1][4]).
  • Collateral-Free Loans: The company offers collateral-free loans, making it easier for MSMEs to access capital without traditional collateral[2][4]).
  • Customized Credit Products: Through its strategic partnerships and in-house tech platform, FlexiLoans designs innovative and customized credit products for MSMEs[1][3]).

FlexiLoans Technology Infrastructure

FlexiLoans' technology infrastructure is a cornerstone of its success. Here’s an overview of its core platform architecture, security and compliance framework, and innovations in the industry.

Core Platform Architecture

FlexiLoans leverages a proprietary credit underwriting engine powered by machine learning to assess borrowers' creditworthiness. This engine uses alternative data sources to evaluate creditworthiness without the need for traditional collateral. The platform is fully digital, enabling a 100% digital origination process and nationwide coverage[1][2][3]).

The company's tech platform integrates with over 20 lenders, allowing it to design innovative and customized credit products. This integration also maximizes capital supply for a larger and more diverse range of MSMEs[1][3]).

Security and Compliance Framework

FlexiLoans places a strong emphasis on security and compliance. Here are some key aspects:

  • Data Protection: The company uses advanced technologies to protect customer data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements[4]).
  • Compliance Framework: FlexiLoans adheres to a robust compliance framework, ensuring all operations are in line with financial regulations and standards[4]).
  • Technology Infrastructure: The company's technology infrastructure is designed to handle high volumes of data and transactions securely and efficiently[1][2]).

Innovation in its Industry

FlexiLoans has been at the forefront of innovation in the digital lending sector. Here are some key innovations:

  • Alternative Data Sources: The company uses alternative data sources to evaluate creditworthiness, making it possible to serve MSMEs without conventional credit histories[1][2][3]).
  • Machine Learning and AI: FlexiLoans employs machine learning and AI to enhance the loan application process, reduce friction, and improve customer experience[2][3]).
  • Colending Platform: The company's colending platform, Bi-Frost, expedites integration with various lending institutions, facilitating working capital loans within 48 hours[4]).
  • Strategic Partnerships: FlexiLoans has strategic partnerships with e-commerce platforms, payments tech, and other merchant ecosystems, which have been pivotal in amplifying its reach[1][4]).

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Company Market Impact

FlexiLoans, a digital lending platform from India, has made a significant impact on the market. Here’s how:

User Base Growth

FlexiLoans has seen rapid growth in its user base since its inception in 2016. The company has disbursed over ₹7,000 crore in loans across more than 2,100 towns and cities in India. This widespread reach has helped many small businesses access capital quickly and efficiently[6][2).

The platform's user-friendly approach and use of alternative data sources have enabled loan approvals in as little as 48 hours. This has been particularly beneficial for micro and small entrepreneurs who lack conventional credit history and are often excluded from traditional lending systems.

As of now, FlexiLoans has served over 50,000 businesses, demonstrating its ability to scale and meet the financial needs of a diverse range of MSMEs.

Market Share Expansion

FlexiLoans is expanding its market share by targeting tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. These cities have substantial growth potential but are often underserved by traditional financial institutions. By focusing on these areas, FlexiLoans is bridging the capital gap and driving economic growth in these regions.

The company's strategic approach includes leveraging technology to underwrite loans without traditional collateral. This innovative use of machine learning and alternative data sources allows FlexiLoans to assess borrowers' creditworthiness more accurately and quickly[2).

With its strong tech platform, FlexiLoans is well-positioned to continue expanding its market share and serving a larger segment of the MSME sector.

Financial Inclusion Initiatives

FlexiLoans is committed to driving financial inclusion in India. The company aims to empower MSMEs by providing easy access to finance, which is crucial for their growth and success. Less than 10% of MSMEs in India have access to loans from traditional financial institutions, leaving a vast capital gap that FlexiLoans is working to fill[1).

Through its digital-first approach, FlexiLoans has democratized access to financial resources for millions of micro and small entrepreneurs. The platform's ability to deliver loan approvals quickly and efficiently has been pivotal in supporting these businesses.

FlexiLoans' vision is to be the preferred financial partner for SMEs across India, driving economic growth and fostering entrepreneurship. This aligns with the broader goal of financial inclusion and economic development in the country.

Company Financial Journey

FlexiLoans has had a robust financial journey since its founding. Here are some key highlights:

Revenue Growth Story

FlexiLoans has seen significant revenue growth over the years. The company has disbursed substantial amounts in loans, with over ₹7,000 crore disbursed to date. This indicates a strong demand for its services and a growing revenue stream[1).

The company's revenue growth is also driven by its expanding user base and the increasing need for MSME financing in India. As the Indian economy continues to grow, the demand for MSME financing is expected to increase, presenting a substantial opportunity for FlexiLoans.

FlexiLoans' innovative credit products, including term loans and supply chain finance, have been well-received by the market, contributing to its revenue growth.

Path to Profitability

FlexiLoans is on a path to profitability, driven by its efficient operations and innovative business model. The company's use of technology to underwrite loans and its partnerships with various lenders and merchants help in maximizing capital supply and minimizing costs.

By leveraging alternative data sources and machine learning, FlexiLoans can assess creditworthiness more accurately, reducing the risk of defaults and improving profitability. This approach has enabled the company to design customized credit products that meet the specific needs of its diverse customer base[2).

FlexiLoans' focus on tier 2 and tier 3 cities also helps in reducing operational costs compared to serving only urban areas, contributing to its path to profitability.

Investment Rounds and Valuations

FlexiLoans has secured significant investments to fuel its growth. The company recently raised $34.5 million in its Series C funding round, led by existing investor Maj Invest and new investors like Accion Digital Transformation, Nuveen, and Fundamentum[2).

This funding round brings FlexiLoans’ total amount secured to $76.6 million in equity and over $240.9 million in debt. The capital will be used to expand operations, enhance product offerings, and strengthen technological infrastructure.

Deepak Jain, Co-founder of FlexiLoans, stated, "With this capital, we will further our mission of driving financial inclusion, expanding our reach, enabling more underserved MSME businesses to access the funds they need to grow and succeed"[6]).

Company Strategic Partnerships

FlexiLoans has formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its services and reach. Here are some key partnerships:

Banking Collaborations

FlexiLoans collaborates with various banking and non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs) to provide a wide range of financial services. These partnerships allow FlexiLoans to offer customized credit products and maximize capital supply for its customers.

The company integrates with over 20 lenders via its in-house tech platform, enabling it to design innovative credit products and underwrite loans for a larger and more diverse range of MSMEs[6]).

These banking collaborations are pivotal in amplifying FlexiLoans' reach and enhancing its ability to serve the financial needs of MSMEs across India.

Merchant Partnerships

FlexiLoans has strategic partnerships with e-commerce platforms, payment technology vendors, and other merchant ecosystems. These partnerships help the company in underwriting risk more accurately and providing customized financial solutions.

For example, FlexiLoans' integrations with e-commerce platforms enable it to offer supply chain finance and other tailored financial products to merchants. This approach has been crucial in expanding its reach and enhancing its services[7]).

These merchant partnerships also facilitate the quick disbursal of loans, often within 48 hours, which is essential for the operational needs of MSMEs.

Technology Alliances

FlexiLoans leverages advanced technology to drive its operations and services. The company uses a proprietary credit underwriting engine powered by machine learning to assess borrowers' creditworthiness without traditional collateral.

This technological approach allows FlexiLoans to deliver loan approvals quickly and efficiently, making it a leader in India's digital lending ecosystem. The company's tech platform is also integrated with various lenders and merchants, enabling seamless and efficient financial transactions[7]).

FlexiLoans' commitment to technological innovation is a key factor in its ability to serve the diverse financial needs of MSMEs across India.

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