Volt Money is a fintech startup from India that offers a unique financial solution. Founded in 2022, the company aims to help individuals leverage their mutual fund investments without liquidating them. Here is a look at how it all began.
The idea behind Volt Money was born out of a need to innovate in the lending space. Bharat Lamba, one of the founders, had a vision to disrupt the traditional lending sector by focusing on secured lending. This was particularly relevant in the post-pandemic era when there was a surge in demand for such services.
In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was pushing for more innovation in the secured lending space, which aligned perfectly with Volt Money’s vision. The founders identified mutual funds as an untapped asset class that could be used as collateral for loans. This first-mover advantage has been crucial for the company’s growth.
The early days involved setting up the core team and strategy. Bharat Lamba, along with his long-time friends Lalit Bihani and Ankit Agrawal, formed the founding team. Their combined experience in the financial sector helped in laying a solid foundation for the startup.
Bharat Lamba, the co-founder of Volt Money, has a rich background in the financial industry. He spent over a decade working at Bank of America and HSBC before deciding to take the entrepreneurial plunge. This experience gave him the insights needed to identify gaps in the lending market.
Lalit Bihani and Ankit Agrawal, the other co-founders, also bring significant expertise to the table. Their collective experience has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategy and operations. The team’s strong background in finance has helped Volt Money navigate the complex financial landscape effectively[1]).
The founders’ decision to start Volt Money was driven by the desire to innovate and provide a unique service that was not available in the market. Their vision and experience have been key factors in the company’s success so far.
Volt Money has come a long way since its inception in 2022. From its initial concept to its current state, the company has evolved significantly. Here is a look at its business evolution.
The initial concept of Volt Money was to offer loans against mutual funds. This was a new idea in the Indian market, and the company had to educate both lenders and customers about the benefits of this model. The process involved tying up with various network participants, including the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and several folio management firms like Edelweiss and ICICI[1]).
Today, Volt Money offers a seamless digital platform where clients can lien mark their mutual funds and access an instant credit line. This overdraft facility allows clients to borrow money without losing ownership of their mutual funds or the benefits associated with them. The company has made significant strides in making this process quick and hassle-free[5]).
The current state of Volt Money reflects its growth and expansion. The company is now looking to expand into other asset classes, including equity stocks and insurance policies, as India’s retail investors diversify their assets[1]).
Volt Money has achieved several key milestones since its founding. Here are some of the notable ones:
Volt Money started with a single product – loans against mutual funds. However, the company has plans to expand its product portfolio to cater to a broader range of financial needs.
The company is looking to venture into other asset classes. This includes offering loans against equity stocks and insurance policies. This expansion will help Volt Money serve a more diverse client base and provide a wider range of financial solutions[1]).
In addition to expanding its product range, Volt Money is also focusing on enhancing its existing services. The company aims to make its digital platform more user-friendly and efficient, ensuring that clients can access their funds quickly and easily.
Volt Money’s technology infrastructure is a crucial aspect of its operations. Here is a look at its core platform architecture, security framework, and innovation in the industry.
Volt Money’s core platform is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. The company has developed web and app software development kits (SDKs) to allow easy integration with any platform offering mutual funds. This ensures that clients can access their funds seamlessly across different platforms[1]).
The platform supports a wide range of mutual funds, with over 4500 approved options from various asset management companies (AMCs) in India. This extensive support makes it convenient for clients to lien mark their mutual funds and access loans quickly[5]).
The architecture of the platform is built to handle high volumes of transactions securely and efficiently. This has been crucial in providing a hassle-free experience for clients.
Security and compliance are top priorities for Volt Money. The company ensures that all transactions are secure and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Volt Money works with several network participants, including NSDL and CAMS, to ensure that the process of lien marking mutual funds is secure and transparent. The company also complies with all relevant regulatory guidelines set by the RBI and other financial authorities[1]).
The security framework includes robust measures to protect client data and ensure that all transactions are carried out securely. This has helped build trust among clients and lenders alike.
Volt Money has brought significant innovation to the lending sector in India. By offering loans against mutual funds, the company has provided a unique financial solution that was not available before.
The company’s use of digital technology has made the process of accessing loans quick and hassle-free. The platform’s ability to integrate with various mutual fund platforms has also simplified the borrowing process for clients[5]).
Volt Money’s innovative approach has set a new standard in the industry, and the company continues to evolve and improve its services to meet the changing needs of its clients.
Volt Money, a fintech startup from India, has made a significant impact on the financial market, particularly among mutual fund investors. Here’s how they are making a difference:
Volt Money has seen rapid growth in its user base since its inception in April 2022. The company, founded by Lalit Bihani, Ankit Agarwal, and Bharat Lamba, has successfully served customers across more than 80 cities in India. This expansion is due to the unique service they offer, allowing mutual fund investors to access instant secured loans against their investments.
Volt Money's user-friendly digital platform has attracted a wide range of clients. The platform supports over 4500 approved mutual fund options from various asset management companies (AMCs) in India, making it a go-to solution for retail investors[10].
The ease of use and the quick processing time – loans are disbursed in just 10 minutes – have been key factors in the company's user base growth. This convenience has helped Volt Money to gain trust and loyalty among its customers.
Volt Money is expanding its market share by targeting retail investors who hold mutual fund portfolios. The company's service, known as Loan Against Mutual Funds (LAMF), is a unique offering that sets it apart from traditional lending institutions.
Volt Money's market share expansion is also driven by its partnerships with major financial institutions. For instance, the company has partnered with Bajaj Finserv Limited, one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), to enhance its services and reach a broader audience[6].
The company's focus on providing a seamless digital journey for its customers has helped it to capture a significant share of the market. The ability to lien mark mutual funds digitally and access an instant credit line without losing ownership of the mutual funds has been particularly appealing to investors.
Volt Money is contributing to financial inclusion by providing access to credit for a large segment of the population that holds mutual fund investments. This initiative helps individuals meet their short-term financial needs without compromising their long-term financial goals.
The company's financial inclusion initiatives are aimed at making credit more accessible and affordable. The loans offered by Volt Money come with favorable terms such as low interest rates, interest-only EMIs, and zero pre-payment charges. This makes it easier for individuals to manage their finances effectively[6].
Volt Money's services are particularly beneficial for individuals who need quick access to cash for various reasons such as travel, gadget purchases, or medical emergencies. By providing a hassle-free and cost-effective borrowing option, the company is helping to bridge the financial gap for many retail investors.
Volt Money's financial journey has been marked by significant milestones and growth. Here’s an overview of their financial story:
Volt Money generates revenue through the interest charged on the utilized overdraft amount. The company's revenue growth has been steady since its inception, driven by the increasing number of users and the expanding range of mutual fund options supported by the platform.
The company's revenue model is based on providing an overdraft facility against mutual funds. Clients only pay interest on the amount they actually use and for the duration they use it, making it a flexible and attractive option for meeting various financial needs[10].
Volt Money's focus on digital and hassle-free processes has helped in reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency. This has contributed to the company's revenue growth and helped in maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Volt Money's path to profitability is built on its efficient business model and strategic partnerships. The company has managed to keep its costs low by leveraging technology and partnering with key financial institutions.
The partnership with Bajaj Finserv Limited has been instrumental in Volt Money's journey towards profitability. This collaboration has helped the company to streamline its processes and offer a seamless digital experience to its customers[6].
Volt Money's ability to provide loans with favorable terms such as low interest rates and zero pre-payment charges has also contributed to its profitability. This approach has helped in attracting and retaining customers, leading to sustained revenue growth.
Volt Money has secured significant funding to support its growth and expansion plans. The company raised $1.5 million in a pre-Seed funding round led by Titan Capital, All In Capital, and other investors.
This funding round was crucial for Volt Money as it enabled the company to recruit key personnel for product development and establish beneficial partnerships. The investment has helped in scaling the company's operations and enhancing its services[6].
The funding also reflects the confidence of investors in Volt Money's unique business model and its potential for growth. The company plans to use the funds to further expand its user base and improve its offerings.
Volt Money's success is also attributed to its strategic partnerships, which have been pivotal in expanding its services and reach.
Volt Money has partnered with several major financial institutions to enhance its services. One of the notable partnerships is with Bajaj Finserv Limited, which has helped the company to launch a seamless digital journey for its customers.
This partnership has enabled Volt Money to leverage Bajaj Finserv's extensive network and expertise, thereby improving the overall customer experience. The collaboration has also helped in increasing the trust and credibility of Volt Money among its customers[6].
The partnership with Bajaj Finserv has also facilitated the integration of various financial services, making it easier for customers to access loans against their mutual fund investments.
While specific details on merchant partnerships are not extensively documented, Volt Money's approach to financial services suggests that it could benefit from collaborations with merchants to offer more comprehensive financial solutions.
Potential merchant partnerships could involve collaborations with retail businesses, e-commerce platforms, or service providers. Such partnerships could help Volt Money to offer its customers more options for using their loan facilities, such as balance transfers for high-interest loans or financing for gadget purchases.
Merchant partnerships would also help in expanding the reach of Volt Money's services, making it more convenient for customers to access and utilize the loan facilities.
Volt Money's technology alliances are crucial for its operations, given the digital nature of its services. The company has developed a robust digital platform that supports over 4500 approved mutual fund options.
The platform's ability to lien mark mutual funds digitally and provide an instant credit line is a result of advanced technology. This technology ensures a seamless and quick experience for customers, which is a key factor in Volt Money's success[10].
Volt Money's technology alliances also involve integrating with various financial systems to ensure smooth and secure transactions. This integration helps in maintaining the trust and confidence of customers in the company's services.