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Flexiloans Bags ₹375 Cr in Series C, Targets ₹5,000 Cr AUM Within 18 Months

Flexiloans Bags ₹375 Cr in Series C, Targets ₹5,000 Cr AUM Within 18 Months

Flexiloans Bags ₹375 Cr in Series C, Targets ₹5,000 Cr AUM Within 18 Months

Digital lending firm aims to accelerate growth with new funding round, eyes expansion into deeper Bharat markets and secured loan products.

Major Capital Boost Positions Flexiloans for Aggressive Expansion

Flexiloans, a leading digital lending platform focused on India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has successfully secured ₹375 crore in a Series C funding round. This fresh capital injection marks a significant milestone for the fintech startup as it gears up to scale its assets under management (AUM) to ₹5,000 crore over the next 12 to 18 months.

This latest round follows a ₹290 crore raise in September 2024, pushing the company’s total fundraising tally to ₹665 crore within just six months. The latest capital infusion saw enthusiastic participation from legacy investors, among them Fundamentum, Accion Digital Transformation Fund, Nuveen, and Maj Invest, reaffirming their continued confidence in the company’s long-term vision. A key highlight was the addition of British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development-focused financial institution, stepping in as a fresh strategic partner.

Growth Fueled by Bharat-Focused Lending and Hyperlocal Solutions

Flexiloans has carved a niche by focusing on underserved markets across India, particularly in non-metro regions. Approximately 75% of the company’s disbursements have been concentrated in tier 2 to tier 5 cities, where access to formal credit has historically been limited.

Co-founder Deepak Jain emphasized the company’s commitment to rural and semi-urban India, stating, “Our journey is rooted in Bharat. Our efforts go far beyond urban lending—we’ve deeply rooted ourselves in the country’s interior regions, where access to credit can genuinely transform lives.”

Looking ahead, Flexiloans plans to deepen its hyperlocal approach, creating loan products tailored to specific sectors such as retail, wholesale, and small trading businesses. These region-specific offerings are designed to match the nuanced financial needs of local entrepreneurs and enterprises.

Diversifying Products: From EMI Loans to Secured Financing

In preparation for its next growth phase, Flexiloans is actively working to diversify and enhance its range of financial offerings. While the platform is already known for its unsecured EMI-based loans and supply chain finance products, it now aims to introduce secured financing options.

The forthcoming offerings are set to feature brief-tenure working capital solutions and transaction-specific financing structures, thoughtfully designed to address the unique needs of MSMEs. Jain noted that these new products are intended to address the growing appetite for flexible capital among small businesses across the country.

“Our focus now is on building secured loan solutions while continuing to scale our supply chain financing offerings,” he explained. “We’re listening to the market and responding with solutions that MSMEs actually need.”

Technology-Driven Lending: AI at the Core of Credit Decisions

Technology continues to be a foundational pillar of Flexiloans’ operations. The company leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to refine its credit underwriting processes—especially for thin-file borrowers who may lack extensive credit histories.

Using alternative data sources such as purchase records, credit bureau insights, and other ecosystem information, the firm’s risk models are continuously evolving to improve accuracy and credit quality. By harnessing data intelligence, Flexiloans is able to make well-grounded credit decisions while maintaining cost-efficiency across its operations.

“Our tech-first mindset gives us the ability to reach customers that traditional lenders might overlook. And more importantly, we can do so at scale,” Jain said.

Partial Exits for Early Investors: A Strong Mark-to-Market Moment

Alongside the primary infusion, the Series C round also featured a secondary component, offering some early-stage investors an opportunity to partially exit with attractive returns. This move reflects the company’s growing valuation and investor confidence in its long-term growth trajectory.

Jain remarked that such exits are beneficial for both the company and its early backers. “Recognizing and valuing the early supporters who placed their trust in us from day one is truly essential. While this isn’t a full exit, it does give them liquidity and sets the stage for even better outcomes when we eventually go public.”

What Lies Ahead: Scaling AUM and Unlocking the Next Growth Chapter

With fresh funding secured and strategic partners on board, Flexiloans is setting its sights high. The company has outlined a clear goal to grow its AUM to ₹4,000–₹5,000 crore over the next year and a half. This scale-up will be powered by a mix of product diversification, regional focus, and continued investment in cutting-edge technology.

From tier 4 towns to metropolitan corridors, the company’s mission remains unchanged—making affordable, accessible credit available to MSMEs that fuel India’s economic engine.

Final Thoughts

Raising ₹375 crore through its Series C funding marks a defining milestone in Flexiloans’ path toward rapid and sustained growth. With a cumulative ₹665 crore secured in just half a year, the fintech is poised to transform MSME lending across India. By deepening its reach into smaller towns, diversifying into secured products, and leveraging technology for smarter lending, Flexiloans is crafting a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive financial growth.

As the company moves toward an ambitious ₹5,000 crore AUM target, it remains focused on empowering small businesses across Bharat—fueling job creation, entrepreneurial dreams, and grassroots economic development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Manappuram Finance Appoints Deepak Reddy as CEO, Shares Surge

Manappuram Finance Appoints Deepak Reddy as CEO, Shares Surge

Manappuram Finance Appoints Deepak Reddy as CEO, Shares Surge

 

 

Introduction: A New Era for Manappuram Finance

In a key leadership development, Manappuram Finance Ltd. has announced the appointment of Deepak Reddy as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The move has been met with positive sentiment from investors, as reflected in the company’s rising share price following the announcement. Reddy’s extensive experience in the financial services sector is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategic clarity to the company as it seeks to scale operations in a rapidly changing market.

Market Response: Confidence Drives Stock Gains

Following the CEO appointment news, Manappuram Finance shares rose by more than 4%, highlighting investor confidence in the company’s new leadership direction. The rally was accompanied by increased trading volumes, indicating renewed interest from institutional players and retail investors alike.
Analysts believe that the stock’s upward movement stems from expectations that Reddy will revitalize the company’s operational strategy and drive digital innovation while strengthening governance and growth frameworks.

Deepak Reddy: A Strategic Choice

Deepak Reddy, a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, has previously held influential positions in both traditional banking and emerging fintech sectors. Known for his sharp focus on innovation and operational efficiency, Reddy has a strong track record in transforming business models and scaling organizations sustainably.
His appointment is viewed as a well-timed decision that aligns with Manappuram’s ambition to evolve into a next-generation non-banking financial institution (NBFC). Reddy’s expertise in risk management, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance will be key assets as the company enters a new growth cycle.
Speaking on his new role, Reddy stated:
“It’s a privilege to join Manappuram at such a pivotal time. Increasing consumer trust, embracing technology, and promoting inclusive growth will be my main priorities.

About Manappuram Finance: A Reliable Brand in the Indian NBFC Industry

Founded in 1949, Manappuram Finance has grown from a small gold loan firm in Kerala into one of India’s leading NBFCs. It is especially renowned for its gold loan services, which remain the backbone of its business. Over the years, the company has expanded into new verticals including microfinance, vehicle loans, SME lending, and housing finance.
With more than 4,000 branches across India and a growing digital presence, Manappuram continues to serve millions of customers, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.

Reddy’s Focus Areas and Strategic Priorities

Under Deepak Reddy’s leadership, Manappuram is expected to focus on the following strategic priorities:
1. Technology Integration – Accelerating digital transformation to enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs.
2. Diversification – Expanding beyond gold loans into newer lending categories such as MSME and affordable housing.
3. Customer-Centric Model – Adopting data-driven solutions to offer personalized financial products and strengthen customer relationships.
4. Risk and Compliance – Strengthening internal controls and aligning more closely with evolving regulatory frameworks.
5. Sustainable Growth – Balancing rapid expansion with profitability and long-term financial stability.
These objectives are aligned with the broader transformation underway in the Indian NBFC space, where innovation and compliance go hand in hand.

NBFC Sector Outlook: New Challenges, New Opportunities

The Indian NBFC sector is undergoing a fundamental shift. Post-pandemic recovery, stricter RBI regulations, and increased demand for credit in underserved markets are reshaping business models. In this environment, having dynamic leadership is critical.
With Reddy at the helm, Manappuram is expected to strengthen its position as a forward-thinking player capable of adapting quickly to market changes. His arrival could pave the way for new collaborations, improved digital outreach, and entry into untapped markets.

Investor and Analyst Sentiment

Early reactions from investors and market analysts have been largely positive. Brokerages are optimistic about Manappuram’s renewed focus on innovation, compliance, and sustainable profitability. Many view the CEO appointment as a catalyst that could boost operational execution and improve investor confidence.
Several analysts have already revised their outlook on Manappuram Finance, anticipating improvements in governance, loan book performance, and digital outreach in the quarters ahead.

Looking Ahead: Developing Inclusive Finance’s Future

The coming months will be crucial as Reddy begins implementing his vision. Industry experts expect a mix of structural reform, digital acceleration, and customer-focused innovation under his guidance.
Manappuram’s deep rural roots, combined with fresh leadership and modern technology, position it well to meet the evolving financial needs of India’s underserved segments. With strong capital reserves and growing demand for credit, the company is expected to play a significant role in India’s financial inclusion journey.

Conclusion: Positive Signs for the Road Ahead

For Manappuram Finance, the hiring of Deepak Reddy as CEO represents a strategic turning point. As the company navigates regulatory complexities, competitive pressures, and customer expectations, strong and visionary leadership will be essential.
Investor enthusiasm reflects a belief that the new CEO brings the right mix of experience, energy, and vision to unlock the next phase of growth. For Manappuram, this leadership change could not have come at a better time, and the road ahead appears promising.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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