Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1961 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It focuses on increasing access to financial tools and services for underserved individuals and small businesses to promote financial inclusion. Accion catalyzes financial service providers to deliver affordable, high-quality solutions at scale, thereby helping communities thrive. The organization supports innovative fintech startups through its investment initiative, Venture Lab, which invests in early-stage companies that enhance financial access and improve service quality. Venture Lab provides both capital and strategic support, facilitating growth and operational efficiency for its portfolio companies. By engaging industry leaders and regulators, Accion challenges the financial sector to become more inclusive, ultimately working towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to improve their financial well-being.

Matthieu Albrieux

Investment Officer

Tahira Dosani

Managing Director, Accion Venture Lab

Shannon Dwyer

Investment and Portfolio Associate

John Fischer

Chief Investment Officer

Rachel Morpeth

Senior Associate, Global Investments

Livingston Parsons

Chief Financial Officer

Alex Qian

Investment Professional

Paul Rasmussen

Investment and Portfolio Associate

Michael Schlein

President and Chief Executive Officer

Radhika Shroff

Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Gateway Fund, Accion Global Investments

Coryell Stout

Investment Professional

Past deals in Credits and Lending

Fairbanc

Seed Round in 2022
Fairbanc is a scalable, AI-powered mobile loan and payments platform for emerging market small-medium enterprises (SMEs) that requires no collateral or credit history. The company's AI-powered platform can read digital footprints such as transaction history with large suppliers, and data on the mobile phone to grant instant digital credit line that SMEs can use to purchase inventories from our selected suppliers. Fairbanc's proven gender-intelligent ecosystem for loans and payments can be used in many vertical markets, eliminating the shortcomings of cash. Retail shop-owners can boost sales up to 20%, eliminate cash shortages, enjoy an easier payments regimen, and develop a credit history; suppliers receive more consistent order cycles, more instant payments upon delivery, and SKU sales expansion.

Pintek

Series A in 2021
Pintek is a financial technology company aiming to democratise access to education in Indonesia through affordable and flexible credit.

Credright

Venture Round in 2021
CredRight Private Limited operates a data-driven lending platform focused on providing credit to unserved and underserved micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Founded in 2016 and based in Hyderabad, the company leverages technology, particularly rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) and chit funds, to build credit profiles for applicants. This allows users to access transparent and timely loans. The platform simplifies the application process, enabling users to register online, upload necessary documents, and apply for loans within minutes. Credit evaluation is conducted within 24 hours, and funds are typically disbursed to bank accounts within three days, all from the convenience of the applicant's home or office. CredRight aims to ease the challenges faced by small business owners in accessing capital and to transform the way small businesses are funded in India.

Lidya

Series B in 2021
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company focuses on improving access to credit and financial resources for small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. Lidya enables businesses to open online accounts quickly, manage their funds, and access necessary credit to facilitate growth. Utilizing mobile-first technology and proprietary credit scoring algorithms, the platform offers tools and dashboards that help businesses monitor their cash flow and receivables. This approach allows users to build their credit profiles, which can lead to higher credit limits and more affordable financing options. Lidya aims to empower businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed and plan for the future.

Fairbanc

Seed Round in 2021
Fairbanc is a scalable, AI-powered mobile loan and payments platform for emerging market small-medium enterprises (SMEs) that requires no collateral or credit history. The company's AI-powered platform can read digital footprints such as transaction history with large suppliers, and data on the mobile phone to grant instant digital credit line that SMEs can use to purchase inventories from our selected suppliers. Fairbanc's proven gender-intelligent ecosystem for loans and payments can be used in many vertical markets, eliminating the shortcomings of cash. Retail shop-owners can boost sales up to 20%, eliminate cash shortages, enjoy an easier payments regimen, and develop a credit history; suppliers receive more consistent order cycles, more instant payments upon delivery, and SKU sales expansion.

Pintek

Venture Round in 2020
Pintek is a financial technology company aiming to democratise access to education in Indonesia through affordable and flexible credit.

CreditMantri

Venture Round in 2020
CreditMantri Finserv Private Limited provides individuals with credit score analysis and credit improvement program. It engages in educating consumers about their credit history, as well as leverages the same to improve/enhance their chances for becoming loan/credit card eligible. The company also provides individuals with a plan to improve their credit score and works with them for improving their loan/credit card eligibility. In addition, it helps individuals obtain their CIBIL report and provide them with a credit scan; and conducts analysis and provides them with a credit health report. Further, the company provides services for individuals to find loans/credit cards, improve credit score and history, and reduce their EMI costs. CreditMantri Finserv Private Limited was founded in 2012 and is based in Chennai, India.

Pintek

Seed Round in 2020
Pintek is a financial technology company aiming to democratise access to education in Indonesia through affordable and flexible credit.

Smartcoin

Series A in 2020
SmartCoin is a mobile app based lending platform, capable of assessing the risk profile of a prospective borrower in real time, using data science and machine learning algorithms. Their proprietary credit underwriting engine aggregates thousands of data points on a customer’s smartphone to build a customized credit score. A customer is instantly offered personalized loan products on the basis of his risk and capacity, and the money is transferred digitally to their bank account.

Prayaan Capital

Seed Round in 2020
Prayaan Capital Pvt Ltd provides credit facilities to micro, small, and medium Entrepreneurs. The company provides services of loan, mobile based solutions; insurances; advisory services such as business avenues, government schemes, subsidiaries, and research materials; business enhancement tools; banking products; and tracking of financial health. Prayaan Capital Pvt Ltd was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Chennai, India.

Destácame

Series A in 2019
Destácame SpA develops and markets a credit-ranking service that gives customers an account of their credit rating. The company is based in Santiago, Chile.

Self Financial

Series B in 2018
Self Financial is a venture-backed fintech startup that helps customers build credit and save money. It provides tools necessary for building on-time payment history and responsible use of credit, in collaboration with issuing banks.s services are for those who are new to credit or who might not have access to traditional financial products. It offers Self Credit Builder Account to help consumers build both credit and savings without relying on credit history and Self Visa Credit Card, a card that helps existing customers build their security deposit in instalments. Self Financial is formerly known as Self Lender. The startup was founded by Conor Swanson and James Garvey in 2015 and is based in Austin, Texas.

Tez Financial Services

Seed Round in 2018
Tez Financial Services Limited provides digital non-banking micro financing services. The company develops an application through which it aggregates credit, savings, insurance, and investments into a single platform. Its products include Tez advance which provides nano credit services; Tez Bima which distributes insurance; and Tez Sarmaya which caters to the medium-to-long term investment needs. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Lend Street Financial

Series A in 2018
Lend Street Financial, Inc. specializes in consumer lending solutions aimed at individuals facing financial difficulties. The company assists clients in refinancing existing debt and offers negotiation services with creditors to secure discounts on their debts. This enables customers to reduce their overall financial burden while working towards rebuilding their credit. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Lend Street serves various states, including Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas, among others. By establishing partnerships within the financial sector, the company is able to provide valuable support to those seeking to regain control of their financial lives.

Credright

Seed Round in 2018
CredRight Private Limited operates a data-driven lending platform focused on providing credit to unserved and underserved micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Founded in 2016 and based in Hyderabad, the company leverages technology, particularly rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) and chit funds, to build credit profiles for applicants. This allows users to access transparent and timely loans. The platform simplifies the application process, enabling users to register online, upload necessary documents, and apply for loans within minutes. Credit evaluation is conducted within 24 hours, and funds are typically disbursed to bank accounts within three days, all from the convenience of the applicant's home or office. CredRight aims to ease the challenges faced by small business owners in accessing capital and to transform the way small businesses are funded in India.

Lidya

Series A in 2018
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company focuses on improving access to credit and financial resources for small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. Lidya enables businesses to open online accounts quickly, manage their funds, and access necessary credit to facilitate growth. Utilizing mobile-first technology and proprietary credit scoring algorithms, the platform offers tools and dashboards that help businesses monitor their cash flow and receivables. This approach allows users to build their credit profiles, which can lead to higher credit limits and more affordable financing options. Lidya aims to empower businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed and plan for the future.

Smartcoin

Seed Round in 2018
SmartCoin is a mobile app based lending platform, capable of assessing the risk profile of a prospective borrower in real time, using data science and machine learning algorithms. Their proprietary credit underwriting engine aggregates thousands of data points on a customer’s smartphone to build a customized credit score. A customer is instantly offered personalized loan products on the basis of his risk and capacity, and the money is transferred digitally to their bank account.

Self Financial

Series A in 2017
Self Financial is a venture-backed fintech startup that helps customers build credit and save money. It provides tools necessary for building on-time payment history and responsible use of credit, in collaboration with issuing banks.s services are for those who are new to credit or who might not have access to traditional financial products. It offers Self Credit Builder Account to help consumers build both credit and savings without relying on credit history and Self Visa Credit Card, a card that helps existing customers build their security deposit in instalments. Self Financial is formerly known as Self Lender. The startup was founded by Conor Swanson and James Garvey in 2015 and is based in Austin, Texas.

Lidya

Seed Round in 2017
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company focuses on improving access to credit and financial resources for small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. Lidya enables businesses to open online accounts quickly, manage their funds, and access necessary credit to facilitate growth. Utilizing mobile-first technology and proprietary credit scoring algorithms, the platform offers tools and dashboards that help businesses monitor their cash flow and receivables. This approach allows users to build their credit profiles, which can lead to higher credit limits and more affordable financing options. Lidya aims to empower businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed and plan for the future.

CreditMantri

Series B in 2017
CreditMantri Finserv Private Limited provides individuals with credit score analysis and credit improvement program. It engages in educating consumers about their credit history, as well as leverages the same to improve/enhance their chances for becoming loan/credit card eligible. The company also provides individuals with a plan to improve their credit score and works with them for improving their loan/credit card eligibility. In addition, it helps individuals obtain their CIBIL report and provide them with a credit scan; and conducts analysis and provides them with a credit health report. Further, the company provides services for individuals to find loans/credit cards, improve credit score and history, and reduce their EMI costs. CreditMantri Finserv Private Limited was founded in 2012 and is based in Chennai, India.

Destácame

Seed Round in 2017
Destácame SpA develops and markets a credit-ranking service that gives customers an account of their credit rating. The company is based in Santiago, Chile.

Lulalend

Seed Round in 2016
LulaLend is more than a company. It’s a belief in the power of small business, making a difference, building a better solution and striving for excellence. We work hard to empower businesses across South Africa with the funds they need to grow, and we have a great time doing it!

Aire

Venture Round in 2016
Aire provides credit assessment services that gives people a new credit score to help them qualify for essential financial products. Aire is committed to helping people with the world of credit. They work with financial institutions by enhancing their ability to reach more customers and serve them responsibly. They are authorised & regulated in the UK by the FCA to provide credit references as one of the newest entrants in this sector. The company was founded on 2014 and based in London.

Destácame

Seed Round in 2016
Destácame SpA develops and markets a credit-ranking service that gives customers an account of their credit rating. The company is based in Santiago, Chile.

StreetShares

Series A in 2016
StreetShares, Inc. is a peer-to-peer small business lending marketplace that connects small business owners with retail and institutional investors. Founded in 2014 and based in Reston, Virginia, the company offers a lending-as-a-service platform designed to enable community banks and credit unions to provide business loans. Its product offerings include term loans, business bonds, and both secured and unsecured small business loans. StreetShares aims to facilitate increased lending to small businesses by leveraging technology that empowers banks, credit unions, and non-financial organizations in their lending processes. The company has received recognition for its innovative approach and contributions to the business lending landscape.

StreetShares

Series A in 2016
StreetShares, Inc. is a peer-to-peer small business lending marketplace that connects small business owners with retail and institutional investors. Founded in 2014 and based in Reston, Virginia, the company offers a lending-as-a-service platform designed to enable community banks and credit unions to provide business loans. Its product offerings include term loans, business bonds, and both secured and unsecured small business loans. StreetShares aims to facilitate increased lending to small businesses by leveraging technology that empowers banks, credit unions, and non-financial organizations in their lending processes. The company has received recognition for its innovative approach and contributions to the business lending landscape.

Aire

Venture Round in 2016
Aire provides credit assessment services that gives people a new credit score to help them qualify for essential financial products. Aire is committed to helping people with the world of credit. They work with financial institutions by enhancing their ability to reach more customers and serve them responsibly. They are authorised & regulated in the UK by the FCA to provide credit references as one of the newest entrants in this sector. The company was founded on 2014 and based in London.

StreetShares

Seed Round in 2015
StreetShares, Inc. is a peer-to-peer small business lending marketplace that connects small business owners with retail and institutional investors. Founded in 2014 and based in Reston, Virginia, the company offers a lending-as-a-service platform designed to enable community banks and credit unions to provide business loans. Its product offerings include term loans, business bonds, and both secured and unsecured small business loans. StreetShares aims to facilitate increased lending to small businesses by leveraging technology that empowers banks, credit unions, and non-financial organizations in their lending processes. The company has received recognition for its innovative approach and contributions to the business lending landscape.

CreditMantri

Series A in 2015
CreditMantri Finserv Private Limited provides individuals with credit score analysis and credit improvement program. It engages in educating consumers about their credit history, as well as leverages the same to improve/enhance their chances for becoming loan/credit card eligible. The company also provides individuals with a plan to improve their credit score and works with them for improving their loan/credit card eligibility. In addition, it helps individuals obtain their CIBIL report and provide them with a credit scan; and conducts analysis and provides them with a credit health report. Further, the company provides services for individuals to find loans/credit cards, improve credit score and history, and reduce their EMI costs. CreditMantri Finserv Private Limited was founded in 2012 and is based in Chennai, India.

Lend Street Financial

Seed Round in 2015
Lend Street Financial, Inc. specializes in consumer lending solutions aimed at individuals facing financial difficulties. The company assists clients in refinancing existing debt and offers negotiation services with creditors to secure discounts on their debts. This enables customers to reduce their overall financial burden while working towards rebuilding their credit. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Lend Street serves various states, including Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas, among others. By establishing partnerships within the financial sector, the company is able to provide valuable support to those seeking to regain control of their financial lives.

IntooBR

Seed Round in 2015
Intoo is a B2B plataform that facilitates the proccess of getting credit before banks and institutional investors.

Artoo

Series A in 2015
Artoo is a specialized CRM for financial institutions that allows them to manage all their interactions with the customer on a single platform and derive key insights. Modules Include - Lead Management, Loan Origination, Cash Flow Templates, Credit Bureau Integration, Credit Underwriting, Credit Scoring, Collections, Analytics, KYC Image Capture, LUC & Monitoring

First Access

Venture Round in 2015
First Access is a financial technology company that offers a smart data platform for emerging market financial institutions. Micro and SME lenders have a clear path to a digital future. With an intuitive user experience for digitizing paper-based operations, institutions can collect rich data, monitor trends, and then automate processes while gaining more trust in the data. First Access has leveraged its credit scoring experience to allow incremental change without disrupting day-to-day operations. Financial institutions can grow more sophisticated with data, incorporating machine learning insights as it goes. The company's mission is to turn data into financial opportunity by helping lenders around the world digitize and automate access to credit with powerful, user-friendly technology. First Access was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in New York.

Konfio

Convertible Note in 2014
Konfio is a financial technology company based in Mexico City that focuses on providing online financial solutions for micro entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized enterprises. Founded in 2013, it offers a range of services including fixed-rate loans, short-term business credits, working capital loans, and online payment solutions. Additionally, Konfio provides a corporate credit card, a loyalty program, and business productivity software tools to enhance growth and operational efficiency. The company aims to support the financial needs of its clients through innovative digital banking solutions and has established itself as a key player in the Mexican fintech landscape.

StreetShares

Seed Round in 2014
StreetShares, Inc. is a peer-to-peer small business lending marketplace that connects small business owners with retail and institutional investors. Founded in 2014 and based in Reston, Virginia, the company offers a lending-as-a-service platform designed to enable community banks and credit unions to provide business loans. Its product offerings include term loans, business bonds, and both secured and unsecured small business loans. StreetShares aims to facilitate increased lending to small businesses by leveraging technology that empowers banks, credit unions, and non-financial organizations in their lending processes. The company has received recognition for its innovative approach and contributions to the business lending landscape.