Citi Ventures

Citi Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Citigroup that leverages the bank’s resources to identify, incubate, and invest in innovative ideas at the intersection of finance and technology. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, London, Palo Alto, Tel Aviv, and Singapore, Citi Ventures collaborates with Citi colleagues, clients, and the broader innovation community to discover new value and accelerate the development of transformative technologies. The firm focuses on fintech, data analytics and machine learning, the future of commerce, security and enterprise IT, marketing, property technology, distributed ledger technology, and digital assets, pursuing strategic investments that complement Citi’s business lines and risk management capabilities. Since its founding, Citi Ventures has sought to build partnerships and portfolios that support entrepreneurship and technological progress, helping individuals, businesses, and communities adapt to rapid digital change while expanding Citi’s ecosystem and capabilities.

Avi Arnon

Senior Vice President

Krishna Balachanader

Managing Director

Thompson Barro

Vice President

Matt Carbonara

Managing Director

Alex Chen

Vice President - Venture Investing

Past deals in Retail Lending

iwoca

Debt Financing in 2024
Iwoca is a London-based provider of small business finance offering unsecured and short-term loans to UK retailers, restaurants, hotels and service providers. The company furnishes financing for working capital, inventory, technology, staff and expansion, with flexible repayment terms from 1 day to 24 months and no penalties for early repayment. Access to funding is available through an online application, enabling businesses to bridge cashflow gaps and pursue growth opportunities. Founded in 2011, Iwoca focuses on helping small businesses manage cash flow and invest in their operations.

Abound

Debt Financing in 2024
Abound is a consumer lending startup based in London, United Kingdom, that aims to provide low-cost personal credit as an alternative to expensive payday loans. Founded in 2020, the company leverages the UK’s Open Banking standard to analyze consumers' historical bank statement data. This approach allows Abound to develop a detailed understanding of customers' financial situations, enabling them to assess affordability more accurately while reducing dependence on traditional credit reference agency scores. By focusing on individuals with low credit scores, Abound seeks to expand access to affordable credit, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

iwoca

Debt Financing in 2024
Iwoca is a London-based provider of small business finance offering unsecured and short-term loans to UK retailers, restaurants, hotels and service providers. The company furnishes financing for working capital, inventory, technology, staff and expansion, with flexible repayment terms from 1 day to 24 months and no penalties for early repayment. Access to funding is available through an online application, enabling businesses to bridge cashflow gaps and pursue growth opportunities. Founded in 2011, Iwoca focuses on helping small businesses manage cash flow and invest in their operations.

Sunbit

Debt Financing in 2024
Sunbit, Inc., incorporated in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, California, specializes in financing services that allow consumers to split purchases into manageable payments. The company develops a pay-over-time platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to approve a majority of applicants, making financial services accessible to a broad audience. Sunbit offers point-of-sale lending technology applicable to various service sectors, including auto dealership service centers, optical practices, dental offices, and specialty healthcare services. Their commitment to reducing financial stress for consumers is reflected in the convenience of their services, which are also accessible through mobile applications on both major platforms. Additionally, Sunbit provides tablets, scanners, signs for stores, and informational sheets for customers to enhance their offerings in retail environments.

Abound

Debt Financing in 2023
Abound is a consumer lending startup based in London, United Kingdom, that aims to provide low-cost personal credit as an alternative to expensive payday loans. Founded in 2020, the company leverages the UK’s Open Banking standard to analyze consumers' historical bank statement data. This approach allows Abound to develop a detailed understanding of customers' financial situations, enabling them to assess affordability more accurately while reducing dependence on traditional credit reference agency scores. By focusing on individuals with low credit scores, Abound seeks to expand access to affordable credit, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

Konfio

Debt Financing in 2022
Konfio is a financial services platform in Mexico that provides online lending and payment solutions for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. It offers working capital and short-term loans, fixed-rate loans, corporate cards, and online payments. The platform uses a data-driven approach with proprietary analytics to measure creditworthiness and extend affordable credit to businesses underserved by traditional banks, supporting growth and productivity.

ChargeAfter

Series B in 2022
ChargeAfter Ltd is a financing platform founded in 2017, headquartered in Ramat Gan, Israel, with additional offices in Sunnyvale, California, and New York, New York. The company specializes in connecting retailers with multiple lenders to provide consumers with personalized, responsible financing options at the point of sale. Its platform utilizes a data-driven decisioning engine to streamline the approval process, enabling merchants to deliver relevant financing offers based on individual credit profiles. ChargeAfter's solution allows retailers to implement financing options quickly across both online and in-store channels, enhancing customer experiences while improving conversion rates and average order value. The platform also features an easy-to-use merchant dashboard, detailed transaction reporting, and options for white-label integration, thereby supporting lenders in expanding their reach within new retail markets.

Betterment

Series F in 2021
Betterment LLC is an online financial advisory firm based in New York, founded in 2007. The company specializes in automated investing services that help individuals manage their finances through a customized and diversified portfolio. Betterment offers a range of investment options, including traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k) accounts, and trust accounts, all of which are designed to optimize investment returns. Its services also include financial and retirement planning, tax loss harvesting, and cash management tools, such as the Two-Way Sweep feature. Betterment caters to various customer segments, including individual investors, businesses through Betterment for Business, and financial advisors via Betterment for Advisors. The firm charges a management fee for its services and focuses on providing personalized, goal-based investing solutions to enhance clients' long-term financial success.

Octane

Series D in 2021
Octane is a financing platform designed to facilitate lifestyle purchases, such as powersports vehicles, RVs, and outdoor power equipment, by enhancing the buying experience for consumers. The company employs advanced technology and innovative risk strategies to create a seamless, end-to-end process that supports customers throughout their purchasing journey. Octane inspires enthusiasts through its editorial brands, prequalifies consumers for financing online using its e-commerce tools, and connects customers with partner dealerships for efficient closing. Additionally, Octane provides comprehensive loan servicing to assist customers during the life of their loans. Operating as a remote-first organization, Octane maintains offices in New York, Irving, Irvine, and Knoxville, and collaborates with over 35 original equipment manufacturers and 4,000 dealer partners across the United States. The company has been recognized for its rapid growth, earning a spot on the 2022 Inc 5000 list of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies and being certified as a great place to work.

OfferPad

Debt Financing in 2019
OfferPad operates an online platform that facilitates home buying and selling. Founded in 2015, the company uses technology to streamline processes for consumers, providing convenience and certainty.

Octane

Series B in 2018
Octane is a financing platform designed to facilitate lifestyle purchases, such as powersports vehicles, RVs, and outdoor power equipment, by enhancing the buying experience for consumers. The company employs advanced technology and innovative risk strategies to create a seamless, end-to-end process that supports customers throughout their purchasing journey. Octane inspires enthusiasts through its editorial brands, prequalifies consumers for financing online using its e-commerce tools, and connects customers with partner dealerships for efficient closing. Additionally, Octane provides comprehensive loan servicing to assist customers during the life of their loans. Operating as a remote-first organization, Octane maintains offices in New York, Irving, Irvine, and Knoxville, and collaborates with over 35 original equipment manufacturers and 4,000 dealer partners across the United States. The company has been recognized for its rapid growth, earning a spot on the 2022 Inc 5000 list of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies and being certified as a great place to work.

Oodle Car Finance

Debt Financing in 2018
Oodle Car Finance is a UK-based car finance company that specializes in connecting customers with reputable car dealers and facilitating a streamlined car buying experience. By integrating the processes of search and finance into one digital platform, Oodle Car Finance enhances the customer journey in the used-car market. Utilizing advanced algorithms, the company enables clients to quickly receive pre-approved financing, ensuring they find their ideal vehicle efficiently. With a focus on delivering a best-in-class consumer experience, Oodle Car Finance aims to redefine how individuals approach car purchasing and financing in the UK.

1st Stop Group

Debt Financing in 2017
1st Stop Group Limited is a financial services provider based in Blackpool, United Kingdom. Established in 2004, the company offers a diverse array of financial products aimed at the retail marketplace. Its offerings include unsecured personal loans, secured loans for homeowners, car finance, and hire purchase services available for both homeowners and tenants. Through its various subsidiary companies, 1st Stop Group caters to the financial needs of consumers, facilitating access to credit and financing options.

BDO Unibank

Post in 2017
BDO Unibank is a full-service universal bank in the Philippines, headquartered in Makati City. It serves corporate and retail customers with a broad range of products and services, including lending and deposits, treasury and cash management, and trust and investment services. The bank also provides investment banking, private banking, insurance, leasing and financing, remittance, rural banking, and card services such as credit cards and cash cards, along with securities brokerage. It offers private, online, and mobile banking to individuals and institutions. Through its local subsidiaries and networks, BDO Unibank supports capital markets activities and wealth management, delivering a comprehensive platform that combines traditional banking with financing, remittance, and digital solutions.

Betterment

Series E in 2016
Betterment LLC is an online financial advisory firm based in New York, founded in 2007. The company specializes in automated investing services that help individuals manage their finances through a customized and diversified portfolio. Betterment offers a range of investment options, including traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k) accounts, and trust accounts, all of which are designed to optimize investment returns. Its services also include financial and retirement planning, tax loss harvesting, and cash management tools, such as the Two-Way Sweep feature. Betterment caters to various customer segments, including individual investors, businesses through Betterment for Business, and financial advisors via Betterment for Advisors. The firm charges a management fee for its services and focuses on providing personalized, goal-based investing solutions to enhance clients' long-term financial success.

Betterment

Series C in 2014
Betterment LLC is an online financial advisory firm based in New York, founded in 2007. The company specializes in automated investing services that help individuals manage their finances through a customized and diversified portfolio. Betterment offers a range of investment options, including traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k) accounts, and trust accounts, all of which are designed to optimize investment returns. Its services also include financial and retirement planning, tax loss harvesting, and cash management tools, such as the Two-Way Sweep feature. Betterment caters to various customer segments, including individual investors, businesses through Betterment for Business, and financial advisors via Betterment for Advisors. The firm charges a management fee for its services and focuses on providing personalized, goal-based investing solutions to enhance clients' long-term financial success.

Citibanamex

Acquisition in 2001
Founded in 1884, Citibanamex is a commercial bank headquartered in Mexico City, offering a range of financial services including personal and corporate banking, credit cards, mortgage loans, personal loans, currency exchange rates, debt financing, loans, financial leasing, revolving credit, and business checking accounts.
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