slice

Overview

Slice is a fintech company based in India that has gained significant attention due to its unique approach to financial services, particularly targeting young individuals. Founded in 2015 by Rajan Bajaj and Deepak Malhotra, Slice offers a range of financial products, including a Slice Visa Card that challenges traditional credit cards by providing zero hidden fees and ease of use. The company has successfully raised over $342 million across multiple funding rounds, showcasing its rapid expansion and market appeal.

Recent Developments

  • October 2024: Slice announced its merger with North East Small Finance Bank, marking its entry into traditional banking. This move provides Slice access to lower cost capital and expands their offerings to include savings accounts and investment products. The merger reflects Slice's strategic shift to broaden its financial services portfolio and strengthen its market presence.
  • July 2024: Slice concluded a significant round of debt financing, raising Rs 65 crore by issuing non-convertible debentures. This move was aimed at bolstering its credit offerings and expanding its financial backbone to support its growing customer base and product lineup.
  • May 2024: The company welcomed Arvind Kathpalia, the former Chief Risk Officer of Kotak Mahindra Bank, as Chief Risk Advisor amid its ongoing merger with North East Small Finance Bank. This appointment highlights Slice's commitment to enhancing risk management as it scales its operations.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2015
HeadquartersBangalore, India
FoundersRajan Bajaj, Deepak Malhotra
RevenueRs 843 crore (FY 2023)
ProfitsLoss grew to Rs 406 crore (FY 2023)
Key InvestorsTiger Global, Insight Partners
IndustryFintech
Number of EmployeesApproximately 200+

Early History

Slice began its journey in 2015 as a fintech startup focusing on providing simple credit solutions for young customers in India. Founders Rajan Bajaj and Deepak Malhotra, with their backgrounds in finance and technology, sought to revolutionize the credit landscape by making financial products accessible to millennials. The introduction of the Slice Visa Card was a significant milestone, breaking away from the complexity of traditional credit cards by eliminating annual fees and hidden charges.

Company Profile and Achievements

Slice's business model centers around providing seamless financial experiences for young consumers. The company leverages technology to offer products like the Slice Visa Card and unique financial services such as instant credit and UPI payments.

  • 2015: Launch of Slice and introduction of the Slice Visa Card.
  • 2017: Series A funding led to product expansions and new features.
  • 2019: Enhanced user platform to include digital onboarding and real-time expense tracking.
  • 2021-2023: Slice expanded its customer base significantly, raising Series C funding and achieving unicorn status with a valuation of over $1.5 billion.
  • 2024: Entered the banking sector through the merger with North East Small Finance Bank, marking a new era in its operational capabilities and product suite.

Current Operations and Market Position

Slice has positioned itself as a prominent player in the fintech industry, focusing on the youth demographic. Its UPI-first approach and customer-centric products have garnered widespread adoption among digitally-savvy consumers. With its recent entry into the banking sector, Slice aims to enhance its financial product offerings, providing a comprehensive suite that includes both traditional and innovative digital solutions. The company's competitive advantage lies in its ability to offer user-friendly, low-cost financial services, which have been pivotal in capturing market share from traditional banks.

Conclusion

Slice has emerged as a transformational force in the fintech landscape, reshaping how young consumers engage with financial services. Its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has positioned it as a key player not only in the digital payments sector but now also within the banking industry. With strategic expansions and a keen focus on technological advancements, Slice is poised for continued growth and could redefine financial interactions for the millennial segment globally.

References

  1. TechCrunch - Slice's Merger with North East Small Finance Bank
  2. Economic Times - Slice Raises Funds
  3. YourStory - Slice Profile
  4. Crunchbase - Slice Overview
  5. Entrackr - Slice Debt Round
  6. Livemint - Slice Banking Merger
  7. LinkedIn - Slice Company Profile
  8. Wikipedia - Slice (app)