Lending startup Optimo Loan raises $10M led by Blume, Omnivore

Optimo Loan, a lending startup focused on small businesses, has raised $10 million in its first equity fundraise. Blume and Omnivore participated in the funding round, with additional investment from founder Prashant Pitti, who is also the co-founder of the publicly listed travel platform EaseMyTrip. 

With a background in financial institutions like Capital One and HSBC in the United States, Pitti aims to address the significant $530 billion credit gap in MSME lending in India through Optimo Loan.

Fostering financial inclusion

Founded by Prashant Pitti, Optimo Loan aims to create a positive social impact and foster financial inclusion among the small business community in rural India. By leveraging technology and a phygital distribution model, Optimo plans to extend credit to MSMEs, which are often overlooked by traditional banking systems. 

The startup is building a co-lending platform with a unique underwriting method that allows for deeper insights into the financial health of its customers, enabling informed lending decisions.

Expanding MSME lending portfolio 

With the fresh infusion of funds, Optimo Loan plans to expand its MSME lending portfolio, enhance its technology, recruit new talent, and broaden its presence to 20 locations in rural India by the end of the year.

The startup, which began its lending operations in November 2023, said it is on a fast track to scaling, focusing on establishing an asset-light company by leveraging co-lending agreements with banks and larger NBFCs.

Differentiating from its competitors 

Optimo Loan provides financial solutions to businesses, supporting new technologies, improving cash flow, and ensuring ongoing operations. As traditional banks reduce consumer lending, the MSME lending sector is gaining focus. With only 25% of MSMEs accessing formal credit, there's a large opportunity for platforms like Optimo Loan.

It stands out from competitors like Indifi and FlexiLoans by using a unique underwriting method and focusing on rural India.