Bengaluru-based fintech startup Olyv, formerly known as SmartCoin, is preparing for a new round of funding estimated between $15 million and $20 million. The funding will be used to expand its lending operations and strengthen its position in India’s fast-growing digital finance market. This fresh round is entirely primary, meaning the funds will directly contribute to Olyv’s business expansion and not go to existing shareholders. The move comes as India’s financial landscape continues to evolve under stricter regulatory norms, making Olyv’s progress particularly noteworthy.
Investors Show Confidence Despite Tight Rules
The upcoming funding round will be led by Lightrock, Olyv’s key investor, with Unitus Capital acting as the financial advisor. The deal highlights investors’ growing faith in fintechs that demonstrate stability and compliance with regulatory frameworks. This investment comes at a time when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened rules around co-lending and unsecured personal loans to reduce risk and ensure consumer protection. Despite these challenges, Olyv’s consistent growth and responsible lending practices have made it a trusted name among both customers and investors.
Olyv’s ability to raise funds in this environment sends a positive message to the market — that well-managed fintech companies can still attract substantial capital even when regulations become stricter. It also shows that investors are now prioritizing sustainable business models over short-term growth.
Empowering India’s Everyday Borrowers
Founded in 2017, Olyv was built with a simple vision — to make personal loans more accessible to underserved communities. It offers small-ticket personal loans to self-employed workers, salaried individuals, and micro-merchants who often struggle to get loans from traditional banks. By partnering with trusted non-banking financial companies like Vivriti Capital, Poonawalla Fincorp, and Aditya Birla Capital Finance, Olyv ensures quick, safe, and transparent loan delivery.
The platform has shown impressive growth in the past year. In the financial year 2024, Olyv recorded ₹250 crore in revenue, marking nearly 76% growth from the previous year. It now serves over 6 million users, with 2.6 million active monthly borrowers, a figure that has grown by more than 80% year-on-year. These strong numbers reflect how deeply Olyv has penetrated India’s growing digital lending ecosystem, especially among those who rely on smaller, faster loans for business and personal needs.
Ambitious Plans for the Next Phase
Looking ahead, Olyv expects its revenue to reach around ₹350 crore in FY25, with a target to achieve $1 billion in assets within the next three years. The new funding will be used to enhance its technology infrastructure, improve risk assessment models, and expand lending options to a broader audience. The company aims to bring affordable credit to more people while maintaining strict compliance with RBI norms.
By focusing on technology-driven lending and responsible credit distribution, Olyv hopes to continue bridging India’s financial inclusion gap. It is also likely to explore deeper partnerships with NBFCs and financial institutions to scale sustainably.
A Bright Sign for India’s Fintech Ecosystem
Olyv’s growth and upcoming funding round are promising indicators for India’s fintech landscape. Amid a phase of regulatory tightening, the success of responsible lenders like Olyv showcases how innovation and compliance can go hand in hand. It also offers hope for millions of small borrowers and entrepreneurs who depend on digital platforms for quick financial support.
In simple terms, Olyv’s new funding isn’t just about money — it’s about trust. It shows that India’s fintech story is evolving, and companies built on strong ethics and real value creation are the ones leading the charge toward a more inclusive financial future.