KNAB Finance

KNAB Finance Advisors Pvt. Ltd. operates as a technology-driven, non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, specializing in lending solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in October 2015 by IIT Delhi alumni Mandeep Chaudhary, Vineet Gupta, and Thomas Varghese, the Bengaluru-based firm aims to address the working capital needs of businesses underserved by traditional financial institutions. The founders brought diverse and relevant experience to the venture. Mandeep Chaudhary had a notable career transition, moving from the Indian Police Service and the Central Bureau of Investigation to roles at Citibank and Barclays Bank. Vineet Gupta previously worked with IT giants Infosys and Mindtree, while Thomas Varghese had experience at HP and had founded two other firms.

The company's core business revolves around providing unsecured working capital loans. It received its license to operate as a non-deposit-taking NBFC in October 2016 and commenced loan disbursement in January 2017. KNAB Finance utilizes technology to streamline the loan application and credit assessment process, enabling faster and more efficient access to financing for SMEs. The firm's flagship product, the BizSmart loan, offers short-term finance for working capital for periods ranging from 30 to 360 days without requiring collateral like property. This product is designed for flexibility and can be used for supplier and channel financing, and is accessible even to first-time entrepreneurs. As of August 2017, the average loan ticket size was approximately Rs 6 lakh. The company generates revenue through the interest on these loans. To expand its reach, KNAB Finance has established partnerships with companies like Treebo Hotels, Paytm, and M-Swipe.

KNAB Finance has successfully raised capital through multiple funding rounds to support its growth. The company has secured a total of $8.2 million over 10 rounds from a mix of institutional investors and angel investors. Notable investors include InCred, DMI Sparkle Fund, and Mindtree executive chairman Krishnakumar Natarajan. The funding is intended to be used for technology development and to expand the company's loan book. The firm also operates the brand Abhiloans, which focuses on democratizing loans against financial assets. As of March 31, 2024, KNAB Finance reported annual revenue of ₹6.45 crore.

Keywords: SME lending, fintech, working capital loans, unsecured loans, non-banking financial company, NBFC, financial technology, business loans, startup financing, digital lending, Indian fintech, SME finance, Mandeep Chaudhary, Vineet Gupta, Thomas Varghese, BizSmart loan, short-term finance, InCred, DMI Sparkle Fund, Abhiloans, trade financing, supply chain finance, small business loans