Monkee

Monkee GmbH, an Austrian fintech company established in 2018, is positioning itself as a key player in the personal finance space with its "Save Now, Buy Later" (SNBL) model. The company was founded in Innsbruck by Christian Schneider, Martin Granig, and Jean-Yves Bitterlich, who aimed to address the growing imbalance between consumption and saving by making saving a more engaging and habitual practice. The founders, coming from backgrounds outside of traditional banking, sought to apply principles from behavioral economics to help users achieve financial well-being.

The core of Monkee's offering is a free mobile application that encourages goal-based savings. Users can define specific financial targets, such as a vacation or a new gadget, and automate their savings through weekly or monthly debits from their existing bank accounts. The platform uses gamification and digital nudges to motivate users and help them visualize their progress. A key differentiator is the "FutureBoost" feature, a cashback program that accelerates savings. By shopping online or in-store with over 600 retail partners—including major brands like Lufthansa, REWE, and MediaMarkt/Saturn—users receive a percentage of their purchase value credited directly to their savings goals. The company generates revenue through commissions from these partner retailers.

Monkee operates primarily in the B2C market in Austria and Germany, targeting consumers who wish to improve their financial habits and avoid debt. The company presents its SNBL approach as a responsible alternative to "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services and consumer loans, aiming to foster more conscious spending. Strategic partnerships are central to its growth. A collaboration with Vereinigte Volksbank Raiffeisenbank eG (VVRB) has bolstered customer trust and expanded its user base to over 150,000 account holders. The company has also introduced the Monkee Smart Money Card, a VISA debit card, to integrate its cashback model into physical retail. Having secured over $1.53 million in total funding from investors like Startup Wise Guys and the European Super Angels Club, Monkee is focused on expanding its product offerings, particularly for long-term savings, and continuing its growth trajectory. Keywords: Save Now Buy Later, personal finance app, goal-based savings, cashback rewards, financial wellness, fintech, automated savings, FutureBoost, consumer savings, financial management, responsible consumption, debt avoidance, spending habits, cashback program, mobile savings, financial planning, Austrian fintech, Monkee, retail partnerships, financial technology