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Zilch Secures £100 Million in Debt Financing from Deutsche Bank

Zilch Secures £100 Million in Debt Financing from Deutsche Bank

British fintech firm Zilch Technology Ltd. has secured £100 million ($127 million) through a securitized debt financing deal arranged by Deutsche Bank AG. This significant capital infusion aims to fuel Zilch’s expansion plans as it prepares for a highly anticipated IPO next year.

Expansion and New Product Development

Zilch Secures £100 Million in Debt Financing from Deutsche Bank

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Zilch, a leading buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company, plans to utilize the funds to develop new products and broaden its customer base. The company, which currently serves more than 4 million customers and processes over 10 million monthly payments, announced the deal in a statement on Wednesday.

“This deal means growth,” Zilch co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Philip Belamant stated in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “This allows us to triple commerce that we can send to our retail partner network, which is phenomenal.”

Belamant highlighted that the new financing would expedite the rollout of Zilch’s product road map, bolster its market share, and set the stage for the company’s IPO. The London-based fintech firm, valued at $2 billion during a Series C funding round in 2022, is poised to enhance its market presence significantly.

IPO Prospects and Market Strategy

As Zilch looks ahead to its IPO, Belamant revealed that the company is weighing its options regarding the location for the public listing. Discussions have already been held with major stock exchanges, including Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange, and the London Stock Exchange.

“In both the US and the UK, capital has to move back to IPOs,” Belamant emphasized. “In the UK specifically, we know we need to change things. We need liquidity in the market — we have to have that. We need perception to change around the LSE.”

The UK’s attractiveness as a listing destination has diminished in recent years, with companies often seeking higher valuations in other markets. This year, only a small fraction of the $11.9 billion raised via IPOs in Europe came from the UK, marking a historic low. Belamant’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that the UK needs to revitalize its capital markets to attract more high-growth companies.

In March, Belamant noted that Zilch was nearing profitability, positioning the firm well for its future public debut. The strategic partnership with Deutsche Bank and the new debt financing are pivotal steps in Zilch’s journey towards becoming a dominant player in the fintech space and achieving a successful IPO next year.

Payments Startup Zilch Set for Profitability and Eyes IPO in Upcoming Year

Payments Startup Zilch Set for Profitability and Eyes IPO in Upcoming Year

Zilch Technology, a leading British buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider, is gearing up for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in 2025. The company’s CEO, Philip Belamant, shared insights with Bloomberg, revealing Zilch’s ambitious plans and optimistic outlook regarding profitability.

Path to Profitability and IPO Considerations

Payments Startup Zilch Set for Profitability and Eyes IPO in Upcoming Year

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Zilch Technology anticipates achieving cashflow positivity within a few months, with projections indicating monthly profitability as early as April this year. Belamant’s statements underscore Zilch’s rapid growth trajectory and its strategic focus on financial sustainability. The company’s robust customer base of approximately 4 million users reflects the widespread adoption of its innovative BNPL solutions.

While Zilch has yet to finalize a venue for its potential IPO, discussions have been held with major stock exchanges including Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This strategic move highlights Zilch’s global ambitions and its intent to capitalize on public market opportunities.

Diversified Offerings and Market Expansion

Zilch’s recent initiatives include opening its advertising sales platform to third parties and exploring longer-term loan offerings. These strategic moves align with the company’s goal of enhancing customer experience and expanding its market reach. Notably, Zilch’s valuation soared to $2 billion following a successful funding round in 2022, underscoring investor confidence in its business model and growth prospects.

The company’s innovative approach to BNPL is evident in its new credit payment product launched in February, allowing customers to spread interest-free repayments over three months for larger purchases. This product innovation reflects Zilch’s customer-centric focus and its commitment to providing flexible and accessible financial solutions.

Zilch’s dedication to inclusivity is further demonstrated through products like “Zilch Up,” offering credit limits as low as 50 pounds and tools to help customers improve their credit scores. Belamant emphasized Zilch’s commitment to creating value for customers and ensuring consumer protection, highlighting the company’s proactive stance on regulatory compliance and industry standards.

As Zilch continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the BNPL landscape can expect further disruptions driven by the company’s customer-centric approach and financial acumen.