In this article, we discuss some of the hottest fintech startups that are right on the money.

Alinea Invest

Alinea Invest is a fintech startup which is mainly aimed at Gen Z investors, and in particular, women. The startup was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by Anam Lakhani, Eve Halimi, and Daniel Nissenbaum, and focuses on financial literacy and offers an AI-driven wealth management platform.

The startup was founded to address the current financial literacy gap among Gen Z. It operates on a subscription model and offers an approachable design aimed at new investors. The platform allows users to create "playlists," customising investment themes similar to curating music.

Hydr

Hydr is a Manchester-based fintech startup that specialises in invoice financing. It aims to address the issue of delayed payments for small businesses. Launched in 2021 by Nicola Weedall and Hector Macandrew, Hydr offers a digital platform that enables businesses to receive payment within 24 hours of issuing an invoice.

The platform integrates with accounting software like Xero to streamline the process and eliminates the need for manual data entry. Unlike traditional invoice financing, Hydr funds 100% of the invoice value minus a fixed fee, providing businesses with predictable cash flow management​.

Kuda

Kuda is a digital bank focused on serving the African market, particularly Nigeria. Founded by Babs Ogundeyi and Musty Mustapha in 2019, Kuda has grown rapidly, offering a range of financial services, including payments, loans, and wealth management.

Kuda's model is focused on creating a seamless banking experience with minimised fees. It generates revenue primarily through interchange fees from card transactions, interest on savings, and by offering credit products to its customers. By eliminating many of the fees commonly associated with traditional banks, such as account maintenance and card issuance fees, Kuda quickly attracted a large user base.

Sidekick

Sidekick is a UK-based startup that aims to democratise access to wealth management services, traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy. It targets professionals like founders, tech workers, and lawyers who seek more sophisticated financial strategies to maximise returns and navigate complex markets.

The platform provided personalised and tailored portfolios, opening up investment avenues beyond the standard mutual funds or ETFs. Among its core offerings were a flagship equity portfolio and a high-yield savings account. Additionally, Sidekick introduced an innovative Portfolio Line of Credit, enabling clients to borrow against their investments, providing a flexible approach to managing their assets.

SuperFi

SuperFi is a fintech startup based in London, focusing on debt prevention and management. It aims to assist individuals struggling with the rising cost of living by providing an overview of their financial circumstances and offering proactive solutions to manage debt before it becomes a crisis.

Founded in 2021 by Nick Spiller and Tom Barltrop, SuperFi leverages its platform to maximise income and reduce missed payments, helping users avoid falling into problematic debt.

Treecard

TreeCard is a green fintech startup that offers a wooden debit card to help users contribute to reforestation efforts. With each transaction made using the card, users actively contribute to tree planting efforts across the world, thanks to a collaboration with the eco-focused search engine, Ecosia.

TreeCard directs 80% of its profits from card interchange fees towards these reforestation projects, offering a practical means for individuals to lower their carbon footprint with every swipe. This innovative approach allows users to make a positive environmental impact simply by using their debit card for daily expenses.