EvenFi Company Profile

Background

Overview

EvenFi, formerly known as Criptalia, is a regulated peer-to-peer (P2P) crowdlending platform founded in 2018 in Italy. The company aims to democratize finance by connecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking funding for growth projects with individual investors looking for opportunities in the real economy. EvenFi operates across 27 European Union countries, offering a range of financing solutions to support the growth of SMEs.

Mission and Vision

EvenFi's mission is to create a new financial future that is simpler, free, and decentralized. The company is driven by the conviction that investing in the growth projects of valuable enterprises can trigger a virtuous circle, positively impacting the real economy.

Primary Area of Focus

The platform focuses on providing financing solutions to SMEs, enabling them to access capital for expansion and development. By facilitating investments starting from €20, EvenFi allows individual investors to participate in funding projects that have a tangible impact on local economies.

Industry Significance

EvenFi plays a crucial role in bridging the funding gap for SMEs, which often face challenges in securing financing through traditional banking channels. By leveraging technology and a decentralized approach, EvenFi contributes to the growth and sustainability of the real economy, fostering innovation and job creation across Europe.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Democratization of Finance: Making investment opportunities accessible to a broader audience, including individual investors.

Support for SMEs: Providing tailored financing solutions to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow and thrive.

Expansion Across Europe: Extending operations to all 27 EU countries, offering a unified platform for cross-border investments.

Specific Areas of Specialization

P2P Crowdlending: Facilitating direct lending between investors and SMEs without the need for traditional financial intermediaries.

Impact Investing: Focusing on projects that have a positive social or environmental impact, such as green initiatives and community development.

Key Technologies Utilized

Blockchain: Ensuring transparency and security in transactions.

Mobile Applications: Providing users with seamless access to investment opportunities and portfolio management.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

SMEs in Europe: Particularly those in Italy and Spain, seeking growth capital.

Individual Investors: Looking for alternative investment opportunities with a focus on real-world economic impact.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As of January 2023, EvenFi has raised a total of €3.7 million in funding over multiple rounds. The most recent funding round, closed in January 2023, raised €2.2 million, with over €500,000 contributed by its own investor community.

Notable Investors

Pacific Capital Partners: Led the January 2023 funding round.

Iberifi Ventures S.L.: Participated in the same funding round.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated to support EvenFi's growth initiatives, including:

Product Development: Enhancing the platform's features and user experience.

Market Expansion: Extending operations to new European markets.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to EU regulations across all operating countries.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

EvenFi's platform hosts a diverse range of projects, including:

Traditional Loans: Standard financing options for SMEs.

Equity Loans: Investments in exchange for equity stakes in businesses.

Bond Loans: Debt instruments offering fixed returns to investors.

Stages of Development

Projects listed on EvenFi's platform are in various stages, from initial funding rounds to repayment phases. The company reports that, as of October 2023, over 60% of funds given to SMEs and startups have been repaid, reflecting a strong track record in loan performance.

Target Conditions

The platform primarily targets SMEs in sectors such as:

Technology: Startups and established companies seeking capital for innovation.

Manufacturing: Businesses aiming to expand production capabilities.

Services: Enterprises looking to enhance service offerings or enter new markets.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Short-Term: Launch of new product features and expansion into additional EU countries.

Medium-Term: Achieving higher repayment rates and increasing the volume of funds raised for SMEs.

Long-Term: Establishing EvenFi as a leading platform for P2P crowdlending in Europe.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Investment Platform: A user-friendly interface for investors and SMEs to connect and transact.

Mobile Application: Enables users to manage investments and monitor portfolios on-the-go.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced algorithms to assess creditworthiness and project viability.

Risk Management Models: Implementing strategies to mitigate investment risks and ensure platform stability.

Leadership Team

Diego Dal Cero: CEO and Founder. An entrepreneur with experience in the IT sector across Spain, Chile, and Italy. Holds a Master's in Marketing and Strategic Marketing Management from ESIC.

Federico Shaw: CFO. With 14 years of experience in fixed income, including lending, syndication, derivatives, bonds, structured notes, and funds; investment banking. Holds a degree in Economics.

Matteo Rossi: Head of Marketing. Background in biotechnology, passionate about technology and blockchain, involved in business strategy and marketing projects for SMEs.

Franca Borga: Business Analyst. Holds a Doctorate in Economics, with 10 years of experience in controlling and business consulting.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The European P2P lending market is experiencing growth, driven by increasing demand for alternative financing options and the expansion of digital financial services. Regulatory developments, such as the European Crowdfunding Service Provider (ECSP) regulation, are shaping the competitive landscape.

Competitor Analysis

LendInvest: A UK-based platform offering property finance and buy-to-let mortgages.

Funding Circle: Specializes in small business loans, connecting investors with SMEs.

Bondora: Estonian platform providing consumer loans to borrowers across Europe.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CeR Partnership: In June 2022, EvenFi partnered with CeR to offer "Composite," a zero-interest financing option for SMEs.

ItaliaFintech Membership: Joined the association in May 2022, collaborating with other fintech entities to promote industry growth.

Operational Insights

EvenFi differentiates itself by originating its own loans, providing greater control over the lending process and ensuring alignment with its mission to support the real economy. The platform's focus on impact investing attracts a community of investors interested in socially and environmentally responsible projects.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Market Expansion: Leveraging its ECSP license to operate across all EU countries, tapping into new markets.

Product Diversification: Developing new financial products to meet the evolving needs of SMEs and investors.

Technological Innovation: Enhancing platform features and integrating advanced technologies to improve user experience and operational efficiency.