Avanti - Financial Inclusion For 100 Million

Mr. Ratan N. Tata, a legendary visionary and our founder, passed away yesterday, leaving behind a profound legacy. Avanti was established in 2016 as a manifestation of Mr. Tata’s vision to tackle the challenges of Access, Agency, and Affordability in financial services for the unserved and vulnerable segments of society. Over the years, we have been privileged to receive his invaluable guidance in building Avanti, which embodies the principle of combining passion with compassion. Now, more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to developing Avanti as a "financial inclusion platform aimed at impacting the poor through credit at both individual and community levels. Our goal is to create a lasting improvement in their livelihoods and standard of living, ultimately ushering in prosperity." We believe this commitment will serve as our best tribute to Mr. Tata’s enduring legacy. “If you want to walk fast – walk alone; if you want to walk far – walk together" Pictures are of an early Board Meeting & his handwritten logo of brand Avanti Rahul Gupta Lalitesh Katragadda Sunil Kumar Tadepalli Manish Thakkar Nagaraj Subrahmanya Urvashi Bahirsheth

Happy to share that Avanti has been featured in Entrepreneur Media! We've unlocked income generation opportunities for over 650,000 families in 20,000+ villages. We believe in tailoring loan products to individual income flows, reducing friction and fostering sustainable livelihoods. In the next two years, we aim to serve 3 million households and are driven to bridge the financial inclusion gap. We will walk that extra mile in the journey to make this a reality for the next 100mm.

Growing up in a small Indian town, Preeti always harboured a dream of entrepreneurship. Her fondness for fresh juices finally found its outlet when she decided to open her own shop. But a major hurdle stood in her way - limited access to affordable financing.   That's where Avanti Finance became the helping hand and offered Preeti, a loan of 50,000 Rupees to get started. With the funds secured, Preeti wasted no time transforming a vacant space into a vibrant juice corner.    Her hard work paid off – within a short period, her daily earnings rose to a significant 400-500 Rupees. This success story isn't just about financial gain; it's about empowerment. Preeti's thriving business not only transformed her own situation but also inspired her community.   One of Avanti's core strengths is its commitment to accessibility. Preeti's experience exemplifies this perfectly. She secured her loan efficiently, with the funds deposited directly into her account within a day of approval. As a first-time borrower, the entire process felt seamless and stress-free. Avanti believes in empowering individuals like Preeti by providing them with the tools they need to turn their dreams into reality.   #FinancialEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #AvantiStoriesofImpact      Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of certain individuals, the names have been changed.

For Sneha, a transgender entrepreneur in Erode, the pursuit of financial independence proved laden with roadblocks. Formal financial channels consistently denied her access to credit, leaving her struggling to access resources they need to thrive. Committed to creating a world where the principle of financial inclusion for all is a right, not a privilege, Avanti provided Sneha with the necessary capital to launch her catering business. This decision exemplifies Avanti’s core belief that access to financial tools to everyone, regardless of background or identity. Through innovative solutions like livelihood-linked loans, Avanti empowers individuals like Sneha beyond just financial independence. Sneha is not only planning to expand her business and create jobs for other transgender individuals, but also advocating for a more inclusive financial system that removes barriers and fosters opportunities for all. #FinancialEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #AvantiStoriesofImpact  Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of certain individuals, the names have been changed.  

Limited income and inflexible loans trapped Shanti, a daily wage earner, in poverty. Traditional loan processes, both time-consuming and rigid, demanded sacrifices she couldn't afford, like losing a day's earnings.   Avanti offered Shanti a personalized solution: a loan of ₹60,000. This financial bridge enabled her to purchase a Holstein cow and start her own milk business and improve her earnings. This timely and accessible credit proved transformative, doubling her monthly income from INR 7,000 to INR 15,000.   At Avanti, we have an innovative approach to loan customization. We tailor loan solutions to each customer's unique needs and cash flow. This was evident in Shanti's experience, where she was able to secure a higher loan amount in the first cycle to fulfill her specific requirement of purchasing a hybrid cow.   Today, not only is Shanti self-reliant, but also brimming with ambition for expansion. Shanti's journey is one of many, as we empower countless individuals to shatter limitations and pursue brighter futures. At Avanti, we believe in empowering individuals, not just through access, but through custom-fit financial solutions that make a difference. #FinancialInclusion #EmpoweringWomen #AvantiStoriesofImpact   Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of certain individuals, the names have been changed.

Babita, a woman with a dream and a needle in hand, dreamt of expanding her ancestral tailoring shop. However, the lack of funds kept her ambitions confined to a single sewing machine and a limited inventory. With a mission to expand her business, Babita joined forces with other local entrepreneurs through Avanti's partner network. The loan process was quick, and within three days, Babita secured her first ₹10,000 loan within a supportive environment.    Encouraged by the positive impact, Babita went on to secure two more loans, growing the capital to ₹45,000. Babita received the funds directly into her account within 24 hours of her application, showcasing the swift and efficient credit access Avanti provides to entrepreneurs in the informal economy.   With the newfound capital, Babita diversified her inventory, purchased new machines, and transformed her shop. She wasn't just sustaining her business; she was creating opportunities, hiring two employees and training interns. Her monthly income doubled, jumping from ₹10,000-20,000 to ₹20,000-30,000.    Babita's success story embodies Avanti's mission: creating sustainable livelihoods through accessible and efficient credit solutions and empowering one entrepreneur at a time. Her journey highlights the ease and efficiency Avanti provides to empower nano-entrepreneurs like her. #FinancialEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #AvantiStoriesofImpact Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of certain individuals, the names have been changed.

Married at an early age, Pooja, a determined entrepreneur from Maharashtra, now settled in Indore, had a dream of starting her own business. However, with a family of 9 members, progress took time. Facing an unexpected challenge with her husband's job loss, Pooja took initiative to support their family. In 2023, she launched Annapurna Tiffin Centre, starting with 10 lunch boxes and scaling up to 50 per day. This growth was made possible with the support of Avanti and its partner network.   Today, Pooja is not only self-empowered but also the primary breadwinner for her family. Her Tiffin Centre has expanded further, now partnering with major food delivery apps in the city. Her ultimate dream is to open her own restaurant one day.   From a homemaker facing financial challenges, Pooja transitioned into a confident entrepreneur, steering her family towards a better future. Pooja didn't have to wait long to see her dream come alive. Avanti and MSM partnered to approve her loan in just two days, making her aspirations a reality. This swift approval, affordable and accessible credit empowered Pooja to grow her business and manage her household responsibilities effectively.   Despite having no prior credit history (new to formal credit), Pooja secured a loan of INR 50,000, eliminating the need to explore alternative informal credit sources. Her journey from financial uncertainty to financial independence underscores Avanti's commitment to understanding the unique needs of its borrowers and providing a platform that prioritises accessibility, speed, and affordability. #FinancialEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #AvantiStoriesofImpact Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of certain individuals, the names have been changed.

Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of certain individuals, the names have been changed. Living in Ganjbasoda, Madhya Pradesh, with her family of seven, Rajni and her husband had always dreamt of expanding their vegetable business. Earning a meagre INR 500 daily, the dream seemed distant with the complexities of availing formal finance. In 2021, Avanti, alongside their trusted partner Samhita, entered the picture, bringing with them not just capital, but an understanding of Rajni’s unique needs and challenges and modelling her future cash flows that would enable her to enhance her livelihood income. Through an assisted digital process, Rajni’s loan application was approved within a day and the funds landing in her bank account the next morning. This is very different from the experience with other formal sources of finance. Without adequate credit history and bank statements to show income, availing credit is difficult and borrowers often end up taking loans from informal sources at unsustainable rates, ending up in a debt trap.    Avanti is addressing this problem by providing accessibility with speed and affordability through its platform. The INR 50,000 loan served as a catalyst for Rajni’s ambitions. She transformed her humble stall into a thriving vegetable shop, while her husband and son, empowered by Rajni’s success, launched a tent house business. Their daily income increased significantly from INR 500 to INR 2200 that solidified their financial stability. Rajni’s story is not just about financial gain; it’s about breaking free from limitations. Today, she boasts a savings account, diligently depositing INR 2000-3000 monthly, a testament to her newfound fiscal strength. Most importantly, she and her family have a digital financial footprint that is an important step towards financial empowerment. Avanti's unwavering commitment to understanding each customer's needs and making finance accessible through frictionless processes showcases the impact of financial inclusion. Rajni's journey is a beacon of hope and at Avanti we are steadfast in our mission to usher in the next generation of financial inclusion....one loan at a time! #FinancialEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #AvantiStoriesofImpact

It was a great privilege to host a fireside chat with our Co-Founder & Chairman, Nandan Nilekani #InsiprationalLeader at the recent Avanti Partner Day in Bangalore. We covered a diverse range of topics from DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) AI, Corporate Governance & Values, Innovation, Social Media and more! He had the audience enthralled with his deep insights, candour & quick wit. Definitely, the highlight of the day and a fitting end to a wonderful agenda put together by the team with great participation from our Partners , Lenders, Board & Investors.

At Avanti, our core belief is to make financial services not only affordable but also easily accessible, fostering a transformative impact on the lives of individuals. Rupamma's story vividly exemplifies this philosophy. As the sole provider for her household, she faced the daunting challenge of managing her family's affairs. Avanti, through its Roots initiative, provided Rupamma with a crucial opportunity, granting her a loan of INR 60,000. Determined to break free from adversity, Rupamma wisely invested in a snack shop, turning her modest venture into a thriving success story. Today, she reaps the rewards of her unwavering determination, earning INR 13,000 per month – a remarkable feat that has doubled her previous income. This success is not merely personal; it has become a family triumph. Rupamma contributes to her family's well-being and ensures the education of her children, underscoring the significant impact of Avanti's commitment to empowering individuals through tailor-made financial products. The ability to secure a higher ticket size loan during her first cycle, enabling her to purchase a hybrid cow, stands as a testament to Avanti's innovative approach, providing unparalleled flexibility and liberating individuals from traditional constraints. Rupamma's journey serves as an inspiring example, showcasing the transformative power of financial empowerment facilitated by Avanti's unique initiatives. #FinancialEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #AvantiStoriesofImpact