The Times Australia
News From Asia

.

Lendela secures US$5M in oversubscribed Series A round to bring more transparency to Asia-Pacific’s lending industry

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 23 November 2023 - Lendela, the digital loan matchmaking platform, announced today its successful $US5M Series A funding round.
The oversubscribed round was led by Singapore-based Chocolate Ventures, with participation from Lendela’s seed investor Cocoon Capital. The round was also joined by Phillip Private Equity and Genting Ventures, propelling Lendela's commitment to democratise personal loans.

Lendela was founded in 2018 with a mission to simplify and streamline the personal loan application process. The platform empowers borrowers with transparent and personalised loan options, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional labyrinth of the current lending landscape.

Founder and CEO Nima Karimi said, "The personal loan journey is often complex and unnerving for the borrower. Consumers deserve clarity and choice when making critical loan decisions. That has always been Lendela’s goal.”

Empowering borrowers with clarity and choice
Unlike the convoluted and often opaque lending landscape, Lendela stands out as a beacon of simplicity and transparency. "Our platform increases access to the most affordable and realistic credit options available, taking into account each profile’s credit history. We aim to transform the borrower experience, making it easier for individuals to make informed decisions about their loans”, Karimi explained.

Over the years, Lendela has achieved remarkable milestones. These include achieving profitability in its core markets, doubling its business annually, and pioneering lightning-fast loan processing times from application to money in the account in as quick as 10 minutes, owing to API integrations with lending partners and government-accredited open banking ecosystems.

Lendela's commitment to providing a superior borrowing experience is evident in its extensive track record. In the last year alone, the fintech has brought over USD 3.7m in savings to borrowers thanks to its unique reverse auction model. Their extensive network of lenders also ensures that borrowers have access to a wide array of loan options, regardless of credit and transactional profiles.

Charting a path forward
Notable lead investors from Lendela’s Series A round include Cocoon Capital and Chocolate Ventures. Chocolate Ventures was started by Singlife founder and former Group Chief Executive, Walter de Oude, who recognised the pressing need for enhanced options and transparency in financial services.

De Oude emphasised that “Businesses that add real value to customers are businesses that will last. Consumer finance is a necessary part of so many lives, and making lending more democratic is a meaningful endeavour. Lendela is well loved by the customers it services and will grow as a result. I love businesses that really add value to everyday people and make people's lives better.”

Looking ahead, Lendela plans to expand across the Asia-Pacific region, following its launch in Australia earlier this year. Additionally, the funds will be directed toward product development to enhance integration and broaden the scope of consumer services benefiting from greater transparency.

"We are not disruptors - we are enablers. Our platform connects consumers with the best loan providers, streamlining the process for greater efficiency so nobody pays more than necessary for their loan", said Karimi.

Hashtag: #Lendela





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ABOUT LENDELA PTE. LTD.

Founded in Singapore, Lendela is Asia-Pacific’s leading digital loan matchmaker connecting borrowers with their most accurate loan options. Driven by our mission to democratise personal loans, Lendela helps consumers navigate their loan journey with ease by harmonising the interests of lenders and borrowers. Since our inception in 2018, Lendela has empowered over 100,000 consumers with clarity and confidence to make informed loan decisions with an extensive range of choice from more than 100 lending partners. Today, Lendela serves customers in three markets with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...