Scapia: Revolutionizing Travel Finance in India
Scapia, a promising fintech startup focused on the travel sector, has successfully secured $40 million in equity funding. This financing round was led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from other notable investors including Capital, Z47, and 3State Capital.
Leadership and Backing
Founded by former Flipkart senior director Anil Goteti, Scapia aims to provide innovative financial solutions tailored for the travel industry. This recent funding surge is expected to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory and enhance their product offerings.
Resurgence After Challenges
Scapia has recently made a comeback after experiencing a significant slowdown in operations. An important hurdle was faced when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prohibited their fintech partner, Federal Bank, from issuing co-branded credit cards on March 13. This restriction impacted Scapia’s customer acquisition strategy, centered around offering co-branded credit cards.
Regulatory Green Light
In a positive turn of events, on March 18, it was reported that Federal Bank received RBI’s approval to resume issuing co-branded credit cards. By the end of February, Scapia had begun to integrate new customers, marking a significant step in rebuilding its business model.
Targeting Young Travelers
Scapia is strategically positioning itself to tap into the growing demographic of young Indians who are enthusiastic about travel. By offering a credit card that provides rewards and incentives during vacations, Scapia seeks to draw in this thriving customer base.
Innovation in Travel Finance
According to Goteti, the goal over the past three years has been to create outstanding travel-related financial products, build robust banking partnerships, and develop a talented team. With the support from Peak XV and existing investors, Scapia plans to expedite its product road-map, delivering innovative solutions to travelers more swiftly than ever.
Features and Future Aspirations
Scapia’s credit card comes with no joint or annual fees, unrestricted access to exclusive offers, and various travel-related benefits. Additionally, its platform provides features for travel bookings, hotel reservations, and visa services for over 45 countries.
Company Profile
Established in 2022, Scapia has raised a total of $32 million since its inception. The company reported a turnover of ₹24 crores and a net loss of ₹88 crores at the end of the 2024 fiscal year, highlighting both its challenges and significant growth potential in the thriving travel fintech market.
For more insights on the latest in the fintech sector, check out: Sweet Karam Coffee’s $8 million Fundraising with Peak XV Partners.