15 fintechs gaining traction in Bogota

Contxto – We have previously covered Chile’s fintech ecosystem but today we’re switching gears to specifically showcase fintech ventures from Bogota, Colombia.  

The following 15 fintechs are providing alternative financial products not only across the country but the region. With this, these companies are providing much-needed stability to members of the unbanked population.

Disclaimer: These may not be all fintech companies in Bogotá. Feel free to suggest other interesting startups!

ADDI 

ADDI provides consumers with credit-building opportunities among partnered retailers. Customers looking to build credit simply go to the point of sale, choose what they want to purchase, and set up payment arrangements through ADDI.

These simple low-interest consumer loans take up to three minutes to distribute with no hidden costs or paperwork involved in the process. The only material clients need to sign up is some form of identification and a cell phone. 

MO Tecnologias 

MO Tecnologias promotes financial inclusion by revolutionizing the credit scoring industry. Regardless of a consumer’s credit history, this fintech makes it possible for them to access nano and microloans. 

It also utilizes AI and machine learning to innovate the patent-pending process. Drawing data from multiple sources, this allows MO Tecnologias to preapprove users and calculate credit scores within seconds.

Mesfix 

There are two scenarios with the “crowd-invoicing” fintech, Mesfix. First, if you want to finance, users can sell their receivable invoices at a discount rate and get liquidity for the company. 

For investors, they can select from various ventures over the platform. Small amounts, short-term commitments and high profitability come in the process. According to the website, it has financed SMEs with over COP$59 billion. 

Puntored 

Low and middle-class Colombians can easily use Puntored’s fintech with over 72,000 outlets in Latin America. It is the second-largest aggregator in Colombia, helping the unbanked population with payments, cash withdrawals, deposits, in addition to plenty of virtual services.

Some of the company’s affiliates include banks, public transportation, public services, telephone and internet, among others. Over time, the fintech intends to roll out more products as more cash-based systems convert to electronic payments.

2Transfair 

Professionals at 2Transfair bring over 10 years of electronic processing experiences and more than 35 years in the traditional financial sector to the table. Part of its customizable cloud-based solution is to serve both the B2B and B2C markets.

Based on the website, this company helps traditional ventures to transform into high-impact fintechs. Users can benefit from mobile banking features, digital credit management, e-signatures, as well as a transactional management web portal. 

Armatuvaca 

Meaning “Assemble your Cow” in Spanish, Armatuvaca is a social payments platform for users to pool money and make digital payments. Thinking of crowdfunding projects as “cows” is also pretty humorous if you ask me. 

There are three simple processes with this fintech. The first is to “assemble,” whether that be a barbecue, birthday party or what have you. Second, invite friends over social media to contribute. Third, it facilitates participants to pay with a debit or credit card. Finally, transfer the funds to your Colombian bank account. 

Moviired

Moviired supports users wishing to grow their business or earn income from their cell phones. What it provides is a commercial and transactional network for people across Colombia, both at physical points of sales and over its app. 

Within its broad portfolio of transactional services are cell phone recharges, public and private utility bills, digital content purchases over Spotify, Xbox, Play Station, among others.

Credyty 

Immediate credit approval and a completely digital process make it pretty painless to obtain alternative short-term education loans through Credyty. Students from across Colombia can better access higher-education because of it. 

One of the only requisites for borrowers is that they are enrolled at one of the fintech’s allied institutions. Besides that, the only other requirements are to have a job, cell phone, as well as an email.

Pimes 

Business loans are in no short supply with Pimes. Like others, this fintech offers simple, fast and secure online loans for SMEs. Online loans typically range from COP$15 to $300 million, all of which are paid between two to six months. 

Ualet  

There’s no need to be an expert or seasoned investor to use Ualet’s platform. Specifically, the fintech’s website says it’s the first Colombian app to allow users to make direct investments online in a safe and reliable manner. 

Even better, the company employs some delightful cartoons characters to provide its “robo advisory” to clients. In the end, it is very possible to diversify investment portfolios over the digital platform. 

Vaki

Vaki is speedy, simple and equitable to split costs among friends and family members. It may seem like a strikingly similar version of Armatuvaca, but its crowdfunding platform operates across all of Latin America. Even better, it converts currencies.

Cajero 

Companies invest in Cajero’s “dataphone” in order to accept debit and credit card purchases. Perks include no monthly payments, only paying when you use it, plus low commissions for both national as well as international Visa and Mastercard payments at 2.99 percent.

Valiu 

Since there are over 1 million Venezuelans seeking refuge in neighboring Colombia, there is certainly a need for people to use this fintech platform to receive remittances.

Users can seamlessly send funds through the app with either cash or card, taking less than one hour to complete transactions. For cash transfers, all you need to do is go to a convenience store to make the payment.

Betriax 

International currency exchange can be an expensive undertaking with high commissions as well as additional fees. Thankfully, Betriax offers some of the lowest rates on the market. Not only is it secure but also transparent. 

Tpaga 

Cellphones become the only tool you need for financial freedom with Tpaga. Catering particularly to unbanked consumers in Latin America, it also enables consumers to receive and spend money from the palm of their hand. 

-JA