Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has made a significant foray into the fintech arena by investing in LEO1, an educational fintech startup. This marks Sharma’s inaugural venture into the fintech sector. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Sharma has invested in LEO1, a company formerly known as Financepeer. LEO1 focuses on resolving cash flow challenges faced by educational institutions while offering innovative financial solutions to students across India. Over the past three years, the company has successfully raised $35 million (approximately ₹291 crore) through two investment rounds, with contributions from QED Investors, Aavishkaar Capital, Ardent Investors LLC, and 9 Unicorn, among others.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Sharma stated, “I am thrilled to support LEO1 in its mission to revolutionize learning and make quality education accessible to everyone.” This investment aligns with his vision of improving educational accessibility and financial stability within the sector. Rohit Gajbhiye, CEO and founder of LEO1, acknowledged the boost Sharma’s involvement provides, saying, “With his support as our brand ambassador and now as a valued investor, I am confident that we will become even more efficient and motivated.” The endorsement from Sharma is expected to galvanize the team and enhance their performance.
LEO1 recently launched a ‘Financial SAAS’ product, designed to streamline financial transactions within the education sector. This includes the introduction of the LEO1 payment card, which doubles as a Smart card and a Smart ID card within campus premises. The company has partnered with over 31 major institutions nationwide, impacting the financial lives of half a million students. Sharma’s investment not only fortifies LEO1’s financial base but also enhances its brand value, thanks to his widespread popularity and influence in India.
Founded in 2018 by Rohit Gajbhiye, Naveesh Reddy, and Debi Prasad Baral, LEO1 is committed to streamlining fee collection and promoting responsible financial behavior. With the fresh capital infusion and Sharma’s endorsement, LEO1 is well-positioned to expand its impact and innovate further in the educational fintech space. This strategic move by Sharma is set to contribute significantly to the company’s growth and the broader fintech landscape in India.