Zilch, the world’s first ad-subsidised payments network (ASPN), has announced a major milestone in its rapid rise within the fintech industry, achieving profitability within just four years of its launch. The company also revealed that it has surpassed an annual revenue run rate of $130 million (£100 million), marking a significant achievement that places it alongside some of Europe’s most successful fintech firms.
The news comes as Zilch continues to outpace the average growth rates seen in the tech industry, particularly in the UK and US, where it typically takes companies 8-10 years to reach similar revenue levels. By contrast, Zilch has managed to double its revenues year-on-year, an impressive feat in an increasingly competitive market.
Philip Belamant, CEO and co-founder of Zilch, hailed the company’s rapid progress: “This milestone fundamentally changes the game for us. Profitability is something that a lot of fast-growing businesses are struggling to achieve, and I am hugely proud of the team for reaching this mark, ahead of plan. While many have cut their way to profit, we’ve doubled our revenue year on year, expanded our team, saved our 4 million customers over half a billion dollars in fees and interest costs, and generated over $3 billion in new sales for merchant partners through our ad-subsidised payments network.”
Belamant highlighted the company’s innovative approach to consumer finance as a key driver of its success. Zilch’s unique model, which leverages artificial intelligence and first-party consumer data, enables it to offer highly personalised financial products while maintaining strong customer engagement. The platform’s ability to convert sales for advertisers at rates significantly higher than traditional search and social media platforms has attracted major merchants, who are increasingly directing their advertising budgets towards Zilch’s network.
The company’s achievements have also been bolstered by high-profile additions to its leadership team. Zilch recently announced that Mark Wilson, the former CEO of Aviva and AIA and a current Board member at BlackRock, has joined its Board of Directors. Wilson, who brings extensive experience in managing global financial businesses, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “I am excited to join Zilch at this critical juncture. Under Philip’s visionary leadership, Zilch is transforming consumer finance with an innovative and responsible approach that lowers customer finance costs and fills a fast-growing need in society. I look forward to working alongside the Board to further help Zilch steer its path toward sustainable success as a category leader.”
Zilch’s Chairman, Serge Belamant, also praised Wilson’s appointment, noting that his expertise would be invaluable as the company continues to expand and consolidate its position in the market. “As Zilch’s Chair, I am delighted Mark has made this commitment as the value he will add will complement the expertise we currently have and help guide the company in its mission to provide affordable credit and rewarding debits for all as part of its financial inclusion vision. Mark’s deep expertise running global financial businesses will be a tremendous asset as Zilch continues its rapid trajectory, profitable growth, and market expansion.”
Zilch’s ability to achieve profitability so quickly, coupled with its rapid revenue growth, underscores the fintech’s potential to become a major player in the global financial landscape. As the company looks towards 2025 and beyond, it is clear that Zilch is well-positioned to continue its impressive upward trajectory, driven by its innovative approach and commitment to delivering value to both consumers and merchants.
The company’s success also highlights the broader potential of ad-subsidised financial models, which could reshape the future of consumer finance by offering more affordable and personalised services. With a strong leadership team and a proven business model, Zilch is poised to set new standards in the fintech industry, both in the UK and globally.