Zilch, a leading UK-based fintech startup rapidly expanding across Europe, is changing the way consumers approach payments by addressing the burdensome costs of credit through innovative technology and a platform designed for users.
Founded in 2018 and officially launched in 2020, the company’s vision began with CEO and co-founder Philip Belamant and his partner Sean O’Connor, who sought to dismantle the costly and often opaque consumer credit system. Inspired by a mission to empower shoppers and foster transparent financial well-being, they built Zilch as a direct-to-consumer network that rewards customers based on the value they create for retailers.
The fintech just secured $175 million in a funding round led by KKCG, which included an expanded credit facility from Deutsche Bank, participation from BNF Capital, and several other strategic investors.
This fresh capital infusion follows the rollout of game-changing products, including the AI-driven Intelligent Commerce platform and the soon-to-launch Zilch Pay, both of which promise to enhance retail performance while simplifying the checkout experience for consumers.
“In just five years, we have rewired the relationship between brands and their customers, offering a different way to pay that brings mass benefits to both consumers and merchants,” said Belamant.
Redefining commerce with AI payments
At the heart of Zilch’s success is its Intelligent Commerce platform, which harnesses real-time data and artificial intelligence to provide retailers with detailed insights into customer behaviour, enabling highly targeted promotional strategies that improve marketing efficiency and sales.
Unlike Revolut, Monzo, Starling Bank, PayPal, and Wise, Zilch has an ad-subsidised payments network that integrates consumer rewards with retail marketing, plus its AI-powered personalisation technology designed to enhance merchant sales effectiveness and improve consumer experience.
The upcoming Zilch Pay, launching in early 2026, will introduce a seamless one-click checkout integrating app, digital wallet, and card functions, making purchases smoother for consumers and driving higher conversion rates for merchants.
Belamant added, “Our newly launched products are already driving outsized growth, and with the support of a world-class group of debt and equity investors, we’re well positioned for the next phase of expansion. In a market where many have found raising capital difficult, the network and strategic leadership of my co-founder, Sean O’Connor, have been instrumental in helping us achieve this outcome, and we are excited for the year ahead.”
What’s next?
Today, with over 5 million active users, many of whom engage with the platform multiple times a week, Zilch has emerged as a fintech trailblazer valued at around $2 billion.
Looking ahead, Zilch plans to use its new funding to boost brand awareness, further develop its product suite, enhance its platform capabilities, and pursue strategic acquisitions. The company aims to redefine commerce globally by continuing to innovate and creating sustainable value for its customers and partners in an evolving digital payments landscape.
