36 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 Fintech Strategic Investment Capital Firm of the Year 2024 In just a few years’ time, Curql has created an ecosystem – now sitting at over 120 credit union investors, over 40 fintech partners, and serving over 117 million members. Notable fintech such as Zest.AI, Eltropy, and Illuma, which specialize in AI-driven credit decisions, multi-channel communication, and biometric security, respectively, are among the ranks. Together, the Curql ecosystem partners tackle the financial industry’s most pressing challenges, with a shared mission to deliver a best-in-class experience for credit union members. “We bring fintech to credit unions and credit unions to fintech,” says Nick Evens, President and CEO of Curql.” The credit union movement formed over a century ago with a sole goal in mind – to help improve people’s financial lives. The movement aimed to provide better access to loans and financial services for working people, recognizing the need to provide financial services to underserved communities that could not be otherwise accessed. As the financial sector continues to evolve, credit unions understand that they must adapt their strategies to grow alongside it. “The credit union movement is steeped in serving the undeserved,” Nick explains. “When big banks will not accept a loan application, a credit union will. Credit unions are so deeply invested in their communities, and we are committed to helping them be relevant and competitive.” In line with this commitment, credit unions can trust that the selected companies meet the highest standards tailored to their needs. “Curql Collective is by credit unions, for credit unions,” Nick tells us. “By pooling resources, we reduce the risks associated with investing in fintech. This collective approach also allows us to support more fintech companies, giving us a broader reach and impact.” Curql’s investments are carefully selected by fund managers who deeply understand the unique needs of credit unions. “We only choose investments that are proven to bring value and true partnership to the movement.” says Nick. Each fintech company selected undergoes thorough due diligence to ensure they are ‘credit union ready,’ meeting Curql Collective’s exacting standards. Yet, this partnership offers just as much value to fintech companies as well. By joining the Curql ecosystem, they not only gain access to crucial funding beyond traditional VC funds, but also benefit from the invaluable insights from credit union leaders who deeply understand the market. These insights help fintech to prioritize growth effectively, tailoring their products and solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the credit union industry. This strategic alignment ensures the fintech solutions are market-ready, resonate within the community, and positions them for widespread adoption and long-term success. Curql Collective also places a strong emphasis on diversity, actively seeking underrepresented founders to ensure its investments are both unique and inclusive. This commitment to diversity not only enriches the ecosystem but fosters innovation that better serves the diverse credit union member base. Curql is showing no signs of slowing down its growth trajectory. The collective’s first fund, Curql Fund I, holds the record for the biggest fundraise in credit union history. The window to invest is open now for the Collective’s second fund, Curql Fund II, which has already surpassed $150MM and welcomes credit unions of all sizes to join the movement. Once Curql Collective’s fundraise round closes, it will not open again for several years. During this time, the collective plans to source and invest further into fintech, taking an innovative approach. Nick tells us that the collective holds seats on the boards of these companies, acting as an extension of their leadership team which allows them a voice at the table for strategic planning and product development. This is an advantageous position for Curql Collective because it ensures that as the fintech industry grows, the solutions continue to match credit union needs and requirements. Such an expert strategy is a testament to the innovative minds driving Curql Collective to success. The collective displays an acute understanding of the financial industry, with expert insights into the beneficial nature of combining fintech with the credit union movement. Such a strong display of excellence, combined with a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of over 117 million credit union members, has earned Curql Collective the apt title of the Fintech Strategic Investment Capital Firm of the Year 2024. “At the core of our work is a dedication to community and the credit union philosophy,” Nick states. “We are not just investing in technology; we are investing in the future of credit union members and our communities.” Contact: Kristin Evans, VP Marketing and Communications, Curql Collective Company: Curql Collective Web Address: https://www.curql.com/credit-unions Launched in 2020, Curql (pronounced “circle”) is a collective of credit unions jointly investing in fintech to drive industry advancement and help credit unions be competitive and relevant in an evolving digital landscape. Below, we speak with Nick Evens, President and CEO of Curql Collective.
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