OneCard, a fintech startup backed by Peak XV Partners, has achieved a remarkable growth in its operating revenue for the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), with a sharp 163% increase to INR 1,425.58 crore, up from INR 541.16 crore in the previous fiscal year. Despite this impressive jump in revenue, the company has faced challenges in improving its profitability, with its net loss narrowing by a slight margin of just 1.1% in FY24.
Founded in 2018 by Anurag Sinha, Rupesh Kumar, and Vibhav Hathi, OneCard is a leading player in India’s growing digital finance and credit card industry. The company has gained prominence for its cobranded credit cards in partnership with major banks, including Federal Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Indian Bank, among others. The startup’s unique business model of offering credit cards in collaboration with financial institutions has enabled it to carve out a significant space in India’s fintech ecosystem.
Revenue Growth Amid Losses
OneCard’s operational revenue surge in FY24 highlights its increasing popularity and the growing demand for its innovative financial products. The company has seen a broad expansion in its user base, driven by its digital-first approach to credit cards and its focus on offering enhanced customer experiences through mobile applications and other tech-driven features. This aligns with the broader trend in India’s fintech space, where digital and tech-enabled financial products are experiencing exponential growth, particularly among the younger, tech-savvy demographic.
However, while revenue growth has been substantial, OneCard has faced challenges in achieving profitability. The company reported a net loss of INR 401.15 crore in FY24, which represents only a slight decrease from INR 405.66 crore in the previous fiscal year. Despite the revenue surge, OneCard has struggled to convert this growth into improved bottom-line performance. This is common in many high-growth startups, particularly those in the fintech space, where significant investments in technology, marketing, and customer acquisition are required before profits materialize.
In addition to its operating revenue, OneCard also reported other income of INR 39.19 crore, bringing its total revenue for the fiscal year to INR 1,464.77 crore. This increase in total revenue reflects the company’s efforts to diversify its income streams, leveraging its expanding portfolio of financial products and services. However, despite the positive revenue growth, the company continues to face challenges in managing its cost structure, which remains high due to the nature of its operations and investments in scaling its platform.
Challenges and Future Prospects
OneCard’s high operating costs and net losses are reflective of the intense competition in the Indian fintech industry. Many fintech startups are heavily investing in customer acquisition and retention, making it difficult to achieve profitability in the short term. However, the substantial revenue growth is a positive indicator that the company is on the right track, particularly as it continues to scale its customer base and refine its offerings.
As OneCard continues to grow, it will need to focus on optimizing its cost structure, improving operational efficiency, and finding new ways to monetize its customer base in order to convert its revenue growth into sustainable profitability. With the fintech space continuing to expand rapidly, OneCard’s ability to adapt to market trends and leverage its strategic partnerships with banks will be critical in its quest to achieve profitability in the coming years.
In conclusion, while OneCard has demonstrated impressive revenue growth in FY24, the road to profitability remains challenging. The company’s focus on customer acquisition, innovation, and expanding its product offerings will be key to overcoming these challenges and securing its position as a leading player in India’s fintech ecosystem.