Founder Magazine
In the evolving landscape of digital services, Manish Kumar has emerged as a key player in bridging the gap between rural and urban India. As the Founder and CEO of Srimoney, a multi-service fintech platform under SR Tech N Serve Private Limited, he has turned a simple idea into a transformative force in financial and travel services, aimed at empowering rural and semi-urban communities. Srimoney is not just a business; it is a revolution, enabling small merchants, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs to tap into digital services they had long been deprived of.
The Genesis of Srimoney
The story of Srimoney begins in 2016, when Manish Kumar, with 18 years of experience in corporate roles, decided to leave the comfort of a steady career and take the plunge into entrepreneurship. Growing up in a small town in Bihar, Manish witnessed firsthand the struggles of rural communities to access basic financial services. Despite rapid advancements in urban areas, the rural populace was left behind, unable to benefit from digital financial inclusion. Recognizing this gap, Manish set out to create a platform that would serve as a bridge between urban services and rural demand.
On March 3, 2016, Srimoney was born under SR Tech N Serve Pvt. Ltd., with a mission to empower local entrepreneurs and create income-generating opportunities in India’s smallest towns. In its early days, Srimoney was a lean, resourceful venture. With an initial investment of just ₹10 lakhs, the company slowly began to grow, starting from humble beginnings with a team dedicated to offering financial solutions to underserved communities.
Building a Business with Impact
Today, Srimoney stands at the forefront of fintech innovation, with a Total Gross Transaction Volume (GTV) of ₹100 crore and a turnover of ₹2 crore. The business has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering a variety of services including banking services (cash withdrawal, deposit, POS solutions), travel bookings (air, bus, train tickets), utility bill payments, mobile/DTH recharges, and insurance services (life, health, vehicle, travel). However, what sets Srimoney apart is its focus on rural and semi-urban markets, with a robust network of channel partners and a community-driven approach.
“Srimoney is about creating opportunities for people who have long been left out of the digital revolution. It’s about empowering the community and creating income streams for small businesses. We’re not just offering services; we’re providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to thrive,” says Manish Kumar, the heart and soul of Srimoney.
Empowering Rural Communities
The most powerful impact of Srimoney is its direct contribution to financial inclusion. By equipping local agents, shopkeepers, and micro-entrepreneurs with the technology and support to offer services such as digital payments, insurance, and travel bookings, Srimoney is reshaping how people in rural India access financial services. With its zero-investment business model for partners, Srimoney has provided earning opportunities for thousands of unemployed youth, women, and small business owners who would otherwise have been excluded from the formal economy.
For the rural customer, Srimoney offers a much-needed lifeline. Through its platform, they can access banking services, book tickets for travel, pay bills, and even purchase insurance—all without having to travel to far-off cities. This convenience, combined with the trust that Srimoney builds within communities, is changing lives and livelihoods across India’s smallest towns.
Challenges Faced: From Humble Beginnings to Innovation
Despite the vision and determination, Manish’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its hurdles. Starting with minimal funding, building trust in rural areas, and assembling a tech team with limited resources were all significant challenges. Yet, Manish’s commitment to his mission and the people he aimed to serve allowed him to turn these challenges into opportunities.
“In rural areas, the biggest challenge is the lack of trust in new technology. But once the community sees that you are there to help, not to take advantage, they open up. It takes time, but when you build trust, you gain loyalty. Patience and persistence are key.”
Drawing on his personal experience as a native of Bihar, where access to digital services remains limited, Manish worked tirelessly to ensure that Srimoney’s offerings were both accessible and relatable. His own struggles with technology and lack of access to modern services in his early years gave him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by his target audience. This empathy has been a guiding force behind Srimoney’s business model and growth.
Srimoney’s Vision for the Future
As Srimoney continues to grow, Manish envisions expanding its portfolio even further. In addition to the current services, the company plans to venture into rural banking and payment solutions, micro-lending, insurance claim assistance, and even digital banking kiosks. By establishing these services in every village and town, Srimoney aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that will not only provide services but also foster entrepreneurship and digital literacy across India’s hinterlands.
“Our vision is to become a one-stop digital service platform for every village and town in India. We want to bring financial services, travel bookings, and even government services closer to the people. We are not just building a business; we are building a new wave of digital entrepreneurship in rural India.”
The Impact on Society and Market
Srimoney’s impact is not just about numbers or profit. It’s about creating a positive societal change. By making digital financial services more accessible, Srimoney is contributing significantly to the government’s goal of financial inclusion, while also empowering local entrepreneurs. This model has the potential to disrupt the rural economy, providing small business owners with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
In recognition of its efforts, Srimoney has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 10 Most Recommended FinTech Startups in 2023 by CIO Insider, and the 10 Most Promising FinTech Companies in 2024 by Finance Outlook. Additionally, the company won the Eminence MSME Award 2024 for Social Impact in Financial Services from the Rotary Club.
Inspiration and Leadership
While Manish’s journey has been marked by perseverance, it is also driven by the values of empathy and service. His professional inspiration comes from the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, whose story of overcoming adversity and serving the nation continues to inspire him.
“Dr. Kalam’s life was a testament to the power of vision and hard work. He always said that the youth of India are the future, and that they should be empowered to bring about change. His words deeply resonate with my mission at Srimoney.”
This philosophy of service, rooted in empathy and vision, has become the bedrock of Srimoney’s growth. Manish leads by example, showing that even the most modest beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes if there is a clear purpose and unwavering commitment.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Manish offers a simple but profound piece of advice: “Start small, think big, and stay consistent. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions; use what you have and make it work. The journey of entrepreneurship is not about having all the answers but about learning, adapting, and building trust.”
As Srimoney continues its growth trajectory, Manish’s journey serves as a reminder that the most impactful businesses are often those built with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Through Srimoney, he is not only changing the way rural India accesses financial and travel services, but also paving the way for a new era of digital entrepreneurship that will empower the country’s future leaders.
Srimoney’s story is a shining example of how one man’s vision can transform not only an industry but also the lives of thousands of people, creating opportunities and a more inclusive future for all.
