Optimo Capital Secures Major Funding
Prashant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, is back in the headlines—but this time with his fintech venture, Optimo Capital. The Bengaluru-based NBFC has raised Rs 150 crore ($17.5 million) in equity funding, led by Pitti himself, alongside existing investors Blume Ventures and Omnivore.
In addition, Optimo has secured Rs 110 crore in debt funding from IDFC First Bank and Axis Bank and is actively exploring co-lending partnerships with public-sector banks and large NBFCs.
A Fintech Built for Property-Backed Loans
Founded just 18 months ago, Optimo Capital focuses on digital loans against property (LAP), catering to small-business owners and self-employed borrowers who own real estate but often lack a strong credit history.
The company has already built a Rs 350 crore loan book and operates across 56 cities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, employing around 480 people.
Pitti emphasizes that Optimo’s approach bridges a major gap in India’s credit landscape: while many borrowers have property assets, limited credit history often prevents them from accessing affordable finance.
How Optimo’s Model Works
Optimo Capital disburses Rs 50-70 crore every month, with loan sizes ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The firm maintains gross NPAs at just 0.6%, well below the industry average of about 2%.
The company offers loans at a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 43%, allowing borrowers to access larger amounts at lower rates compared to unsecured credit options.
Funding to Fuel Technology and Expansion
The fresh capital is earmarked for several growth initiatives:
- Upgrading Optimo’s technology infrastructure
- Strengthening AI-driven underwriting and risk management systems
- Expanding into tier-III cities, tapping into underserved markets
The company expects to close the current fiscal year with a loan book of Rs 650-700 crore, signaling rapid growth in a short span.
Why Property-Backed Lending Matters
India’s mortgage-to-GDP ratio is only 9%, indicating massive untapped potential in property-backed lending. Optimo is targeting the mid-ticket LAP segment—a Rs 22 lakh crore opportunity, only 28% of which is currently served.
Reihem Roy, partner at Omnivore, said, “Optimo’s tech-first model is well positioned to bridge that gap, providing affordable credit to borrowers who traditionally struggled to access loans.”
With Pitti’s leadership and tech-driven approach, Optimo is poised to transform how small-business owners and self-employed professionals access credit in India.
The Road Ahead
Optimo’s growth story demonstrates how fintech innovation can unlock new opportunities in India’s lending ecosystem. By leveraging technology, AI, and data-driven underwriting, the company is creating a scalable model for property-backed lending that combines high loan access, low default risk, and affordable interest rates.
As Optimo expands into smaller cities and deepens its market penetration, it’s not just offering loans—it’s providing financial empowerment to underserved segments of India’s economy.
From EaseMyTrip to Optimo Capital, Prashant Pitti continues to make waves in India’s business landscape. With Rs 150 crore in equity funding, robust debt backing, and a tech-first approach, Optimo is set to redefine property-backed lending and unlock opportunities for thousands of small-business owners and self-employed borrowers.
