Findependent is a company.
Findependent has raised $2.2M across 2 funding rounds.
Key people at Findependent.
Findependent has raised $2.2M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Findependent has raised $2.2M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Findependent's investors include Tobias Reichmuth.
Findependent AG is a Swiss fintech company offering simple, affordable ETF-based investment solutions via a user-friendly app, targeting long-term savers including beginners and families. Founded in 2019 and FINMA-authorized, it provides four pre-built portfolios (e.g., 98% stocks) using physically replicating ETFs, plus custom options from ~40 ETFs including ESG and SRI variants, with features like child portfolios and multiple goal-based "pots."[1][2][3][4] It serves retail investors in Switzerland starting from CHF 500, with no fees on the first CHF 2,000, free deposits/payouts, and no minimum term; as of January 2025, it has over 20,000 customers and CHF 220m+ in assets under management (AUM), up from CHF 100m in April 2024.[1][3]
The mission is to democratize investing like digital banks (e.g., Neon) did for banking—simple, digital, transparent, and low-cost—using passive, diversified index strategies without currency hedging to minimize fees.[2][3][5] This positions Findependent as an accessible entry for novices, with strong growth via word-of-mouth and features like transparent ETF disclosures.[1][4]
Findependent was founded in June 2019 by Matthias Bryner, inspired by his experience at digital bank Neon, where he saw demand for user-friendly, affordable financial tools.[1][3] Bryner aimed to replicate that excitement for investing, creating an app for seamless ETF access without complexity.[3][5] Key co-founders and team include Beat Müller (software), Kay Foerschle (marketing), Tobias Hochstrasser (portfolio management), Shari Kalmar (content), Michael Röthlisberger (software), Tobias Katzfuss (operations), and Jordan Frey (customer success), forming a young, dynamic group focused on simplicity for novices.[3][7][8]
The company launched publicly in February 2021 after friends/family and investors like Backbone Ventures provided seed funding; the team retains ~50% ownership.[1][4] Pivotal moments include rapid scaling to 10,000+ clients and CHF 100m AUM by April 2024, a board change with Philipp Marti as Chairman in February 2024, and a June 2024 crowdfunding campaign targeting CHF 2-5m to boost customer loyalty via co-ownership.[3][4]
Findependent rides the fintech democratization wave in Switzerland, simplifying ETF investing amid rising retail interest post-low-rate era, much like Neon/Viac disrupted banking.[3][5] Timing aligns with growing demand for affordable, digital passive strategies as traditional investing remains complex/expensive for small savers.[5] Market forces favoring it include Switzerland's high savings culture, ETF popularity (broad diversification at low cost), and regulatory trust via FINMA authorization.[1][4]
It influences the ecosystem by lowering barriers—e.g., child accounts promote generational wealth-building—and fostering transparency, pressuring incumbents while building a loyal base through co-ownership.[4] As a startup with CHF 220m AUM, it exemplifies fintechs blending app UX with compliant asset management, accelerating passive investing adoption.[1][2]
Findependent's trajectory points to continued AUM growth toward CHF 500m+ by 2027, fueled by crowdfunding success, portfolio expansions, and viral beginner appeal amid volatile markets favoring diversified ETFs.[1][3][4] Trends like ESG demand, AI-driven personalization, and regulatory pushes for retail access will shape it, potentially adding robo-advisory or crypto ETFs while maintaining simplicity.[2]
Its influence may evolve from niche disruptor to mainstream player, empowering more Swiss households toward financial independence—tying back to its core mission of uncomplicated, transparent investing for all.[3][9]
Key people at Findependent.
Findependent has raised $2.2M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $2.0M Seed in June 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2024 | $2.0M Seed | Tobias Reichmuth | |
| Nov 1, 2021 | $160K Seed | Tobias Reichmuth |
