Fintech Review sat down with Alex Savin, Founder of Chrome Capital, to delve into the transformative impact of international tech investments on global markets. We discuss the strategic role of digital technology in enhancing societal benefits, address concerns about the sustainability of such investments, and examine significant trends shaping the future of fintech. From leveraging advanced analytics to exploring the potential of blockchain, our conversation covers the critical elements that ensure these technologies not only grow but also align closely with broader economic and ethical standards.
What is the story behind Chrome Capital?
Back in 2021, I ceased involvement with Elbrus Capital’s Russian projects, and have since officially resigned from all remaining executive roles and positions there to fully focus on international tech and consumer investments. In 2022, Chrome Capital was launched to deploy international capital in global tech markets, focusing on investments in the US, UK, Western Europe and emerging Asian markets.
It’s clear that our journey is only just beginning. Chrome Capital represents a commitment to investing in international, digitally enabled tech businesses with a strong social purpose. With each investment, we are not only seeking financial returns but also striving to make a positive impact on society.
What is your investment approach/thesis?
We invest in founders that have ventured beyond their home countries, standing out for their proven ability to take calculated risks and think outside the box. These individuals often bring with them a strong track record of achievements in their native markets, which they seek to replicate in new territories.
We particularly value founders with a proven track record, whether in their current venture or in previous endeavours.
What differentiates Chrome Capital from other VCs in terms of investment philosophy or value addition to portfolio companies?
Firstly, Chrome Capital’s active involvement remains unwavering regardless of the size of our stake in a business. Whether holding 1% or a substantial position, we devote all necessary resources and expertise to propel our investments forward.
We also provide comprehensive support for our portfolio companies. This extends beyond financial backing to encompass guidance, recruitment assistance, sales strategy refinement, securing financing, and leveraging our extensive network within the industry.
We are passionate about building long-term partnerships. These relationships extend far beyond individual projects, often spanning many years or even decades. It’s not uncommon for the founders we collaborate with to evolve into personal friends, underscoring the depth of our commitment.
Our focus isn’t just on building successful companies; it’s about doing so alongside good people. We place great emphasis on ethical conduct and the capabilities of the individuals driving our investments forward.
What are your views on the current challenges startups typically face in securing funding?
Many startups are facing what’s commonly referred to as a ‘Funding Winter,’ characterised by heightened difficulty in securing investments and lower valuations. Significant exits or IPOs have become very infrequent.
Investors, in turn, are grappling with uncertainty regarding potential exits, leading to a more selective approach and stricter terms when considering investment opportunities. This cautious stance stems from the challenges investors themselves face, including a scarcity of exits and the increased difficulty in raising funds.
Moreover, the fintech sector is now arguably beyond its peak popularity, presenting additional hurdles for startups operating within this category.
Major trends in fintech: What is hot and what is not?
Hot:
- Innovations connected with or leveraging AI technology.
- SaaS solutions within the fintech domain.
- Scalable ventures with well-established business models.
- Ingenious and unconventional ideas capable of disrupting sectors, particularly those in their early stages of development.
Not:
- Business models necessitating substantial investments before demonstrating profitability.
- Companies experiencing slow growth.
- Ventures attempting to disrupt sectors dominated by robust and agile incumbents effectively responding to emerging challengers.
Could you highlight any recent investments by Chrome Capital that showcase your focus areas?
- FinTech Farm is making significant strides in disrupting consumer banking within emerging markets through innovative partnership models. By leveraging local partnerships, they are effectively tapping into large Total Addressable Markets (TAMs). These partnerships provide access to local expertise, customer bases, and relationships with regulators, enhancing their ability to penetrate these markets successfully.
- TransferGo focuses on empowering migrants and other consumers by providing them with a seamless way to send money to their home countries. With a strategic focus on major geographic corridors, TransferGo aims to capture market share and position itself as the go-to provider for all financial needs of this customer group. This targeted approach allows TransferGo to address the specific needs of its customers while expanding its market presence efficiently.
Other innovations beyond fintech that you find particularly interesting?
As AI continues to evolve, its transformative potential becomes increasingly apparent in ways that might surpass our current comprehension. The pace of innovation in AI parallels that of the internet and mobile technologies, suggesting that its impact could be similarly profound, if not greater.
However, as AI advances rapidly, the ethical and philosophical considerations surrounding its development and implementation lag behind. This disjunction highlights the urgent need for addressing the ethical dilemmas to ensure the responsible and beneficial integration of AI into society.
While it may be challenging to monetise efforts focused solely on ethical priorities in the short term, they are essential for safeguarding the well-being of society in the long run. Despite the financial obstacles, urgent and concerted action is necessary to ensure that ethical considerations are not sidelined amidst the rapid pace of technological progress.