Press

18 apps you should know that are changing the world for the better

May 3, 2022

The apps category of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards honors projects that live primarily in a mobile format, in any discipline. See the finalists and honorable mentions below, and read about the winner, an app that instantly turns your unwanted items into cash. Read More

SoLo Funds Bridges Corporate and Nonprofit Efforts to Jointly Impact Communities with new Amplify Fund

April 28, 2022

SoLo Funds leverages innovative community finance marketplace to launch a new initiative that enables corporations, nonprofits and local governments to increase access to emergency capital in local communities Read More

SoLo Funds releases the SoLo Wallet and seeks to empower borrowers

April 5, 2022

The FinTech company facilitates peer-to-peer loans to help underserved communities, making the process easier with its new wallet. Read More

10 fintechs creating an inclusive economy join Accenture lab

April 4, 2022

Addressing important issues of today from ESG to crypto, these 10 emerging tech startups are chosen for Accenture’s 2022 FinTech Innovation Lab New York Read More

10 Tech Companies Selected for 12th Annual FinTech Innovation Lab New York, Run by Accenture and Partnership Fund for New York City

March 29, 2022

Leading financial services firms to mentor financial technology entrepreneurs whose solutions address key industry themes, including sustainability and cryptocurrencies. Read More

Meet The AFROTECH™ Future 50

February 21, 2022

AFROTECH is honoring individuals across the tech industry — including the disrupters, innovators, wealth-makers, and overall game-changers in the industry in honor of Black History Month. Read More

The Road to the FinTech Innovation Lab 2022: Our Global Search for the Best in Tech

February 10, 2022

Before each new class of the FinTech Innovation Lab, we survey the technology priorities of senior financial services executives from over 40 leading firms. Based on their 2022 technology “wish list,” we put out a global search for next-generation solutions around blockchain, cyber-tech and resiliency, the future of work, financial inclusion, sustainability, and more. Read More

SoLo Funds Makes Lending More Equitable

February 10, 2022

After the LIFToff Financial Impact Challenge, SoLo Funds received an investment from Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs to further their mission of bringing more equity and opportunity to short-term lending. Read More

Back to Blog A Baker’s Dozen of African American Influencers in Fintech and Financial Services

February 9, 2022

As part of Finovate’s continued commemoration of Black History Month, we’re showcasing some of the African American fintech and financial services influencers and leaders who are driving innovation and inclusion in our industry. Read More

Democratizing Access to Capital in Times of Need

February 8, 2022

To kick off The Higher Purpose Venture Capital Blog in earnest, I am excited to present SoLo Funds, a company that embodies solving a major problem that is driven by wealth inequality: access to capital in times of urgent need. Read More

Bridging the Gap: A Conversation with Rodney Williams of SoLo Funds

February 1, 2022

Finovate starts its African-American History Month ceremony with a conversation with Rodney Williams, co-founder of SoLo Funds. Along with business co-founder Travis Holoway, Williams was called to Cause Artist’s “40 Social Entrepreneurs to Watch for in 2022.” Read More

40 Social Entrepreneurs to Watch for in 2022

January 11, 2022

This marks the 9th edition of the Causeartist – Social Entrepreneurs to Watch for List. Read More

Seven Tech Startups To Watch Out For In 2022

January 3, 2022

From cheaper 3D printing to optimizing delivery routes, here are seven tech companies who could spark revolution in 2022. Read More

Equitable and Community-Focused: Meet the Future of Fintech

December 3, 2021

B Corp SoLo Funds Aims to Build a Financial Ecosystem for Underserved Communities Read More

SoLo Funds Becomes The Only Black-Owned Fintech Startup To Acquire B Corp Certification

December 2, 2021

SoLo Funds is a capital marketplace reimaging how traditional lending platforms should operate in communities. Read More

SoLo Funds Solidifies Dedication to Underserved Communities with B Corp Certification

December 2, 2021

SoLo Funds is the only Black-owned financial services Certified B Corp in US & Canada Read More

How SoLo Funds Is Bringing Equity To Financial Services

November 29, 2021

Cofounder Rodney Williams has created an easy and effective way for everyone to safely borrow the money they need on their own terms. Read More

How SoLo Funds Is Bringing Equity to Financial Services

November 29, 2021

In 2015, Rodney Williams, a serial entrepreneur and founder of LISNR, wanted to find ways to bring equity to financial services. Read More

101 Best United States FinTech Startups – The Future of FinTech

November 28, 2021

This article showcases our top picks for the best United States based FinTech companies. Read More

SoLo Funds Launches SoLo Causes to Further Commitment to Local Communities

November 20, 2021

SoLo Funds (“SoLo”), an innovative capital marketplace for emergency loans today announced the launch of SoLo Causes, its corporate philanthropic initiative. Read More

SoLo Funds Launches SoLo Causes to Further Commitment to Local Communities

November 19, 2021

Habitat for Humanity International and United Way are the first SoLo Causes partners Read More

Habitat for Humanity and United Way Partner with SoLo Funds’ New Initiative SoLo Causes: ‘Make an Impact’

November 16, 2021

“I think we can be a model that companies can do well and do good at the same time and that people should be prioritized over profits,” SoLo Funds co-founder Rodney Williams tells PEOPLE Read More

SoLo Funds adds Board Member and Director of Growth to Team

November 4, 2021

SoLo Funds, Inc. (“Solo”), an innovative consumer finance marketplace, today announced the addition of Faith Sedlin and Nicole Bayard to the SoLo team. Faith joins as the company’s newest Board Member, focusing on product innovation, growth, and supporting SoLo’s Founders. Nicole will serve as SoLo’s Director of Growth, leading a cross-functional team to drive growth through strategic product initiatives, market expansion, and community engagement. Read More

Financial institutions that leverage underserved communities should provide value to those communities

October 27, 2021

It’s on financial institutions to build dignity and value for all of their members, not just the wealthiest. Read More

Endeavor Supports SoLo Funds’ Global Market Research

October 18, 2021

For SoLo Funds Co-Founders and Endeavor Entrepreneurs Rodney Williams and Travis Holoway, providing international access to small dollar loans has always been part of the long term plan. Read More

SoLo Funds appoints COO to continue promoting financial autonomy for all

October 7, 2021

Seth Metcalf joins the company as COO from a high-growth insurtech leader Read More

People over profits: one company’s new take on lending

August 13, 2021

SoLo Funds helps underserved consumers while providing better options for both borrowers and lenders Read More

Calling all fintechs driving financial inclusion around the world

July 12, 2021

Early-stage startups focused on delivering better access to low-income customers and micro and small enterprises can now apply to Visa’s Inclusive Fintech 50 program. Read More

How one company combats predatory loans and the never ending cycle of debt for Black Women

June 29, 2021

SoLo Funds, an online community co-founded by two BIPOC financial services leaders, exists where members can request and fund short-term needs in a non-predatory and accessible way. Read More

Poll: 4 in 10 U.S. adults willing to go into debt for indulgences

June 9, 2021

And as the pandemic begins to wind down, more than half plan to spend in at least one nonessential category Read More

Dave Inc. to Merge With SPAC in $4 Billion Deal

June 7, 2021

Mid-Wilshire-based banking app developer Dave Inc. said on June 7 that it plans to go public through a merger with a Chicago-based special purpose acquisition company that gives the fintech a $4 billion valuation. Read More

Beyond Payday Loans: More Startups And VCs Bank On Subprime Lending Alternatives

May 13, 2021

Los Angeles-based SoLo Funds raised $10 million in Series A funding, led by ACME Capital. The company is building a new type of peer-to-peer lending group in which strangers fund strangers asking for short-term personal loans for immediate needs. Read More

World Changing Ideas Awards 2021: On The Rise (0-4 Years In Business) Finalists and Honorable Mentions

May 4, 2021

Companies that have achieved incredible impact and have been in business under 4 years. Read More

World Changing Ideas Awards 2021: Apps Finalists and Honorable Mentions

May 4, 2021

Projects that live primarily in a mobile format, in any discipline. Read More

Meet the 5 startups selected for the first Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator cohort

April 23, 2021

Five companies—including Milwaukee-based Tip a ScRxipt—have been chosen to participate in the inaugural cohort of the new accelerator program, which is run by gener8tor. Read More

Platform Capital invests into SoLo Funds, an innovative peer-to-peer financing platform in USA

April 14, 2021

Platform Capital (“Platform”), a leading growth markets investor, is pleased to announce its investment in and partnership with SoLo Funds Inc. (“SoLo”), an innovative and proprietary peer-to-peer financing platform based in the USA that has revolutionized the access to and supply of short-term funds for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Read More

SoLo Funds Banks $10M Series A For Peer-to-Peer Lending

February 16, 2021

SoLo Funds is building an alternative to predatory lending through a new type of peer-to-peer lending in which strangers fund strangers asking for short-term personal loans for immediate needs. “Even before the pandemic, 70 percent of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck, and many didn’t have $400 in their savings account,” Travis Holoway, co-founder and CEO of SoLo Funds told Crunchbase News. “More than half of the country has been waiting on $600 for more than six months.” Read More

LA-based SoLo Funds raises $10 million to offer an alternative to predatory payday lenders

February 10, 2021

“For too long, there have been limited options for individuals in need of immediate funds due to unforeseen circumstances, like a shift in hourly schedules, unplanned car troubles or other cases,” said SoLo, co-founder and CEO Travis Holoway. “SoLo was created to offer safe, affordable options for borrowers that need cash quickly, while also creating a marketplace for lenders to grow capital and help community members in need. We believe that at the end of the day, people are innately honest and tend towards generosity, and our platform’s growth is further proof that people want to do good in the world and make an impact.” Read More

Fortune Term Sheet – The rise of friendship apps

February 10, 2021

“Coronavirus is accelerating existing digital trends” may be a phrase that has become overused at this point—but it still holds water. Today, small-dollar lending platform, SoLo Funds, announced that it raised $10-million to bolster its digital lending business. Read More

LA Peer-to-Peer Lending App SoLo Funds Raises $10M

February 10, 2021

SoLo Fund's target market has always been Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck. The peer-to-peer lending app sees itself as an alternative to high-interest payday lenders. "We were doing this before we realized how big this would be, and it was magnified by the global pandemic," said SoLo co-founder and CEO Travis Holoway. "It was an opportunity for many businesses." Read More

Short-Term Lending Shows Promise As Lifeline For Paycheck-to-Paycheck Consumer

February 10, 2021

As PYMNTS research has found, roughly 60 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. And statistics from the Federal Reserve show that even before the coronavirus devasted household finances, that on average, 40 percent of Americans have less than $400 on hand to cover emergencies. For these consumers, short-term lending may be a lifeline. As Travis Holoway, co-founder and CEO of SoLo Funds, told PYMNTS, Americans grappling with cash shortages and in need of funds to cover life’s basic necessities could benefit from a mobile peer-to-peer marketplace can help build long-term creditworthiness. Read More

81 startups that will boom in 2021, according to the startup experts: venture capitalists

January 20, 2021

Investors at the best venture capital firms name the startups poised for a big 2021 inside and outside of their portfolios and across industries. 2021 is fast approaching, and the startup market is red-hot as VCs fight harder than ever before to get into deals. Read More

Built In Honors SoLo Funds in Its Esteemed 2021 Best Places To Work Awards

January 7, 2021

Built In today announced that SoLo Funds was honored in its 2021 Best Places To Work Awards. Specifically, SoLo Funds earned a place on the Best Places to Work, Best Paying Companies, and Best Small Companies to Work For on Built In’s 2021 Los Angeles Lists. The annual awards include companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, nationally and in the eight largest tech markets and nationally. Read More

Established® Announces SoLo Funds Wins Startup of the Year at the 8th Annual Startup of the Year Summit

November 23, 2020

After a year-long, worldwide search for diverse early-stage startups, Established (the company behind Startup of the Year Summit) announced that SoLo Funds was named the Startup of the Year Champion at the first online Startup of the Year Summit on November 18. The Los Angeles, CA startup was represented by co-founder Travis Holoway. SoLo Funds is a mobile lending exchange that allows people seeking small-dollar loans to borrow from other individuals with financial means. Read More

Visa Expands Fast Track Program to Enable Next Generation of Fintechs to Rebuild the Global Economy

November 18, 2020

Fintech leaders around the world are increasingly choosing to work with Visa across key categories including digital wallets, digital banking, ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’, B2B payments, cross-border remittance, bill payments, payments infrastructure, and person-to-person payments. Recent examples of fintechs partnering with Visa include Affirm, BillGO, Finix, Gojek, PayPal, Rappi, Stripe, Varo Bank, and Venmo, among many others, such as SoLo Funds. With the expansion of Visa’s industry-leading Fast Track program, fintechs are armed with the tools to become category winners. Fast Track participation has grown 360% year-over-year, and Visa has welcomed hundreds of fintechs who are actively engaged in the program. Read More

New Daylight And Visa Partnership Fuses Tech And Inclusion For LGBT+ Banking

November 18, 2020

The modern world of finance and banking has complicated queer lives, with outdated banking IT systems that consistently deadname those who identify as trans or nonbinary. Same-sex couples face a 73% higher chance of being denied when they apply for a mortgage. Ask anyone who’s had to navigate the banking system while queer and you’ll likely hear a common refrain: “Banking and financial technology weren’t built for us.” Find out more about how SoLo is helping secure financing for traditionally marginalized groups. Read More

SoLo & Kiva – Partnering to Strengthen the Capital Ladder for Financially Excluded Americans.

June 16, 2020

For the lowest-income individuals, it’s disproportionately expensive to borrow money. With predatory interest rates and unattainable criteria, getting a loan in America is a defeating — if not dangerous — process for many. SoLo Funds and Kiva are partnering to strengthen the capital ladder for financially excluded Americans. Tackling the same problem through two different solutions, SoLo Funds and Kiva offer affordable loan products - one of personal lending, one of business lending. Through their respective communities of lenders, both SoLo Funds and Kiva have supported thousands of Americans — and now are forming a partnership. The aim is to build out the safe and reliable financing options available for low-income and financially excluded individuals and entrepreneurs. Read More

SoLo Inc. and Microloans During the Coronavirus Pandemic

April 23, 2020

Solo Funds Inc. and people on the technology-oriented financial platform is one positive outcome of this coronavirus. People have stepped up to lend to each other in times of need. SoLo Funds Inc. started with a simple mission, help those who need microloans in the United States and provide them with lower interest rate loans. The mission of SoLo Funds Inc. is to step up and help those who find themselves living paycheck to paycheck and assist them through trying times. It is a platform that makes a lot of sense during the coronavirus pandemic that is affecting people across the world. Read More

Online lending platform SoLo Funds opens spigot on interest-free peer-to-peer microloans for cash-strapped Americans

April 16, 2020

“We now are facing the greatest financial emergency the nation has ever faced in recent history,” says SoLo Funds co-founder and CEO Travis Holoway. “Thirty-four percent of Americans have zero dollars in savings. A few weeks ago people began to realize they may have only one or two paychecks left. Many have been furloughed and cannot go back to work.” Recognizing the urgent need facing families across America, Williams and his partner are relaunching their two-year-old online lending platform with a new model for peer-to-peer lending. It will provide microloans of between $50 and $1,000, with terms set by the borrower. There is no interest charged for the loans on the platform. Borrowers set their own terms, select the repayment date, how much they need, the reason they need it and what they would like to tip the individual lender. Tips are capped at 10%. “We didn’t build the platform knowing the coronavirus pandemic would happen, but now that this has happened, this is an option for an alternative form of financing,” Williams notes. “SoLo Funds is poised to enable $10 million in loans during this critical time.” Read More

House Financial Services Committee Hearing on the Future of Real-Time Payments

September 26, 2019

House Financial Services Committee Task Force on Financial Technology. “The Future of Real-Time Payments” Read More

Closing the gap: How to overcome obstacles as a female entrepreneur

July 19, 2019

Co-founder and CDO Taylor Bruno of SoLo Funds, says, “As a female co-founder in the predominantly male-led tech industry, I’ve worked for the last 10 years in close proximity to the challenges facing female entrepreneurs.” She says her approach has everything to do with relationships. Read More

SoLo Funds reaches $2 million worth of loan transactions in 11 months

April 23, 2019

SoLo Funds Inc CEO Travis Holoway tells Proactive Investors the California-based peer-to-peer lending platform company has processed $2 million worth of loans since it was launched almost one year ago, providing users with loans less than $1,000. Read More

Where customers are also lenders: One fintech’s payday alternative

April 4, 2019

SoLo Funds specializes in small-dollar loans with a $1,000 cap, allowing consumers to act both as lender and borrower. It's a market generally viewed as underserved given that banks generally avoid small-dollar loans because of compliance concerns. Travis Holoway, SoLo’s co-founder and CEO, started the company last year after he saw the relatively high fees and interest rates charged by many payday lenders. Read More

Interview: Travis Holoway, CEO & Co-Founder of SoLo Funds

March 12, 2019

"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable because it’s critically important for both personal and professional growth.” Travis Holoway is the co-founder and CEO of SoLo Funds, a mobile lending exchange that connects lenders and borrowers for the purpose of providing more affordable access to loans under $1,000. SoLo was created to disintermediate the predatory payday lending system. Today, SoLo is one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in the country." Read More

An App For Borrowers Living Paycheck To Paycheck

August 21, 2018

How does SoLo work? Potential borrowers are vetted with a scoring process that includes information like cash flow history, as well as social data, such as how many friends someone has on Facebook. Borrowers and lenders also provide access to their bank accounts, to make money transfers easier and automatic. Read More

How Digital Disbursements Tools Are Changing Low-Dollar Lending

August 2, 2018

“Technology like Venmo and Cash App have made it really easy for people to ask for money because it’s no longer a convoluted process,” Holoway said. “I just assumed there had to be someone using the same technology for lending, but when I looked for that solution, I couldn’t find it. What we’re trying to do is bring that technology to lending.” Read More

SoLo Funds gets $1.2M to expand its affordable loaning platform

April 5, 2018

In addition, most of the times these financial instruments are not focused on small amounts, which is not useful for people going through a short financial struggle. In order to solve all these issues, we have SoLo Funds, a lending exchange that allows people to obtain loans of small amounts (under $1,000). The idea for SoLo came from the fact that its founders were often faced with loan requests of small amounts from their family and friends. Realizing that there are currently a lot of ways to easily send money to any two people, they tried to find a solution that made these loans possible but was not successful. Read More