The Founder Files Building a Fintech for Financial Inclusion - Thomas Brennan, Franc
Only 7% of South Africans invest, but Franc is on a mission to change that. In this episode, we dive deep with Thomas Brennan, the co-founder and CEO of Franc, an investment marketplace that's making it easier than ever for South Africans to grow their wealth.
Join us as we explore how Franc cracked the code to product-market fit in a market where investing is rare. Thomas shares insider insights on customer acquisition, scaling strategies, and what it took for Franc to become a standout success.
We also uncover how Franc fosters a culture of innovation and autonomy within their team—a must-listen for leaders aiming to up their game. Plus, Thomas breaks down Franc’s journey from being predominantly B2C to exploring B2B opportunities, with lessons learned along the way.
From scaling challenges to cybersecurity and fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories from the frontlines of fintech innovation. Don’t miss it!
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This episode is brought to you by Metavolve.
Metavolve turns highly capable African founders into confident business leaders by helping them develop clear and comprehensive business strategies that make building a great sustainable business less complex. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/
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00:00 Introduction
02:06 Welcomes
02:53 Franc’s Business Model
15:33 Franc’s Founding Story
25:02 Finding Product Market Fit
38:06 Brought To You By Metavolve
39:28 How Franc Gets Customers In An Uneducated Market
44:04 Growing Revenue With Existing Customers
52:51 Crowd Sourcing Innovation Through The Team
01:00:42 Maximising Employee Productivity
01:07:46 Introducing A B2B Product
01:13:16 Managing Security & Regulation
01:18:22 Franc’s Geographical Expansion Strategy
01:26:19 Scaling Journey Challenges
01:29:05 What Does The Future Look Like For Franc & Thomas
01:30:51 Focus On The Why
01:32:39 Reflection