Online Platform Intoo Facilitates Access to Credit for Small And Medium-Sized Companies
SAO PAULO, Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Intoo (www.intoo.com.br), created in the beginning of 2013, is a startup in the forefront of transforming the Brazilian economy. Founded by a team that includes former members of the financial market and cutting edge technology professionals, the company is making access to credit viable for small and medium-sized companies (known by the Portuguese acronym 'PMEs'). In doing so, this startup is also creating a new doorway for clients of banks and other lending institutions.
"Intoo was born of the need to facilitate access to the financial system for PMEs. These companies are the engine of the economy, but due to problems with information, bureaucracy and a lack of guarantees, they have difficulty getting credit, whether for working capital or for advances against receivables," says Arthur Farache, CEO of Intoo, formerly of Citibank.
"For banks, Intoo functions as a tool of Business Intelligence and prospecting for new clients with the desired profile, because it offers countless search criteria. This information helps the bank to do a better job of classifying clients and avoiding payment delinquency," says Bruno Oliveira Maggi, Director of Intoo, an attorney with a master's degree from the University of São Paulo (USP). The team is filled out by Luis Fernando Coutinho, formerly of Santander, with more than 20 years' experience at lending institutions.
In addition to reducing costs for banks, PMEs reap practical benefits by accessing in one place countless options for interest rates. There are more than 250 institutions in the country that can provide this kind of financing, and the interest charged may vary by as much as 3,600%, according to a survey done with data from the Banco Central. "A great many of the problems PMEs encounter in relation to credit can be solved through the use of technology, which brings down costs for companies and banks," says Farache.
Intoo's work has already won some seals of approval. Leonel Andrade, former President of Credicard and current CEO of Smiles, has become a mentor of the project and contributes his own time to advise the founders. In addition, Grupo Telefonica/VIVO and the Federal Government have made financial contributions in support of the idea, believing in its potential. INSPER and Harvard University have invited the team to introduce their business model in the HBS Brazil Faculty Immersion program
Pilot project
With its platform already on the air, Intoo is closing with three banks on a pilot project, but already has its eye on partnerships with other institutions and funds for investment in receivables (FIDCs – fundos de investimento em direitos creditorios).
For more information about Intoo:
Arthur Farache
[email protected]
Phone: (11) 5111 8274 / 3255 7441
Cell phone: 98388-8164
SOURCE Intoo - A maneira facil de pedir credito
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