TheCconnects: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Mehra. Your work with BankU India is creating ripples in the fintech world. Can you walk us through your professional journey and how you arrived at the helm of this innovative neo-banking platform?
A K Mehra: My pleasure, and thank you for having me. My journey started in Bihar, where I grew up witnessing the challenges small businesses and rural communities faced in accessing financial services. I studied at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University and later at L.N. Mishra Institute, focusing on business development and arts. Those years shaped my understanding of grassroots economics.
Early in my career, I worked in business analysis roles, diving deep into financial systems and processes. I saw how traditional banking often overlooked small enterprises, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. That gap inspired me to found BankU India in 2022. My goal was to build a platform that didn’t just mimic global neo-banking models but addressed India’s unique financial landscape, leveraging technology to empower the underserved.
TheCconnects: That’s a powerful origin story. Who has been the most influential figure in shaping your approach to leadership and entrepreneurship?
A K Mehra: My father, a small business owner himself, was my biggest influence. He ran a modest trading business in Patna and faced constant hurdles, high loan interest rates, bureaucratic red tape, and limited access to modern banking tools. His resilience taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit; it’s about solving real problems for real people. He also instilled in me the value of transparency, which is why I’ve been so open about BankU’s vision and our upcoming fundraising round. His belief that trust is the foundation of any business drives me to build partnerships, not just transactions.
TheCconnects: Speaking of challenges, what have been some of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced in building BankU India, and how did you overcome them?
A K Mehra: The biggest challenge was convincing stakeholders, both investors and customers, that a neo-bank focused on rural and semi-urban India could scale. Many doubted the market potential, assuming digital banking was only for urban, tech-savvy users. We overcame this by starting small, piloting our services in 100 rural clusters in Bihar. We offered simple, user-friendly tools like UPI and micro-ATMs, which gained traction quickly. Data from those pilots showed a 30% increase in transaction volumes for small businesses within six months, which helped build credibility.
Another hurdle was regulatory compliance. Navigating India’s complex financial regulations as a fintech startup is daunting. We invested heavily in building a robust compliance framework, working closely with RBI guidelines and partnering with legal experts to ensure our API infrastructure and KYC processes were airtight. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught us that compliance isn’t a barrier, it’s a foundation for trust.
TheCconnects: That’s inspiring. What key lessons have you learned from your career that you’d like to share with our readers?
A K Mehra: First, listen to your customers, not just their words, but their struggles. At BankU, we spent months talking to MSME owners to understand their pain points, which shaped our cash flow tools and loan products. Second, transparency is a superpower. Being open about our goals, like our $25 million fundraising plan, has attracted partners who share our vision. Finally, don’t fear failure, it’s a teacher. Early on, we launched a feature that flopped because we misjudged user needs. Instead of scrapping it, we iterated based on feedback, and it’s now one of our most popular tools.
TheCconnects: Let’s talk about the digital space. What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands, especially in fintech, in today’s hyper-competitive market?
A K Mehra: The biggest challenge is building trust in a crowded digital ecosystem. Customers are bombarded with options, apps, platforms, and promises of “easy money.” For fintech brands, the hurdle is proving reliability while delivering seamless experiences. Cybersecurity is a huge part of this; a single data breach can erode years of trust. At BankU, we address this by prioritizing end-to-end encryption and educating users about safe digital practices. Another challenge is differentiation. Many fintechs copy global models, but India’s diversity demands localized solutions. That’s why our platform focuses on vernacular interfaces and tools tailored for MSMEs, which sets us apart.
TheCconnects: How does BankU India specifically address the pain points of your customers, particularly small businesses and rural users?
A K Mehra: Small businesses often struggle with cash flow management, access to credit, and navigating complex banking processes. Our neo-banking platform simplifies this. For instance, our MSME-focused current accounts come with integrated cash flow tools that provide real-time insights into revenue and expenses, something traditional banks rarely offer at this level. Our micro-loan products are designed with flexible repayment schedules, addressing the irregular income cycles of small businesses. For rural users, our UPI and AEPS services enable transactions without needing a physical bank branch, which is critical in areas where the nearest bank is 50 kilometers away. We’ve also built an API stack that lets other fintechs integrate our services, creating a collaborative ecosystem.
TheCconnects: That’s a game-changer for financial inclusion. Shifting gears, what do you do in your free time to unwind or stay inspired?
A K Mehra: I’m a bit of a creative at heart. I spend time sketching and experimenting with Adobe Photoshop, it’s a great way to clear my mind and think visually. I also enjoy reading about global fintech trends and connecting with young entrepreneurs in Bihar through mentorship programs. On weekends, you’ll find me exploring local markets, talking to vendors, and getting a pulse on their financial needs. It’s not just relaxing, it keeps me grounded in BankU’s mission.
TheCconnects: You’re clearly passionate about your work. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the fintech industry?
A K Mehra: Start with a problem, not a product. Too many entrepreneurs build something shiny without understanding the market’s real needs. Spend time with your target audience, listen to their frustrations. Second, embrace partnerships. Fintech is complex, and no one can do it alone. Collaborate with regulators, tech providers, and even competitors to create value. Finally, be patient with growth. Scaling too fast without a strong foundation can backfire. At BankU, we spent two years refining our platform before expanding to 1000+ clusters. That patience paid off.
TheCconnects: As BankU prepares for its $25 million fundraising round, what’s your vision for the company’s future?
A K Mehra: We want to be the backbone of financial inclusion in India and beyond. Our goal is to reach 5000 rural and semi-urban clusters in the next three years, empowering 10 million small businesses with accessible banking tools. We’re also exploring cross-border expansion into South Asia and East Africa, where the need for neo-banking is immense. The fundraising will fuel our API infrastructure and AI-driven analytics to offer hyper-personalized solutions. Ultimately, I want BankU to be synonymous with trust and empowerment, not just banking.
TheCconnects: One final question: How do you balance innovation with the practical realities of running a fintech company in India?
A K Mehra: It’s a tightrope walk. Innovation requires bold thinking, whether it’s building a new API or launching a vernacular app. But India’s regulatory and cultural landscape demands pragmatism. We balance this by staying agile: we test small, learn fast, and scale thoughtfully. For example, our micro-ATM rollout started with just 10 villages, allowing us to refine the tech before going nationwide. I also believe in hiring diverse teams, engineers, bankers, and local community experts, who bring both creativity and grounded perspectives. That mix keeps us innovative yet practical.
TheCconnects: Mr. Mehra, your passion for redefining banking is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your insights with us.
A K Mehra: Thank you for the opportunity. I’m excited about what’s ahead for BankU and for India’s fintech ecosystem. Let’s keep the conversation going.
