Grow (formerly Grouplend)

About Grow (formerly Grouplend)

Grow Technologies Inc., initially launched as Grouplend in 2014, represents a strategic pivot from a consumer-facing, peer-to-peer lending model to an enterprise-focused financial technology provider. Founded in Vancouver by Kevin Sandhu, a former investment banker, and Daniel Cowx, the company originally aimed to offer Canadian consumers a more efficient, online alternative for personal loans, connecting borrowers with both private and institutional investors. This initial model used data analytics to offer personalized rates and reduce overhead compared to traditional banks.

A significant evolution in its business strategy occurred as the company recognized a larger opportunity in empowering established financial institutions. Rebranding from Grouplend to Grow in November 2015 signaled a broader vision beyond lending to building a comprehensive digital finance platform. The company shifted to a business-to-business (B2B) model, providing its proprietary technology as a white-label solution for banks and credit unions. This enabled clients like First West Credit Union and National Bank of Canada to accelerate their digital transformation and enhance customer experiences. Grow's revenue model transitioned from direct lending to licensing its cloud-based software solutions to these financial partners.

The company's technology suite is designed to power a new generation of data-driven banking products. Its platform offers tools for instant digital customer onboarding, account opening, and personal loan origination. A key feature is its advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms, which help financial institutions automate compliance, verification, and credit decision-making processes, thereby improving operational efficiency. The acquisition also included the 'Finsnap' financial insights tool, designed to offer hyper-personalized customer experiences. This strategic shift culminated in its acquisition by ATB Financial in November 2019, which integrated Grow's team and technology to fast-track its own digital service offerings for retail and business customers.