Last week, Ankur Ghosh, the CEO of SSV Capital Ltd, provided insights on the company's progress to date. Specifically, Ghosh discusses the upcoming soft launch of SmartPay at the House of Commons, SSV's expansion into the global proptech market, and the establishment of a fund in Luxembourg. He elaborates on the company's achievements and future plans, emphasizing the commitment to leveraging open banking and delivering groundbreaking solutions.
Thomas Warner (TW): With all the activity at SSV Capital recently, can you give us an overview of your key achievements since we last spoke?
Ankur Ghosh (AG): Absolutely. SSV Capital has been progressing on multiple fronts. We're now a listed company with an LEI number from the London Stock Exchange, which has been well-received by clients. Our primary focus remains on GP Jenkins, but the development of our fintech solution, SmartPay, along with our proptech and fund projects, has been significant. We're excited for the soft launch of SmartPay at the House of Commons, a revolutionary QR payment solution underpinned by open banking. Our proptech platform, after thorough testing, is set to launch globally next quarter. Additionally, we're establishing a £50 million fund in Luxembourg, showcasing our strategic growth and investor confidence.
TW: The soft launch of SmartPay at the House of Commons is a notable event. Can you tell us more about that?
AG: Certainly. We're receiving an award for innovation and excellence, which prompted us to choose the House of Commons for our soft launch, initially planned for November 15th. This launch marks the beginning of a three-month journey towards the commercial release of SmartPay, highlighting our commitment to innovation in fintech.
TW: Why choose Luxembourg for your £50 million fund?
AG: Luxembourg is a hub for the alternative investment fund market. The LPs prefer investing through Luxembourg-based funds. Our research and discussions with VCs and angel investors confirmed this. We've signed an agreement and, in the next five to six months, aim to cover all aspects of this initiative, including integrating cross-border payments with SmartPay, further connecting our fintech and proptech endeavours.
TW: How do you manage investor relations, given the complexity and scope of SSV Capital's projects?
AG: That's a great question. Explaining our multifaceted approach, which includes asset management and our move towards an investment banking setup, is indeed challenging. Our 12-member Investor Relations team plays a crucial role in communicating with high-net-worth individuals and sophisticated investors. Our detailed pitch decks and financial forecasts help convey our strategic alignment with current market trends and investment potential.
TW: Lastly, what should people expect from SSV Capital in the coming months?
AG: The next three to six months are pivotal. We're focusing on the successful roll-out of SmartPay and further innovations in proptech. Our strategy is to follow one course until successful, ensuring our initiatives in fintech, proptech, and fund management reach their full potential. We've garnered significant investor interest and awards, like the recent accolade from The Times Group in India. Our focus now is on overcoming challenges and continuing our growth trajectory.