Fintech startup Curie Money has received the final nod from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to roll out its UPI-based payment app across the country. With this regulatory clearance, Curie is transitioning from a closed beta phase to a full-fledged public launch on Android and iOS platforms.

This marks a major step for the company as it aims to transform digital payments by integrating savings and spending within one ecosystem, giving Indian users a new way to manage money efficiently.

Founders and Partners

Curie Money was founded by Arindam Ghosh and Tushar Choudhary, who envisioned a platform where users could earn returns while still enjoying the convenience of seamless UPI payments.

The company operates with an AMFI-licensed mutual fund distribution setup and has tied up with YES Bank as its banking partner. On the investment side, it collaborates with major asset management firms such as ICICI Prudential and Bajaj Finserv, ensuring credibility and stability in its offerings.

Innovative UPI Model

What makes Curie unique is the way it links mutual fund investments with everyday payments. Every UPI transaction on the app is executed by instantly redeeming the necessary amount from the user’s liquid mutual fund balance.

This means that instead of money lying idle in a traditional savings account, it is consistently working for the user in the background, earning up to 6.7% annualised returns, while remaining instantly accessible for digital transactions.

Global Systems Inspirations

Curie’s payment-linked investment model is inspired by money market fund systems in global economies, where consumers park money in liquid instruments while maintaining full liquidity.

The approach blends short-term returns with payment convenience, something that could disrupt India’s digital finance landscape by offering higher efficiency compared to standard UPI-linked savings accounts.

Funding and Growth Plans

In December 2024, Curie raised $1.2 million (around Rs 10 crore) in seed funding, led by India Quotient with participation from other institutional and angel investors. The fresh capital has been channelled into scaling its technology platform, building a stronger team, and expanding nationwide partnerships.

With NPCI approval now secured, the company is preparing to accelerate growth, targeting adoption across India’s tech-savvy urban population while also reaching emerging markets.

User Benefits Stand Out

By merging investments with payments, Curie is positioning itself as a next-generation fintech solution. Users not only get the advantage of earning steady returns but also the comfort of spending instantly, without the need to transfer money between wallets or accounts.

This dual benefit addresses a common pain point for Indian consumers who often struggle to balance returns and liquidity, making Curie’s offering a compelling alternative in the crowded UPI space.

Curie Money Business Model

At its core, Curie Money’s business model is designed to create a single ecosystem where payments and investments converge. Instead of functioning like a traditional wallet or bank savings account, the app allows balances to be invested in liquid mutual funds.

Whenever a UPI transaction is initiated, the platform instantly redeems the required amount from the investment pool and processes the payment. This ensures that user funds are never idle, always earning, and yet available for instant access.

By leveraging partnerships with banks and asset management companies, Curie ensures compliance, trust, and scalability. Its revenue stream comes from distribution fees and value-added services, while the user’s experience remains seamless, transparent, and rewarding.