NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lenddo, a technology startup that is economically empowering the middle class in developing countries, today announced the launch of its free app. The Lenddo app has integrated with the Facebook platform to help people connect their social media accounts, build their trustworthiness and access real-time cash loans and finance management tips.
“In many emerging countries, it is cumbersome for people to prove their identity and access financial services,” said Richard Eldridge, Co-founder and COO of Lenddo. “We believe that in the era of social networks and smartphones, it should be easy for more people to get access to essential financial services. Building an app integrated with Facebook is important because it provides more convenient access to finance anywhere, plus in many markets, mobile access to the Internet with Facebook is bundled with the phone or much less expensive.”
“Social networks have enabled people to become more empowered by their reputation, helping them achieve their financial goals and ultimately provide them with something tailored for their individual needs,” said Jeff Stewart, CEO and co-founder of Lenddo. “The community has always been there, but with the help of technology, it is now more quantifiable and can be measured. We’re excited to be pioneering a new model that leverages innovative technology to help the middle class access much-needed financial services.”
The app allows members to join Lenddo, connect their social media accounts including Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Yahoo! and Twitter and obtain a LenddoScore. Based on the LenddoScore they are eligible to access financial products for educational purposes, healthcare, home improvement or small business support. The app also allows members to invite Trusted Friends to join their path to achieving their goals and act as character references for loans, bolstering the trustworthiness and financial credibility of the Lenddo community.
“We came up with this idea after being inspired by the pioneering microfinance work of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammed Yunus, who showed that loan systems operate more smoothly and accurately when credit is based on community referral and peer reinforcement,” said Stewart. “By building an app that’s integrated with Facebook, our goal is to encourage a more collaborative social community and extend superior financial services to a broader scope of deserving people.”
About Lenddo:
Lenddo's mission is to economically empower the middle class in developing countries. To accomplish this, Lenddo has created the world’s first online platform that allows members to use their online social connections to prove their trustworthiness and access local financial services.
