In the heart of Delhi, behind the busy lanes of Tomar Colony, Burari, is the nerve center of a revolution in rural digital empowerment—SR Tech N Serve Private Limited, better known by its fintech brand Srimoney. At the helm of this transformative initiative is Manish Kumar, a visionary entrepreneur who turned his modest roots and deep understanding of rural India into a platform that is reshaping the financial landscape for millions.
From Bihar to Bharat: The Man Behind the Mission
Born and raised in a small town in Bihar, Manish Kumar always had an eye for change—change that empowers, uplifts, and connects. With over 18 years of experience working across companies in different roles, he saw a persistent void: the lack of accessible financial and digital services in semi-urban and rural areas. While the cities were enjoying the benefits of digital transformation, a significant portion of the population remained untouched.
At age 40, he took the leap that would define his legacy. Armed with a laptop, Rs.10 lakh in capital, and a burning desire to empower others, Srimoney was born on March 3, 2016—a humble initiative that would soon evolve into a movement.
“Coming from a small town and having struggled to access basic services myself, I knew what rural India lacked—and what it needed,” says Manish.
Srimoney: A Vision Rooted in Empowerment
Operating under SR Tech N Serve Pvt. Ltd., Srimoney was not just another fintech company. It was a platform designed to empower local entrepreneurs—especially youth, women, and small shopkeepers in tier-2, tier-3, and rural locations—by providing them the tools and technology to offer digital financial and travel services to their communities.
Today, Srimoney boasts a Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of Rs.100 Cr and an annual turnover of Rs.2 Cr, proving that social impact and financial growth can go hand in hand.
What Srimoney Does
Srimoney offers a multi-service platform that covers a wide spectrum of essential services:
- Banking services (Cash Withdrawal, Cash Deposit, mATM, POS, Payment Solutions)
- Travel bookings (Air, Bus, Train)
- Insurance products (Life, Health, Vehicle, Travel)
- Utility payments (Electricity, Water, Gas)
- Mobile/DTH recharges
- And expanding into services like PAN & GST, micro-lending, and digital banking kiosks
But what truly sets Srimoney apart is its Zero Investment Business Model—allowing anyone to become a service provider with minimal barriers to entry. With just a smartphone and a basic internet connection, local agents can begin offering these services, earn a steady income, and become digital enablers in their own right.
“Our goal was never just profit. It was always empowerment—creating an ecosystem where every village and town in India has access to essential digital services.”
A Business Model With a Soul
At its core, Srimoney’s model solves real-world problems:
- Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: It connects rural demand with urban-grade services.
- Creating Livelihoods: Especially for unemployed youth and women in underserved areas.
- Promoting Digital Literacy: Local merchants gain tech skills and confidence to operate in a digital economy.
- Fostering Self-Reliance: Villagers no longer need to travel to cities for basic financial tasks.
Srimoney’s growth is not measured merely in numbers, but in the countless lives impacted—the shopkeeper who now earns double through utility payments, the homemaker-turned-agent running a digital kiosk from her front porch, or the college student funding his education through commissions.
Challenges That Forged Character
Every entrepreneurial journey is marked by hurdles, and Manish Kumar’s was no different. Bootstrapped from day one, Srimoney had to build credibility in an environment where trust is hard-earned.
“Convincing rural communities to adopt digital platforms wasn’t easy. Many had never used digital banking before. Some didn’t even have smartphones,” Manish recalls.
Technical hurdles, limited resources, and resistance to change tested the team constantly. But what helped Manish was his deep-rooted empathy, his patience, and his commitment to the mission. By conducting workshops, offering localized support, and working closely with early adopters, the platform slowly gained traction.
“Trust is built person by person, conversation by conversation. That’s how we grew.”
The Strength of a Community-First Approach
Unlike many startups that focus on high-growth metros, Srimoney went the other way—focusing on “Bharat,” not just India. Its growth strategy revolved around partnerships, not transactions. Local agents weren’t just users—they were brand ambassadors, mentors, and stakeholders.
With a single registration, agents could access a full suite of services, backed by 24/7 support and regional training programs. This human-centric model built a network based on trust, familiarity, and loyalty.
“We didn’t create just a business. We created a family of digital entrepreneurs.”
Inspiration That Fuels the Mission
For Manish Kumar, inspiration comes from one of India’s most revered figures—Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. A fellow son of humble beginnings, Kalam’s legacy of dedication, simplicity, and nation-building left an indelible mark.
“Dr. Kalam taught us that greatness doesn’t come from status, but from service. That belief fuels everything we do at Srimoney.”
Recognition and Validation
The journey of Srimoney has not gone unnoticed. In recent years, it has earned several accolades that reflect both its business acumen and social impact:
- 10 Most Recommended FinTech Startups – 2023 by CIO Insider
- 10 Most Promising Fintech Companies – 2024 by Finance Outlook
- Social Impact in Financial Services – Eminence MSME Award 2024 by Rotary Club
These awards are more than just trophies—they’re reminders that purpose-driven entrepreneurship is the future.
The Road Ahead: Digitizing Every Indian Village
Srimoney’s next phase of growth is bold and ambitious. It envisions becoming a one-stop digital hub in every Indian village and town. Upcoming initiatives include:
- Digital Banking Kiosks with biometric verification
- Micro-lending services tailored for farmers and small business owners
- Insurance claim assistance to bridge awareness and accessibility
- PAN, GST, and Legal Services for micro-entrepreneurs
“We want to be the digital infrastructure for grassroots India,” Manish says. “Not just service providers—but enablers of dreams.”
Entrepreneurial Lessons From The Frontlines
From his journey, Manish Kumar offers rich lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Start small, but think big: Don’t wait for perfection. Begin with what you have.
- Solve real problems: The best ideas are born from observation, not imagination.
- Patience pays off: Building a lasting business takes time, especially in underserved markets.
- Empathy is your edge: Understand your users, live their reality, and build with compassion.
A Legacy in the Making
At 49, Manish Kumar is just getting started. His journey proves that entrepreneurship is not about flashy pitches or big valuations—it’s about impact, integrity, and inclusivity. From a laptop in Delhi to a movement touching every corner of Bharat, Srimoney is a shining example of how technology can truly democratize opportunity.
“If one village agent can send a child to school, reduce a family’s travel time, or help someone access insurance—they’ve already changed a life. And that’s what Srimoney is all about.”
