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January

Category: AI in Fintech

January offers a digital-first, empathetic approach to debt collection. The platform uses data and machine learning to understand consumer behavior and preferences, creating personalized and flexible repayment options. January was founded in 2016. The company is led by Jake Cahan. Based in New York, USA; San Francisco, USA. Team size: 51-200. Total funding raised: $22M. Latest round: Series B. Key investors include ["Third Prime","Brewer Lane Ventures","Reciprocal Ventures","Foundation Capital"].

Founded
2016
Headquarters
New York, USA; San Francisco, USA
Team size
51-200
Total funding
$22M

Value proposition

January's value proposition is to provide a more humane and effective debt collection process. By using technology to offer flexible and personalized repayment plans, they aim to improve recovery rates for creditors while providing a better experience for consumers.

Products and solutions

["Digital Collection Platform: A white-label platform for creditors to manage their debt collection process.","Consumer Portal: A self-service portal for consumers to manage their debt and set up payment plans.","Compliance Engine: Ensures all communications and payment plans adhere to federal and state regulations."]

Unique value

January differentiates itself through its empathetic approach to debt collection, which is powered by machine learning. This allows for personalized outreach and flexible payment options, which is a departure from traditional, more aggressive collection tactics.

Target customer

Creditors such as banks, credit unions, fintech companies, and any business with outstanding receivables.

Industries served

["Financial Services","Fintech","Healthcare","Utilities"]

Technology advantage

The company's proprietary technology analyzes consumer data to predict the best time and method to contact them, as well as the most suitable payment plan. This data-driven approach leads to higher engagement and recovery rates.

How they differentiate

January focuses on a digital-first, empathetic approach, using machine learning for personalization. This contrasts with more traditional collection agencies and even some digital-first competitors that may not have the same level of personalization and flexibility.

Main competitors

["TrueAccord","Upgrade","PRA Group"]

Key partnerships

["The company works with various financial institutions and creditors. Specific names of partners are not publicly disclosed."]

Notable customers

["While specific customer names are not disclosed, they include leading banks, fintechs, and other creditors."]

Major milestones

["Successfully raised a $12M Series B round.","Expanded its platform to cover a wider range of debt types.","Has managed billions of dollars in consumer debt."]

Growth metrics

The company has reported significant growth in the number of consumers and creditors on its platform, but specific metrics are not publicly disclosed.

Market positioning

January is positioned as a modern, tech-driven solution for debt collection, appealing to creditors who want to improve their recovery rates while preserving their brand reputation and customer relationships.

Geographic focus

Primarily the United States.

Patents and IP

No public patents disclosed.

About Jake Cahan

Jake Cahan is the co-founder and CEO of January, a fintech company formerly known as Debtsy. He has held this position since August 2016. His professional background includes experience as an investor at Third Prime Capital and academic roles as a teaching assistant at Brown University and a research intern at Columbia University.

Official website: