Ascent Platform Experiences Exponential Growth and Expansion in 2024
In an era where fintech solutions are becoming paramount for financial institutions, Ascent Platform has set a remarkable standard. Founded just a year ago, Ascent has already established itself as a frontrunner in digital experience solutions tailored for the financial sector. As 2024 concludes, the company reflects on a year filled with significant milestones that lay the groundwork for thrilling advancements in the years to come.
At the beginning of 2024, Ascent made waves by launching off its development phase. The announcement of a pivotal partnership with MSU Federal Credit Union marked a strategic move that aimed to revamp business and commercial lending models for credit unions. The swift response from the market validated the need for modern solutions, prompting Ascent to close a $5.3 million venture funding round shortly afterward. This funding, led by noteworthy investors such as Foundation Capital and TruStage, not only facilitated product development but also expanded Ascent's capabilities to cater comprehensively to the diverse needs of financial institutions.
In a bid to accommodate its growing operations, Ascent doubled its workforce this year. The shift included significant expansions in its United States-based teams and product development engineers stationed in Scotland. The company also bolstered its advisory board, welcoming industry stalwarts like Bryan Clagett, an eminent fintech expert, alongside recognized leaders such as Robert Davis from the mortgage industry and Kirk Kordeleski, a notable figure in credit unions. Additionally, Kevin Porter, a thought leader in digital transformation, joined the ranks, further strengthening Ascent’s market influence.
The company’s increasing footprint in the fintech ecosystem was punctuated by its participation in prominent accelerator programs, including Project Fintech's National Accelerator and the Conquer Finance Insurance Accelerator in partnership with MSUFCU. Ascent’s recognition as a finalist for the "Customer Journey and Experience" award by Fintech Futures underscored the company’s efficacy in addressing the challenges faced by financial institutions.
In parallel with these developments, Ascent launched its innovative podcast series, "Counting Change," dedicated to exploring the dynamics of community finance and technology. The podcast, hosted by CEO Arjun Sahgal and UX designer Rachel Reid, quickly gained traction, featuring insights from industry leaders such as Ben Maxim and Jason Henrichs. Recently, Season 2 kicked off with a discussion led by CSI’s Tara Schultz, focusing on the future prospects of fintech partnerships.
Reflecting on the stellar achievements of 2024, Arjun Sahgal expressed gratitude towards the team, partners, and early adopting clients for their unwavering support in pioneering transformation within the financial sector. He remarked, "It has been a remarkable journey, and we are deeply appreciative of the trust our partners have placed in us. We have ambitious goals as we head into 2025, and we are poised to take our innovations even further."
Ascent Platform stands as a pivotal player in reshaping the financial landscape. By integrating sophisticated digital solutions, it replaces cumbersome processes with intelligent applications and forms that optimize customer interactions while easing the workload on banking staff. The platform's no-code capabilities allow institutions to swiftly implement customized solutions, enhancing both usability and engagement without disrupting existing workflows.
With a strong foundation set in its inaugural year, Ascent is well-positioned to drive further changes in the fintech space in the year ahead. The collaborative spirit showcased through strategic partnerships and community engagement initiatives speaks volumes about Ascent’s vision—a vision committed to elevating the standards of digital experiences in finance. As we look ahead, all eyes will certainly be on Ascent Platform as it navigates the evolving landscape of financial technology and continues to redefine customer experiences within the sector.