Franc
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2017
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 2
About Franc
Franc is a South African financial technology company and licensed digital wealth manager focused on making saving and investing accessible through a mobile application. Its platform combines goal-based financial planning, automated portfolio guidance and access to collective investment funds. The business serves South Africa’s retail investment market, with offerings for individuals, families and businesses.
Founded in 2017, Franc began with a digital stokvel offering launched in 2018 before publicly launching its app in October 2019. Its development responded to barriers such as high minimum investment balances, complex fee structures, financial jargon and cumbersome paperwork. The platform allows users to begin investing without a minimum investment threshold and receive algorithm-driven guidance based on their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Savings and investment products
Franc provides access to cash and equity investments through a curated selection of funds. These include the Allan Gray Money Market Fund, the Satrix Top 40 ETF and Sygnia funds. Users can match investments to short-term savings targets or longer-term goals, while Tax-Free Savings Accounts provide an additional option for long-term investing. Dedicated Child Accounts allow families to save and invest for minors.
Alongside individual accounts, Franc facilitates community investing through a stokvel structure governed by its own constitution. The investment club contracts the company to administer and facilitate investments for its members.
Business solutions and financial education
Franc Pro extends the platform to businesses and employers through savings and micro-investing integrations for employee benefits and customer loyalty programmes. Its offering includes tools that can connect investment benefits with payroll and corporate programmes.
Financial education accompanies the investment products through Franc Academy, guided tutorials, investment masterclasses and the Francly Speaking blog. The company also publishes the Franc Wealth Index Report, examining financial literacy and investment behaviour in South Africa.
Franc operates as an authorised Financial Services Provider under the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and is also registered with the National Credit Regulator.
More about Franc
Founders and leadership
- Dr. Thomas Brennan is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. He holds a doctorate in machine learning from the University of Oxford and previously led Technology and Innovation at Discovery Health.
- Sebastian Patel is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, with an actuarial and financial services background.
Operating model
- The report describes an annual platform fee of around 1%.
- Franc's OfferZen company profile describes a hybrid working arrangement with four remote days and one office day per week.
Funding and development
Franc developed through the AlphaCode fintech incubation ecosystem. Reported funding milestones include a $300,000 seed round in 2020, an R8 million investment led by 4DX Ventures in 2022 and subsequent investment from Aions.
Industry recognition
The report credits Franc with the following awards:
- Best South African Solution at the MTN App of the Year Awards, 2019.
- Best Financial Solution at the MTN App of the Year Awards, 2022.
- Visa Everywhere Initiative Sub-Saharan Africa Social Impact Award, 2023.
- Startup of the Year at the South African FinTech Awards, 2025.
Notable credits
5 creditsOffices
Where Franc is based
- AlphaCode, 3rd Floor, 2 Merchant Place, Corner Fredman Drive & Rivonia Road, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2196, South AfricaSandton, Gauteng, South Africa
Sandton office
HeadquartersAbout this office
Corporate headquarters supporting executive management, software engineering and customer operations; also the company's registered legal domicilium.
- Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Johannesburg office
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