South African firm Fintr uses gamification to educate youngsters about money management. Fintr promises to make money learning fun with superhero-themed stories, practical financial exercises, and competitive incentive systems. The platform instills excellent financial habits in children to prepare them for financial success.
Fintr: Bridging the financial education gap
In 2021, Elijah Djan and Danei Rall created Findamentals, Fintr’s parent firm. Djan and Rall taught money management in their undergraduate years because their families rarely discussed financial literacy.
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Djan recalled, “Navigating the complexities of money management became a self-taught journey during our university years. Last year, we met a lecturer who discussed her financial path. After hearing the lecturer’s words, we realised we shared a love for inspiring people with the knowledge we had gathered.
Findamentals was established to help people avoid their childhood problems. Through Fintr, the organisation helps young people make informed financial decisions early in life, securing their financial prospects.
Game On: revolutionising education with gamification
Djan and Rall realised that workshops, books, and long web videos bore audiences. To remedy this, they used gamification—game-like aspects to engage and learn.
Djan stated, “Learning about money is often dull and uninspiring, with most resources limited to in-person workshops, books, or lengthy YouTube videos. We propose a solution that teaches knowledge and changes behaviour.”
He added that several academic studies have shown that game-based learning can promote enduring change. Fintr aims to raise financially literate kids by making education engaging and interactive. Games help the startup make learning more fun and effective.
Since 2023, approximately 1,000 people have played Fintr’s digital games. The platform continues to grow with FinMaster, a modern-day Monopoly board game. The game teaches financial concepts through gameplay and is preordered.
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The impact of Ed-Tech on financial literacy education
Fintr, a South African company, is integrating its Fintr4Schools digital solution and FinMaster board game into Grade 7 EMS. The goal is to make financial literacy more practical and engaging for pupils.
Through its Pathways initiative, Fintr has received money from the World Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and E Squared. Injini’s ed-tech accelerator accepted 12 startups, including the company.
Fintr makes money by selling annual school licenses for its digital solution and FinMaster board games online. The business is pursuing partnerships to produce specialised games for banks and financial organisations.
Financial literacy is difficult to prove, but Fintr wants to change how young people learn about money. The founders believe their method can change the world by equipping young people with financial knowledge and tools.