Monarch Just Turned the Fintech Freeze Into a $75M Warm-Up

Monarch has raised $75 million in Series B funding, one of the largest consumer fintech rounds in the U.S. this year so far. The company announced the raise as investor appetite for B2C fintech remains cautious, with much of the sector still in a deep freeze.

The San Francisco-based startup is now valued at $850 million, with the round co-led by Forerunner Ventures and FPV Ventures, and participation from Menlo Ventures, Accel, SignalFire, and Clocktower Ventures. Monarch’s subscriber base surged 20x after Intuit shut down Mint in early 2024, as consumers searched for alternatives.

Co-founder Val Agostino, previously an early product manager at Mint, built Monarch as a subscription-only app to track spending, manage investments, and plan financial goals; without relying on ad revenue or selling user data.


Why Monarch Stands Out

Founded in 2018 by Ozzie Osman, Jon Sutherland, and Val Agostino, Monarch set out to address some of the biggest frustrations with traditional personal finance tools: faster onboarding, cleaner budgeting, and a trust-based business model that puts the user first.

While many fintechs are struggling to grow, Monarch’s user-focused approach helped it absorb a wave of Mint users and maintain high engagement levels. Investor Wesley Chan of FPV Ventures said Monarch reminded him of other successful bets in complex markets; pointing to the app’s simplicity, shareability, and steady user growth.


A Rare Success in a Tough Market

According to PitchBook, U.S. fintech funding dropped 38% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter, with nearly 75% of capital flowing to enterprise startups. Consumer-facing fintechs have faced steep investor skepticism.

“This financing will dramatically accelerate our mission of building the most comprehensive financial wellness platform for consumers.”

Val Agostino, Co-founder & CEO, Monarch Money

In that context, Monarch’s raise signals that high-quality B2C models can still win over investors; if they solve real problems and retain users. Chan noted that down markets often highlight which founders are building for the long term.


Key takeaways for fintech startups

Here’s what fintech startups can learn from Monarch’s approach and momentum.

  • Capture momentum when markets shift: Monarch grew rapidly after Mint’s closure by being in the right place with the right product

  • Trust-based monetization matters: A subscription model aligned incentives with users; and appealed to investors

  • User experience is a differentiator: Clear design and ease-of-use still set winners apart in crowded categories

  • Investors are selective, not absent: Funding is available for standout consumer fintechs, even in a down cycle

Want to turn market shakeups into growth like Monarch? Contact us. We help fintech startups grow through smart strategy, bold positioning, and crisp execution.

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