Defynance Holdings, Inc.'s original offering opened on October 6, 2020 and was completed on January 29, 2021. Except for the Updates section which may contain more recent information, the information on this page was accurate as of January 29, 2021.

Defynance Holdings, Inc.

Defynance eliminates student debt with its smart Income Share Agreement (ISA). We pay off student loans for qualified employed American workers and provide an investment platform supported by a career resources marketplace.

Introduction

We pay off student loans with debt-free income share agreements (ISA). We also offer a resources marketplace with various career and other resources to optimize earning potential and improve quality of life.

The Defynance investment opportunity lets you get in on the ground floor of a unique student loan refinancing solution designed to help solve the student debt crisis and empower financial freedom for our customers, investors, and users.

Deal Highlights

  • Earn dividends - When Defynance become profitable, our shareholders will start earning dividends.
  • Solve the student debt crisis - We believe that no one else is directly tackling the student debt crisis with a debt-free student loan refinancing solution.
  • Join our debt-free movement - Defynance is just starting. We have plans to expand and grow our offering and you may help define our journey. Plus, we'll be sure to thank you!

Problem

Sadly, student debt today is pervasive. It has become a full blown crisis! Its negative impact reaches across the demographic, racial, and income spectrum.

Here are the big numbers:

  • $1.6+ Trillion of student debt growing 10% annually
  • More than 45+ Million student loan borrowers
  • 2nd largest consumer debt behind mortgages but more than credit cards and auto loans
  • 70% of college students leave with student loans; many without even graduating
  • Student loan refinancing has strict approval criteria and mostly requires co-signers

Additional reading:

Problem

Solution

Defynance eliminates student debt and invests in the earning potential of our customers with our debt-free ISA student loan refinancing and investment platform, which has the following core offerings and benefits:

Debt-free ISA student loan refinancing

  • Multiple ISA terms from 5 to 15 years
  • Always affordable payments
  • Removes student loan debt from credit report
  • Automatic payment deferrals if income falls below $25,000
  • Scaling payment cap
  • Prepayment and buyout options
  • Cash back at the end of the ISA

Impact investment fund

  • Open to accredited investors
  • Generates passive quarterly income from all ISA contracts funded
  • Has low volatility with projected growing returns
  • Dynamic correlation with the market has recession hedging properties
  • Tax deferral benefits

Comprehensive resources marketplace

  • Career guidance, recruitment, upskilling, networking, and jobs
  • Entrepreneurship resources, support, and education
  • Credit building and repair
  • Financial tools, widgets, resources, and education
  • Wellness support for mental, spiritual, and physical health
Solution

Business Model

One Time

  • Student Loan Refinancing Customers pay a processing fee
  • ISA Refinancing Fund Investor pays a sales charge

Recurring

  • Monthly servicing fee from each income sharing payment
  • Quarterly fund management fees

Future Revenue

  • Plan to monetize resources marketplace in 2021
Business model

Market

We plan to target the higher end of the student loan spectrum by refinancing Graduate PLUS, Parent PLUS, and private student loans.

The student loan refinancing market is largely untapped because existing lenders have:

Defynance is not a lender. We invest in the earning potential of our customers. We offer:

  • A debt-free refinancing solution
  • Always has affordable payments
  • Offers consumer protections
  • Does not requires a co-signer
  • Gives cash back at the end of the ISA

Progress

What have we built?

  • First ISA refinancing contract
  • Application to funding to servicing process
  • Customized ISA approval criteria
  • Algorithm for ISA pricing and risk adjustment
  • Online platform pilot with early beta users
  • Career and more resources marketplace
  • Fully functional mobile app prototype
  • ISA Refinancing Fund structure
  • First paying ISA student loan refinancing customer
  • More than 70 applicants without marketing
Progress

Media mentions

Team

Our day to day team consists of engineers and business development staff all focused on one thing: freeing people from their student debt.

Farrukh Siddiqui
Founder & CEO

Farrukh is a seasoned financial executive, social entrepreneur, and innovator with 30 years of diverse professional background in product development, technology, marketing, sales, business development, operations, and social impact. He has a consistent leadership track record of achieving results by empowering staff, demanding organization wide accountability, and technology innovation.

Team

The Defynance team is comprised of a diverse group of young professionals who are passionate about solving the student debt crisis. Coming from engineering, marketing, research, and business development backgrounds, the team brings a wide variety of skills necessary for the constantly pivoting nature of startup growth. They have successfully contributed to creating a unique debt-free income share agreement solution to tackle the student debt crisis and are constantly working to efficiently execute Defynance technology, operations, business development, and marketing strategies and tactical plans.

Testimonials

“After I graduated from college during the 2008 financial crisis in one of the worst job markets I felt hopeless about the student debt I was carrying. I could not refinance all the separate loans because my credit history was limited. I wish I had an option like Defynance sooner. A debt free alternative from a traditional loan with a support ecosystem to improve my earning potential would have enabled me to get my finances back on track much sooner.”
Asif H
Applicant
“I’ve known far too many people trapped in a vicious cycle of student loan debt. People that worked hard all their lives, did the right thing and sacrificed to perform well in school. Yet, their upward mobility is severely limited, and they may never enjoy the fruits of labor. Defynance has the potential to really solve the problem.”
Joey Womack
Founder Goodie Nation

Advisors

Alison Beckner
Credit Advisor
Brian Gunn
Sales Advisor
Viveck Boray
Legal Advisor
Adnan Masood
Tech Advisor
Kristen Slink
Fintech Advisor

Use of Proceeds


If the offering's maximum amount of $1,070,000 is raised:

UseValue% of Proceeds
Management$223,45920.9%
BD & Marketing$410,68438.4%
IT & Systems$80,8527.6%
Product$179,15416.7%
Legal & Compliance$59,6195.6%
G&A$44,8014.2%
CF Marketing$15,0001.4%
CF Review$1,5000.1%
Net Capital Fixed Fees$2,5010.2%
Intermediary fees$52,4304.9%

Terms

This number includes all funds raised by the Company in this round on Netcapital. This is an offering of Common Stock, under registration exemption 4(a)(6), in Defynance Holdings, Inc.. This offering must reach its target of at least $10,000 by its offering deadline of January 29, 2021 at 11:59pm ET. If this offering does not reach its target by the offering deadline, then your money will be refunded.

If the offering is successful at raising the maximum amount, then the company’s implied valuation after the offering (sometimes called its post-money valuation) will be:

11,783,333 shares
×
$0.60 per share
$7,070,000implied valuation

Pitch Deck

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Financials

These financial statements have been reviewed by an independent Certified Public Accountant.

SEC Filings

The Offering Statement is a formal description of the company and this transaction. It’s filed with the SEC to comply with the requirements of exemption 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act of 1933.

Understand the Risks

Be sure to understand the risks of this type of investment. No regulatory body (not the SEC, not any state regulator) has passed upon the merits of or given its approval to the securities, the terms of the offering, or the accuracy or completeness of any offering materials or information posted herein. That’s typical for Regulation CF offerings like this one.

Neither Netcapital nor any of its directors, officers, employees, representatives, affiliates, or agents shall have any liability whatsoever arising from any error or incompleteness of fact or opinion in, or lack of care in the preparation or publication of, the materials and communication herein or the terms or valuation of any securities offering.

The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond the company’s control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy, and liquidity. No obligation exists to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

More Info

Updates

  • Mar 25, 2024
    Hello everyone, Our next Investor Update is...

    Hello everyone,

    Our next Investor Update is releasing later this week so if you are not receiving the updates, you can use the link below to opt-in to them. Thank you!

    Opt-In to Defynance Investor Updates
  • Jan 31, 2024
    Our next update is is coming out in half an...

    Our next update is is coming out in half an hour so please use the link below to opt-in. Thank you!

    Opt-In to Defynance Updates
  • Dec 18, 2023
    Our next update is due tomorrow, December 19 so...

    Our next update is due tomorrow, December 19 so if you did not receive November’s update or just want to make sure that you are subscribed to our updates, please click on the link below.

    Subscribe to Defynance Investor Updates
  • Nov 22, 2023
    We just dropped our latest Investor Update...

    We just dropped our latest Investor Update yesterday, which provided a detailed look at our latest achievements and future plans. We continue to remain resolute in tackling the student debt crisis and providing low volatility quarterly passive income.

    We firmly believe that social impact investing is a transformative force for positive change; that’s why we’re committed to providing our investors with opportunities to help make a change and shape a better future.

    To receive these updates, please send a message to investors@defynance.com.

  • Mar 23, 2023
    A Defynancer is someone who is not afraid to...

    A Defynancer is someone who is not afraid to live life on their own terms; someone who chooses control over their money, and moves towards financial freedom.

    If you know someone who fits this description, refer us to them! Or better yet, tell them to reach out to us online or on social media @defynance.

    We are looking for people who want to be empowered, personally and career-wise. People who want to break free from the burden of student loan debt and finally live life on their terms!

    People like our hero, Alex, who we introduced in the last update.

    Today, we bring you part II of Alex’ journey toward financial freedom. During this short episode, Alex will face villains that stand in the way of his goals.

    What will Alex do?

    Join Alex on the journey to break free from the shackles of student loan debt, and fight to regain control of their financial choices: Facing the Debt Giant: A Student Borrowers Journey to Financial Freedom (part II).

    Watch Part II of Alex's Journey
  • Mar 9, 2023
    Hey there Defynance Community, We know we’ve...

    Hey there Defynance Community,

    We know we’ve been keeping it on the DL over here, but that’s only because we’ve been working on making needed regulatory and market adjustments to our strategy and business model. As we all saw and felt, the economy and investment climate went through drastic changes since last year but fear not, we’re even more passionate about solving the student debt crisis. In fact, we’ve refined how to tell the Defynancer story -

    You might be wondering what is a Defynancer or more precisely, who is a Defynacer? And what does it take to become one?

    We’ve prepared a three-part series that helps explain just that.

    Check out episode #1 of Facing the Debt Giant, that’s now live on our YouTube channel:

    Keep an eye on the weekly updates we’ll be sharing here, with you, our community, to find out more about this journey, along with information about what we’re up to.

    Check Out Facing the Debt Giant: A Student Borrowers Journey to Financial Freedom  (part I)Facing the Giant 3-Part Webinar.png
  • Nov 10, 2021
    Hello, We have been sharing updates with many...

    Hello,

    We have been sharing updates with many of you via our normal update emails. If anyone is not getting those emails, please send an email to investors@defynance.com and we will add you to the list. You can request to receive company emails and also our ISA Credit Fund emails. Thank you.

    Farrukh Siddiqui Founder & CEO

  • Jan 30, 2021
    Primary offering finalized, selling 163,161 shares
    Sold 163,161 shares at $0.60 for a total of $97,896.60
  • Jan 29, 2021
    **The Importance of Techstars** > First...

    The Importance of Techstars

    First institution investor with global reach provides tremendous validation Invested in 2,300* companies (muliple unicorns) with a market cap of over $32 Billion and total funding over $11 Billion 86% of Techstars companies are active or have been acquired Global network of investors, mentors, and partners Andres Barreto, the Managing Director of our Boulder program, has built an ISA fund with Holberton School Ability to work closely with 3-5 expert mentors, leadership coaches, and developers

    Techstars has invested $120,000. What about you?

    Take a Look at the Techstars Portfolio Companies
  • Jan 29, 2021
    **5 Reasons to invest in Defynance NOW** >...

    5 Reasons to invest in Defynance NOW

    Passionate and dedicated team on a mission to defy debt A culture built on purpose, responsibility, and transparency Backed by startup experts: Techstars, ATDC, Embarc Collective, Goodie Nation Impact certified with $2.3B social impact potential Below par valuation - always pays to buy cheap

    The campaign ends tonight at midnight so if you’ve invested already, consider a little more. If you’re on the fence, please ask questions in the discussion section.

    Come join us and let’s solve the student debt crisis together!

    Image - Defynance Team - IEFF.png
  • Jan 28, 2021
    **ONE DAY LEFT so LET'S FINISH STRONG** Thank...

    ONE DAY LEFT so LET’S FINISH STRONG

    Thank you to all of the investors in our crowdfunding campaign. You guys are awesome!

    For those of you still thinking and deciding, we have scheduled a live Q&A with Farrukh tonight at 8 pm EST.

    Please bring your questions, comments, and concerns. Let’s get on the same page so you can invest in Defynance and help solve the student debt crisis!

    Thank you!

    Register for Defynance Crowdfunding Investor Q&A with Founder & CEO, Farrukh Siddiqui
  • Jan 27, 2021
    Last week, Farrukh Siddiqui, Founder & CEO of...

    Last week, Farrukh Siddiqui, Founder & CEO of Defynance, was invited to join Tommy Marshall and Georgia State University student Cameron Vanderwiele on the Georgia Fintech Academy’s podcast (Season 2 - Episode 1). They discussed Farrukh’s entrepreneurial journey, the Defynance debt-free income share agreement student loan refinancing solution, and current fintech news.

    There are only 2 days left on the Defynance crowdfunding campaign so invest now! If you’re still on the fence, please ask questions in the discussion area or reach out to us directly. Let’s defy debt together!

    Listen to the GA Fintech Academy Podcast with Defynance Founder, Farrukh Siddiqui
  • Jan 25, 2021
    **We begin our Techstars experience...

    We begin our Techstars experience today!

    There are only 5 days left in this equity crowdfunding campaign. We expect to significantly raise our valuation after Techstars and finish the funding round after launching the next version of our platform, raising our ISA fund, and focusing on product-market fit.

    This is the best time to invest in Defynance at the current valuation so if you’re in our watchlist, it’s time to take action and if you’ve already invested, feel free to invest more. Finally, spread the word to your friends and family.

    Come join us in solving the student debt crisis!

    Techstars Portfolio.png
  • Jan 21, 2021
    **THE ABSOLUTELY HUGE GAME CHANGING...

    THE ABSOLUTELY HUGE GAME CHANGING NEWS!

    Defynance was selected for Techstars, the leading global startup accelerator. We made the Boulder program, which is where Techstars began 15 years ago. Companies that go through Techstars have a phenomenal record of success (more on this tomorrow) and we can’t wait to become the next Techstars success story.

    This would not have been possible without our excellent and dedicated team along with the Embarc Collective, ATDC, and Goodie Nation who supported and nurtured us along the way.

    The time to invest in Defynance is now! Only 8 days left.

    Watch Techstars Defynance Announcement
  • Jan 20, 2021
    **Defynance Featured as a Top Fintech in...

    Defynance Featured as a Top Fintech in Florida

    Promise, we have a HUGE game changing announcement coming tomorrow morning. For today, we can point your attention to this article that lists the top fintech companies in Florida where we started. Defynance is featured.

    There are only 9 days left in our crowdfunding campaign so time is running out to buy shares and own a piece of Defynance. Don’t miss out!

    Read about Defynance
  • Jan 7, 2021
    **Welcome to 2021!** Who knew this time last...

    Welcome to 2021!

    Who knew this time last year that our world would completely change. The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to pivot in ways that actually made our solution even better. Now we are on the verge of making a game changing announcement in a few days. You still have time, until January 29, to invest in our crowdfunding campaign. Come in on the ground floor as we expect our valuation to increase significantly by Quarter 2, 2021. Let’s win together by tackling the student debt crisis with a debt-free socially responsible student loan refinancing and investment solution.

  • Dec 11, 2020
    **ROEP Spotlights** Another week coming to...

    ROEP Spotlights

    Another week coming to close in 2020. I don’t know about all of you but we can’t wait for 2021 to begin.

    We also want to close 2020 in a strong way. The Defynance ROEP partnerships are being announced and we have interviews with partners available on YouTube.

    Watch ROEP Spotlight Interviews
  • Dec 8, 2020
    **Covid-19 Pandemic - Announcement 3 of...

    Covid-19 Pandemic - Announcement 3 of 3

    The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc here in the United States and across the world. Recent data is showing that the economy is slowing down even more.

    The Defynance Resources Optimizing Earning Potential (ROEP) marketplace provides carefully curated career and more resources. It is available to anyone and is more needed than ever. Farrukh Siddiqui, our Founder & CEO, explains how.

    We appreciate those who have invested in our crowdfunding campaign. Please spread the word and let’s keep building momentum.

    Watch Now
  • Dec 1, 2020
    **Covid-19 Pandemic - Announcement 2 of...

    Covid-19 Pandemic - Announcement 2 of 3

    Here in the United States and all over the world, Covid-19 cases are up again. Many countries including the United States are setting records for new cases.

    The ISA Refinancing Fund provides investors many benefits that are very important during and after the pandemic and other financial downturns. Farrukh Siddiqui, Founder & CEO of Defynance explains how.

    Invest in our equity crowdfunding campaign. Let’s empower each other!

    Watch Now
  • Nov 25, 2020
    Congrats ATDC! ATDC or Advanced Technology...

    Congrats ATDC!

    ATDC or Advanced Technology Development Center is one of the oldest startup incubators (40 years) in America and they specialize in financial technology or fintech. We were thrilled that they accepted us because 90% of their companies are successful 5 years after graduation. ATDC has been listed by Forbes as one of the startup “Incubators Changing the World” and now they are listed as one of the 16 best incubators for startups world wide. We are in great hands!

    Happy Thanksgiving! We are truly grateful for ATDC along with our other mentors and supporters including you!

    Read about ATDC
  • Nov 24, 2020
    We're in the news! Hypepotamus just published...

    We’re in the news!

    Hypepotamus just published an article about Defynance and how we are tackling the student debt crisis with a debt-free student loan refinancing and investment solution.

    Spread the word about the Defynance equity crowdfunding campaign and if you’re watching the campaign, take the leap, invest, and become a part of the solution! :)

    Read The Hypepotamus Article
  • Nov 9, 2020
    Cases are going up and the Covid-19 pandemic...

    Cases are going up and the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our economy.

    Defynance has a solution with our Resources Optimizing Earning Potential (ROEP) marketplace. We provide career, wellness, credit, and other resources to help our customers and users avoid the unemployment risk.

    Watch Now
  • Nov 6, 2020
    We can't wait any longer for Nevada! It's time...

    We can’t wait any longer for Nevada! It’s time for our Major Social Impact Announcement.

    Defynance has been independently certified with a $2.3 Billion social impact potential. That’s right, $2.3+ BILLION! Check out the report and keep an eye on social media for more details.

    See the Defynance Social Impact Report
  • Oct 31, 2020
    Major Social Impact Announcement Coming...

    Major Social Impact Announcement Coming Tomorrow!

    Defynance aims to eliminate student debt and empower financial freedom. How much social impact? In what ways do we make social impact? Stay tuned…

    Until then you can enjoy our new animated video about our ISA student loan refinancing solution.

    Watch Now
  • Oct 29, 2020
    Thank you Netcapital! Yesterday our Founder &...

    Thank you Netcapital!

    Yesterday our Founder & CEO, Farrukh Siddiqui was invited to a live webinar Q&A. That recording will be available soon but you can check out this video where Farrukh explains the need for our ISA student loan refinancing solution. Please post questions in the discussion area.

    Watch Now
  • Oct 20, 2020
    It's SOCAP time! It is the largest social...

    It’s SOCAP time!

    It is the largest social capital and impact conference. Defynance is a scholarship entrepreneur. You can find us in the entrepreneur showcase at https://www.socapvirtual.com/page/1624990/ent-of-color-cohort.

    Watch our Founder’s message to the SOCAP community.

    SOCAP Message
  • Oct 15, 2020
    Defynance Is Being Featured at SOCAP, the...

    Defynance Is Being Featured at SOCAP, the preeminent social impact community and conference.

    We were chosen as a scholarship entrepreneur at SOCAP Virtual 2020, October 19-23.

    Come support us at SOCAP and stay tuned for exciting announcements we have planned for SOCAP.

    Join the impact movement!

    Meet SOCAP Scholarship Entrepreneurs
  • Oct 12, 2020
    Thank you to our first 22 investors. You guys...

    Thank you to our first 22 investors. You guys are awesome so be proud that you are empowering us to #defydebt!

    We applied to Techstars Boulder yesterday and are excited to go through the process. I’ll use this opportunity to introduce our team as they introduce themselves to the Techstars team!

    Meet Our Team
  • Oct 9, 2020
    Defynance User Hub Prototype Demo Farrukh...

    Defynance User Hub Prototype Demo

    Farrukh Siddiqui, Founder & CEO of Defynance, gives a tour of the Defynance User Hub functional prototype that will be developed with the capital raised during this seed round. Please ask questions in the discussion section. Let’s #defydebt together!

    Watch Demo
  • Oct 6, 2020
    Primary offering of 1,783,333 shares at $0.60

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