QPay, the innovative platform that revolutionized student finance management, made headlines when it appeared on Australia’s version of Shark Tank in 2018. The founders, Zakaria Bouguettaya and Andrew Clapham, met during their computer science studies and joined forces to create QPay.
QPay’s unique offering caught the attention of the Shark Tank investors, and the company secured a significant investment that propelled its growth and success. Since then, QPay has become the highest-earning business on the show, serving 1 in every 5 students in Australia.
With its expansion to Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, QPay’s net worth has soared to an impressive $10 million. In this article, we will delve into the journey of QPay, explore its features and services, and discuss its ambitious plans for the future.
Key Takeaways:
- QPay is a platform that allows university unions, societies, and clubs to engage with students on campus.
- QPay appeared on Australia’s Shark Tank in 2018 and became the show’s highest-earning business.
- The founders, Zakaria Bouguettaya and Andrew Clapham, met during their computer science studies.
- QPay currently serves 1 in every 5 students in Australia.
- The company has expanded to Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and is valued at $10 million.
The Journey of QPay
QPay, originally launched as QuicklyPay.it, entered the market as a peer-to-peer payment app that aimed to simplify expense splitting using Bitcoin. However, the founders soon realized the challenges of monetizing this service and made a strategic decision to pivot. They shifted their focus towards providing payment and ticketing services specifically tailored to university students.
The pivot proved to be a game-changer for QPay, as the company gained significant traction in a short period. In fact, their very first event sold an impressive 2,400 tickets. By the end of 2017, QPay had generated a revenue of $220,000 and was projected to facilitate payments worth $10 million annually.
2018 was a pivotal year for QPay as the company appeared on Shark Tank, Australia’s version of the popular entrepreneurial reality show. The founders successfully secured a substantial investment of $380,000 in exchange for an 8.4% stake in the company. This injection of funds enabled QPay to expand its operations to the United Kingdom and the United States.
Year | Revenue | Raised in Funding Round |
---|---|---|
2021 | $10.5 million | $1.1 million |
QPay Features and Services
QPay offers a wide range of features and services tailored to meet the needs of university students. Here are some of the key offerings provided by the QPay platform:
Event Management
With QPay, users can easily browse and attend events organized by university unions, societies, and clubs. Whether it’s a music concert, sports game, or academic workshop, QPay provides a seamless ticketing experience. Students can stay up to date with the latest events happening on campus and conveniently purchase tickets directly through the app.
Virtual Debit Card
QPay has partnered with Mastercard to offer a virtual debit card to its users. This card can be used for both online and physical purchases, allowing students to make transactions with ease. The virtual card eliminates the need for carrying physical cash and provides a secure payment option. It’s a convenient tool for managing finances and staying within budget.
Exclusive Deals and Rewards
QPay goes beyond event management and payment services by offering exclusive deals and rewards to its users. Students can enjoy discounts on food, subscriptions, and other products through the QPay app. These perks enhance the overall student experience and help them save money while enjoying their time on campus.
Student Union Dashboard
QPay provides a separate dashboard for student unions, allowing them to efficiently manage sign-ups, events, and grant applications. This feature streamlines the administrative tasks of student organizations, enabling them to focus on delivering the best experiences to their members. The intuitive interface of the dashboard makes it easy to navigate and ensures smooth coordination among different student groups.
With its comprehensive set of features and services, QPay has become a popular and indispensable tool for university students. Its user-friendly interface and commitment to enhancing student life make it a top choice for managing finances and engaging with campus activities.
QPay’s Expansion and Future Plans
QPay is actively expanding its operations to cater to the growing student market globally. In addition to its successful presence in Australia, the company has successfully entered the markets of New Zealand and Canada, tapping into the immense potential of these student-rich countries.
To secure their future growth, QPay recently raised an impressive $1.1 million through a highly successful equity crowdfunding campaign. This additional funding will enable QPay to further enhance its services and expand its reach to more students around the world.
Looking ahead, there are exciting rumors circulating that QPay is considering expansion into the United States, which boasts the largest student market globally. This move would open up new opportunities for QPay to revolutionize the way American students manage their finances and connect with their university communities.
As of now, QPay already serves an impressive 1 in every 5 students in Australia, and with its innovative approach to student finance management, the company is poised for continued growth and success. With an expanding team of around 30 talented individuals in Australia, QPay is committed to developing comprehensive services that cater to the unique needs of students, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience throughout their university journey.
FAQ
What is QPay?
QPay is a platform that allows university unions, societies, and clubs to engage with students on campus. It offers a virtual debit card in partnership with Mastercard.
Who are the founders of QPay?
The founders of QPay are Zakaria Bouguettaya and Andrew Clapham, who met during their computer science studies at the Australian National University.
How did QPay start?
QPay was originally launched as QuicklyPay.it, a peer-to-peer payment app using Bitcoin. However, it later pivoted to offer payment and ticketing services to university students.
When did QPay appear on Shark Tank?
QPay appeared on Australia’s version of Shark Tank in 2018.
What was QPay’s revenue in 2017?
QPay’s revenue in 2017 was $220,000.
How much funding did QPay raise in 2021?
QPay raised $1.1 million in a funding round in 2021.
How many students in Australia use QPay?
One in every five Australian students uses QPay.
Where does QPay currently operate?
Aside from Australia, QPay has expanded to Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Does QPay have plans to expand further?
Rumors suggest that QPay may expand into the United States, targeting the largest student market worldwide.