Leap Finance, the student lending division of the comprehensive study-abroad platform Leap, has secured a $100 million debt facility from HSBC under its ASEAN Growth Fund. This funding milestone follows Leap’s successful $65 million Series E equity round led by Apis Partners in January. To date, Leap has raised over $400 million in equity and debt financing.
Expanding Global Reach
With this fresh infusion of capital, Leap Finance aims to extend its services to more U.S. states, strengthen university partnerships, and enhance its foothold in India, its primary market. Additionally, the company plans to explore new countries to diversify its student base and broaden its global impact.
Comprehensive Study-Abroad Ecosystem
Leap operates multiple education-focused platforms, including LeapScholar, LeapFinance, GeeBee, and Yocket. These platforms offer a holistic range of services for study-abroad aspirants, covering test preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT), admissions guidance, visa counseling, and financial aid through international student loans. Unlike traditional bank loans, Leap’s lending model evaluates students based on their future earning potential rather than collateral or credit history.
Growing Influence in International Education
Primarily catering to students pursuing higher education in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, Leap Finance claims to have assisted over 1 million students. It has also forged partnerships with more than 1,000 top educational institutions worldwide.
Scaling Student Financing
Since its inception, Leap Finance has funded over $250 million in education loans for more than 5,000 students. According to co-founder Vaibhav Singh, the average loan amount is approximately $50,000, meaning the latest funding will help support an additional 2,000 students.
Rapid Growth and Future Prospects
With headquarters in both Bengaluru and San Francisco, Leap Finance has witnessed a fivefold growth since its Series D funding round three years ago. As the demand for international education continues to rise, Leap Finance is poised to further solidify its position as a key player in the global student financing space.
