In a financial world still tethered to decades-old systems, Zeta is charting a bold new course. Founded in 2015 by Bhavin Turakhia and Ramki Gaddipati, this Bengaluru-based startup is on a mission to transform how banks and fintech companies operate by replacing outdated mainframe systems with modern, cloud-based technology.

A Vision Born from the Old and New Worlds of Banking

Imagine a bank where 60–70% of operations still rely on systems built before many of us were born. That’s the reality Turakhia saw and vowed to change. Drawing on years of experience and an unyielding drive to modernize financial services, he envisioned a platform that would allow banks to launch credit cards, checking accounts, and loans with agility. Zeta’s approach isn’t just about technology—it’s about rethinking the entire financial ecosystem.

Strategic Innovation: The Heart of Zeta’s Transformation

Zeta’s breakthrough came with its customer data platform that leverages cloud infrastructure to sync complex data flows into actionable insights. With partnerships including Mastercard and flagship customers like HDFC Bank—who used Zeta’s tech to rebuild their digital payments platform, PayZapp—the startup has grown rapidly. Today, Zeta serves 25 million accounts with plans to double that number, making it a key player in an industry poised for a major technological overhaul.

The company’s strategy is built on three pillars:

1. Modernization of Legacy Systems: Replacing mainframe operations with cloud solutions similar to the transition from in-house data centers to AWS and Azure.
2. Data-Driven Marketing and Customer Engagement: Enabling banks to access robust modules for payment processing, fraud detection, and customer engagement.
3. Scalable Growth: With an ambitious goal to capture 25% of the market over the next decade—a feat never achieved in an industry dominated by decades-old incumbents.

Shared Opportunities: Empowering a Global Financial Ecosystem

Zeta’s recent success in raising $50 million from American healthcare giant Optum—at a post-money valuation of $2 billion—speaks volumes about its impact. This new funding, which marks a 70% increase from its previous valuation, not only reinforces investor confidence but also highlights the shared opportunities available in modernizing financial services. With 1,700 employees spread across the U.S., the Middle East, and Asia, Zeta is strategically positioned to expand its global reach and help banks and fintech startups around the world embrace the digital future.

A Reaffirmation of the Journey

For Turakhia, this investment is more than just capital—it’s a reaffirmation of Zeta’s journey. Having invested around $400 million in its platform since inception, Zeta is on track to achieve profitability by March 2026. Turakhia reflects, “In all likelihood, this $50 million is going to sit in the bank. This investment reflects a reaffirmation of our journey.” It’s a bold statement that underscores Zeta’s commitment to reshaping the “heart and soul of the bank” and driving shared success across the financial landscape.