Former Microsoft executive joins UK fintech Zilch

Zilch, a UK-based payments fintech company, has been recognized as the country's fastest-growing private unicorn in the latest Financial Times FT1000 list. The company also secured the position of the second fastest-growing fintech or financial services firm across Europe. This recognition stems from a compound annual revenue growth rate exceeding 300% over the past three years. Founded in 2018, Zilch has achieved profitability, reporting a run-rate revenue of £145 million in January 2025 and six months of operating profit in the preceding year.

Philip Belamant, Zilch's co-founder and CEO, stated that the ranking reflects the company's rapid development and innovation. The company's success has drawn praise from industry figures, including Baroness Gustafsson CBE, the UK's Minister for Investment, who highlighted the strength of the UK's tech and fintech sectors. Brent Hoberman, co-founder and chairman of Founders Forum Group, commended Zilch's leadership and technological advancements.

Beyond its financial achievements, Zilch has been active in shaping the fintech landscape. The company co-founded the Unicorn Council for UK FinTech (UCFT) with Innovate Finance, aiming to promote policies that support investment and liquidity in the sector. Philip Belamant, as a founding co-chair of the UCFT, has engaged in discussions with the UK government to foster a favorable regulatory environment for fintech firms.