In my previous post, I shared updates from more established investment platforms like Grip, Wint and Altgraaf. Today, I’m providing a six-month update on smaller, experimental platforms where I’ve invested smaller amounts to test the waters. If you’re considering these platforms, this review might help you understand how they perform in real-world conditions.
Platforms Covered
- Amplio (formerly Tyke Invest)
- Ultra (formerly Tap Invest)
- IndiaP2P
- Gullak Gold Plus
- BetterInvest
- Cryptocurrency (via CoinDCX)
Detailed Reviews
1. Ty Invest → Amplio
Platform Transition
- The platform underwent a rebranding from Tyke Invest to Amplio about a month ago. Initially, I was skeptical and considered withdrawing my investment, but I decided to continue as part of my experimental approach.
- The migration process was relatively smooth, with only minor disruptions. The website experienced downtime for a couple of days during the transition, but otherwise functioned normally.
- Overall, the rebranding experience has been acceptable, without major issues.
Performance
- The promised returns were originally advertised at 10%, but the actual returns have been noticeably lower at around 7.6%.
- One positive aspect is their transparency—they clearly display the actual returns rather than continuing to advertise the higher promised rate.
- I believe the return percentage may increase the longer I stay invested, though the timeframe and eventual rate remain uncertain.
- (Update: after digging deeper, I found that there was an error in their dashboard. The IRR achieved is around 9.8%, which is great in my opinion).
Liquidity & Functionality
- While Amplio claims to offer liquid investment options, withdrawals typically take 7–10 days to reach your account. This extended processing time is important to consider for cash flow planning.
- The platform continues to offer invoice discounting opportunities similar to the original Tyke Invest, though I haven’t personally explored these options (they feel very risky).
- Currently, I’ve only invested in their wealth instrument, which has delivered consistent weekly interest payments without delays.
2. IndiaP2P
Investment Details
- My first investment consisted of ₹5,000 with a target rate of 17% IRR, which translates to approximately 9% CAGR.
- The second investment was originally ₹10,000, though only ₹8,500 was actually deployed. The platform returned the remaining ₹1,500 and set a target rate of 18% IRR
Performance Issues
- Unfortunately, I’ve experienced payment delays with the first investment. The payment due in November had not been received at the time of recording this update.
- I tried to speak with the the platform, and they assured me these are temporary delays rather than permanent defaults. I am skeptical and this remains a concern worth monitoring.
My Perspective
- I approach this investment more as “social investing” rather than purely financial. The social impact component is significant to me.
- Given the relatively small investment amount, I’m comfortable with some level of risk unless my entire principal is lost.
- This approach aligns with other platforms like Rangde, which blend social impact with modest returns of around 8%, creating an interesting investment-philanthropy hybrid.
3. Tap Invest → Ultra
Platform Changes
- Similar to Ty Invest, Tap Invest has rebranded to become Ultra.
- The platform is now exclusively available as a mobile application, with no desktop website option. While this streamlines their offering, I personally find the lack of a desktop interface somewhat limiting.
Offerings
- Ultra has significantly expanded its investment options to include Pre-IPO deals, startup equity opportunities, asset leasing, and various other investment vehicles.
- Despite receiving a SEBI notice on the Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) I had invested in, I haven’t experienced any defaults or payment delays with my investment.
Assessment
- Based on my experience, Ultra appears to be making meaningful progress in developing its investment ecosystem.
- The platform deserves consideration if you’re interested in alternative investments like invoice discounting, asset leasing, pre IPO, startup investing etc.
4. Gullak Gold Plus
Investment Details
- Using some discount coupon & offers, I purchased 10 grams of gold, valued at approximately ₹77,500.
- Since my purchase, I’ve observed substantial value appreciation, though this is primarily due to rising gold market prices rather than platform-specific benefits.
- I’m still evaluating the monthly and annual interest component of their gold investment product.
Personal Verdict
- Gullak Gold Plus has emerged as my current favorite among all platforms reviewed in this update. Their transparent approach and the inherent value of gold make this a compelling option.
5. Better Invest
Unique Offering
- Better Invest specializes in movie invoice discounting—a fascinating niche I was eager to explore.
- After waiting for a suitable opportunity, I invested ₹1 lakh in a Rusk Media project, a company I had previously encountered on other investment platforms.
- The platform charged a fee of ₹35 at the outset of the investment.
Observations
- I noticed that Better Invest didn’t require KYC verification, which seems somewhat concerning from a regulatory perspective.
- Despite this concern, their communication has been excellent through multiple channels—email, WhatsApp, and SMS—providing regular updates.
- The investment terms indicate that the 4-month period might conclude early if the underlying project performs well, offering potential for faster returns. Let’s see.
6. Cryptocurrency (Bonus)
Experience
- I’ve allocated approximately ₹35,000 to cryptocurrency investments using the CoinDCX platform.
- Despite limited knowledge about crypto markets and admittedly poor timing on Bitcoin purchases, I’ve surprisingly achieved returns of around 30%.
- My approach is deliberately cautious—investing small amounts with a long-term perspective.
- I’m only investing funds I can afford to lose entirely, ensuring this experimental investment won’t impact my overall financial stability.
Conclusion
These alternative investment platforms offer interesting opportunities but come with varying degrees of risk. I have been happy to test these platforms with smaller amounts before considering larger investments.
If you know of other platforms worth exploring or would like to discuss your investment portfolio, startups, or capital raising, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to discuss these topics, learn and help however I can.