Prograd, a UK-based side hustle platform for Gen Z in the UK, empowering users to master financial basics through “engaging education” while earning money through online side hustles, has raised £755,470 (at the time of writing) of its £800,000 target via Crowdcube from 46 investors.
The Crowdcube raise forms part of a wider funding round, for which the firm has “secured a total of £748,386.02 from advance subscription agreements (ASA) as further additional investment alongside the crowdfunding element.”
As explained in the update, rather than investing and immediately receiving shares, in this round payments “will be transferred directly to the company and shares issued at a future date.”
A convertible allows a company to “raise funds without having to agree a valuation.”
Key highlights:
- Reached over 550k users as of January 2025, 4x+ growth in 12 months.
- Recorded $1.9M in annualized revenue, with consistent growth since Q1 2023
- Significantly improved payback time: 42 days (Jan 24)-10 days (Jan 25), better than industry average
- Work with over 40 brands including Barclays, Ipsos, Coinbase and more.
Financial uncertainty and economic challenges are increasing in across the globe including Europe and the United Kingdom. That’s why Prograd, a UK-based side hustle platform, says it is stepping up in order to address two pressing needs for Gen Z consumers: financial education and accessible income opportunities.
Launched to empower younger adults, Prograd explains that it combines various financial literacy tools with a gamified system where users earn points—convertible to real cash—through online side hustles.
Detailed in its Crowdcube pitch, the platform targets a demographic that tends to get overlooked by traditional financial service providers, offering a new approach to building wealth and confidence.
Financial literacy is considered to be foundational to personal wellbeing, yet it remains a gap for many young people.
Studies show that understanding money management—budgeting, saving, investing—leads to reduced stress, better decision-making, and long-term security.
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, this is critical as they enter adulthood amid economic challenges like inflation and a shifting job market.
Prograd explained that it tackles this with interactive education modules that break down complex financial concepts into digestible, relatable lessons.
By mastering these basics, users gain the tools to navigate their financial futures with assurance, a skillset that can ripple into improved mental health and life satisfaction.
Beyond education, Prograd’s side hustle ecosystem offers practical income streams tailored to Gen Z’s digital-native lifestyle.
From completing online tasks to participating in surveys or freelance gigs, users earn points that translate into cash rewards.
This dual-purpose model incentivizes learning and provides immediate financial benefits—which are vital for a generation facing rising living costs and student debt.
The platform’s pitch highlights its traction: thousands of users have reportedly engaged, signaling a demand for this blend of earning and learning (or “earn while you learn”).
By bridging the gap between financial knowledge and real-world application, Prograd empowers its users to take control of their economic destinies.
For Gen Z, often burdened by economic instability, Prograd’s approach aims to foster independence and aims to combat the cycle of financial illiteracy that can negatively impact generations.
As it seeks investment through Crowdcube, Prograd aims to scale its impact, refining its platform and expanding its reach.
In a world where financial education is rarely prioritized in schools or formal education, Prograd says it wants to empower the youth with knowledge and opportunity that can transform lives.
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