Pigeon launches app to simplify interpersonal finance

By Edlyn Cardoza

Pigeon, the free platform that takes the awkwardness and headache out of loaning money to family and friends, is launching out of alpha and renaming itself from ‘Pigeon Loans’ to ‘Pigeon’ to start the new year. The simplified name and refreshed brand identity is inspired by the company’s mission to make it effortless to create loans with those closest to us – providing a smarter way to manage the complex emotions and struggles associated with interpersonal loans.

Noticing the financial troubles of a loved one during the pandemic, founder Brian Bristol created Pigeon to help a family member in need. With no tool to fully support the process of loaning money, sending reminders, keeping track of payments, and more, Brian created Pigeon as an all-in-one solution that could solve these problems. Now two years into the brand’s journey, Pigeon is launching their widely anticipated iOS and Android app – available for all – to make loans with friends and family painless.

Since 2020, the Y Combinator-backed platform has raised nearly $3 million in funding and, in that time, has helped folks lend over $2 million to friends and family in need. Whether a loved one needs help covering unexpected expenses, kickstarting a business, or is struggling with an emergency, Pigeon supports the entire loan process from beginning to end. By keeping track of IOUs, setting up payment schedules, moving money online, sending automatic reminders, encouraging on-time payments, educating their users, and more, Pigeon’s goal is to revolutionise the interpersonal finance industry.

“Pigeon is building an entirely new category – anytime you think about mixing your finances with your relationships, you’ll think of Pigeon,” said Brian Bristol, Founder and CEO of Pigeon. “We are redefining the way people help one another, making the lending process smarter, and helping prevent confrontations that often strain relationships.”

Pigeon is a fierce advocate of educating its users on financial best practices. Their app offers a hub of valuable advice on financial matters on and outside of lending money to family and friends. This includes advice on tax services, personal loans, building credit, financial business tips, retirement investing, and more.

“There is often guilt, shame, and fear associated with helping friends and loved ones with money, and that shouldn’t be the case,” Bristol added. “Pigeon is trying to solve these emotional problems by equipping people with the tools they need to responsibly help those they care about the most, in times of need. With a growing community of 18,000+, we are excited to launch our app so that thousands more across the globe will be able to use our platform to help others.”