Thread by @topsecretstocks

Why the investment in Tyme Group is a Gamechanger for $NU. A Thread 🧵👇

$NU is pursuing a clear, multi-stage growth strategy to transform from the leading fintech in Latin America into a global, technology-driven financial player. This vision is divided into three successive phases, represented by the "Three Act Strategy." 👇

Let's start with Act III: Building a Global, AI-Driven Digital Banking Model

In the long term, $NU aims to establish a globally scalable, AI-powered business model. Artificial intelligence is intended to help take personalization, efficiency, and scale to a new level, far beyond Latin America. The goal is a new kind of global bank that operates digitally, data-driven, and customer-centric.

To this end, $NU has also positioned itself in Africa and Southeast Asia. In December 2024, the Tyme Group acquired it in a financing round for $250 million. This valued the company at $1.5 billion. One of the strategic investors was $NU, which invested $150 million in the Tyme Group to drive its expansion into Vietnam and Indonesia.

Tyme Group is a multinational digital banking group headquartered in Singapore with 15 million customers across Africa and Southeast Asia. With this investment round, Tyme Group has now achieved unicorn status. The term "unicorn" refers to startups that have a valuation of one billion US dollars or more and are not listed on a stock exchange.

I believe $NU is pursuing a long-term acquisition of the Tyme Group. 👇

Let's get back to Act I: Building the Largest and Most Popular Retail Bank in Latin America

In its first step, $NU will focus on strengthening and expanding its core markets of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. The goal is to become not only the largest, but also the most customer-friendly and trusted digital bank in the region. With a focus on streamlined, mobile processes, low fees, and excellent customer service, the bank aims to become the most attractive provider.

To this end, $NU is also considering re-entering the Argentinian market. 👇

Act II: Expansion beyond traditional financial services

In the second phase, $NU plans to expand its ecosystem and offer additional digital services beyond banking. These could include insurance or lifestyle products. The company aims to become an everyday platform for millions of users, with banking as the entry point.

$NU's priority is customer satisfaction. To achieve this, the company is expanding beyond financial services with NuCel and NuTravel.

$NU is evolving from a fintech to a mobile phone provider. NuCel, a mobile phone service, has been launched in the Brazilian market. NuCel will cover 93% of Brazil and offer 5G.

NuCel offers three plan options: 15 GB for R$45/month, 20 GB for R$55/month, and 35 GB for R$75/month. Payments are automatically debited from the Nu credit card.

All plans include:

- Unlimited voice package for local and long-distance calls.
- Unlimited WhatsApp availability, including voice and video calls.
- Unlimited access to the Nubank app.
- Access to exclusive savings features.
- 93% coverage and high-performance 5G connectivity. 👇

With the travel app, NuViagens, customers can purchase airline tickets and book hotels easily and conveniently through the $NU App. NuViagens also offers convenient payment options, including installment plans, and cashback offers. 👇

Why am I very confident about $NU in the longterm?

According to Brand Finance's 2025 ranking, Itaú is the most valuable Brazilian brand, valued at $8.6 billion. It is followed by Banco do Brasil ($5.2 billion), Bradesco ($4.7 billion), and $NU ($4.0 billion). The top ten list also includes Caixa, Petrobras, Localiza, Vale, Vivo, and Sadia, with values ranging from $3.7 to $2.1 billion.

In terms of brand strength, $NU ranks as the strongest Brazilian brand in 2025 with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.3. It is followed by Sadia (92.0), Porto (90.2), Caixa (89.3), Azul and Gol (both 88.0), Inter & Co (87.1), Brahma (86.4), Perdigão (84.9), and Vivo (84.5).

Why does it matter?

1. Strong Brand = Customer Trust & Loyalty
With a Brand Strength Index of 95.3, Nubank is viewed as the most trusted and admired brand in Brazil. This emotional connection increases:

- Customer retention
- Organic growth via referrals
- Willingness to adopt new Nubank products (e.g., insurance, investments)

2. Stronger Brand = Global Expansion Potential
Brand strength isn’t just about perception in Brazil—it reflects how well Nubank can position itself in new markets, especially in:

- Latin America (US, Europe, Asia, Afrika, Middle East)
- Possibly even beyond, as a fintech role model

A high brand rating supports:

- Easier market entry
- Stronger negotiations with partners and regulators

3. Increased Investor Confidence
Strong brand equity contributes to:

- Higher valuation multiples
- Easier capital raising (e.g., IPOs, debt financing)
- A strategic edge in mergers or acquisitions

4. Recruitment & Talent Magnet
Top brands attract top talent. Nubank’s reputation boosts its appeal to:

- Skilled engineers
- Product designers
- Executives from global companies

This fuels innovation, which directly supports future growth.

5. Brand Strength Is a Predictor of Future Revenue
Studies by Brand Finance show that stronger brands often outperform weaker ones in financial returns. With continued customer love, Nubank can:

- Cross-sell more effectively
- Expand margins through pricing power
- Grow sustainably with reduced churn 👇

What's your take on $NU?