Revolut vs the rest (in Europe)

Back in 2014, Starling launched as one of the first wave of UK neobanks. Six months later Monzo spun out, and another six months later Revolut appeared.

Fast forward to 2025: • Starling ~4m users • Monzo ~9m users • Revolut 60m+ users worldwide

Revolut wasn’t first, but it absolutely crushed everyone else. And honestly, I don’t think it’s just because the app looks nice.

Here’s what I’ve been digging into: • Expansion DNA – Revolut started with FX and travel money, which made it global from day one. • Aggressive marketing – from YouTube ads to sponsoring Manchester City Women and even Audi F1. • Sales machine – if you’ve ever registered a company, you know Revolut calls immediately. • Product velocity – eSIMs, crypto, FX forwards, money market funds… they ship features at a pace Monzo and Starling can’t match. • Culture – “Never Settle, Deliver WOW, Get It Done.” It’s intense, but it creates alumni who go on to build companies like Fuse (raised $78M), Pillar, and TrueCircle.

I wrote a longer breakdown on my Substack about why Revolut became the first true European fintech super app, and what other startups can learn from its playbook.

👉 Read it here if you’re interested

Curious what this sub thinks: • Do you see Revolut’s culture as a strength or a long-term risk? • Can any other neobank realistically catch them now?