Founder at PrizeBNK | Transforming employee financial stress into a winning habit for the UK’s forward-thinking companies
The difference between a workforce that thrives and one that merely survives often comes down to a single, invisible factor: financial peace of mind. For Sanil Xavier, this realization didn’t come from a textbook or a high-level boardroom seminar; it was forged on the front lines of the UK’s hospitality sector. Watching hardworking colleagues struggle with the weight of immediate expenses, Sanil recognized a systemic gap in how we approach saving. He saw that for many, the traditional “rainy day fund” felt like an impossible chore—a sacrifice rather than a security blanket.
This insight became the catalyst for PrizeBNK, a B2B SaaS platform designed to transform the landscape of employee wellness. By gamifying the act of saving, Sanil is on a mission to help UK companies solve the productivity and retention crisis caused by financial stress. His journey—stretching from the vibrant coastal state of Kerala, India, to the tech hubs of Northern Ireland—is a testament to the power of resilience, the democratization of innovation through AI, and a relentless commitment to building a more secure future for the modern worker.
A Journey Across Borders and Industries
Sanil’s story begins in Kerala, India, a region known for its emphasis on education and community. Growing up in an environment that valued steady progress, he developed a disciplined work ethic early on. However, it was his decision to move to Belfast in 2021 to pursue a Master’s in Management at Ulster University that served as his first true transformative leap.
Arriving in a new country where English was not his primary language, Sanil faced the immediate challenges of integration. He didn’t shy away from the grit required to build a life from scratch, taking on a cleaning job as his first role in the city. This period of his life was defined by a dual existence: by day, he immersed himself in the complexities of organizational management and leadership theory; by night and on weekends, he worked across various hospitality roles, from Nando’s to Pizza Passions.
These early years in Belfast provided more than just a degree; they provided a masterclass in human behavior and the lived reality of the “working poor.” Sanil observed that even the most dedicated employees could have their focus shattered by a sudden car repair or an unexpected bill. This period instilled in him a profound empathy for the frontline worker, a perspective that would eventually become the heartbeat of his entrepreneurial vision.
Bridging the Gap Between Management and Innovation
As Sanil transitioned into leadership roles, eventually serving as a Store Manager for Subway UK & Ireland, his bird’s-eye view of the “war for talent” became clearer. He managed high-performing teams and realized that traditional benefits—perks and discounts—were often Band-Aids on a deeper wound of financial instability.
“89% of UK employees say financial stress affects their work, but it doesn’t have to be this way,” Sanil recently shared, highlighting a stark reality of the modern economy. “Workers without emergency savings spend 4x more hours distracted at work than those with a safety net.”
Driven by the need for a solution, Sanil began the arduous journey of a non-technical founder. He didn’t let the lack of a coding background stall his progress. Instead, he leaned into the cutting-edge tools of the era. Utilizing AI for deep market research, rapid prototyping, and the development of his Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Sanil bypassed traditional barriers to entry.
His transition from manager to founder was characterized by a “no-weekends” mentality, a philosophy inspired by early tech pioneers. While maintaining his full-time commitments five days a week, he dedicated his remaining time entirely to PrizeBNK, navigating the complexities of GTM strategy and business model development. His efforts were soon recognized by the local ecosystem, evidenced by his recent win at the Superteam Ireland Talent Hub, a moment that reinforced his belief in the psychology of rewards. “Winning feels different, doesn’t it?” he remarked. “Getting into debt isn’t fun, but why isn’t saving fun either? That’s exactly why PrizeBNK exists.”
Winning the War for Talent
Today, through PrizeBNK, Sanil is reshaping how UK businesses view their responsibility toward employee wellbeing. The platform isn’t just a financial tool; it’s a retention engine. By helping employees calculate and build their safety nets through an engaging, prize-linked model, PrizeBNK addresses the root cause of workplace distraction and turnover.
Sanil’s impact is already being felt as he recruits the first 10 “Founding Partners”—forward-thinking companies ready to lead the charge in financial wellness. His approach is data-driven yet human-centric, focusing on the “hidden costs” of stress that many HR departments overlook. By securing grants and navigating the funding landscape with the same tenacity he applied to his early days in Belfast, Sanil has emerged as a significant voice in the Northern Ireland tech scene.
His journey also serves as a blueprint for the next generation of leaders. Sanil is a vocal advocate for the Gen Z workforce, urging them to embrace the tools of the modern age. “I would emphasize the importance of resilience and continuous learning,” he advises. “Leverage these accessible [AI] tools to bridge any skill gaps and bring your ideas to life.”
A Legacy of Security
As PrizeBNK moves through its validation phase, Sanil Xavier remains focused on the horizon. His goal is to scale the platform into a standard benefit for every UK employee, ensuring that the “winning feeling” of financial security is accessible to all, regardless of their income bracket.
For Sanil, success is measured by the number of people who no longer have to choose between their peace of mind and their productivity. He continues to build a personal brand synonymous with grit and innovation, proving that a founder’s most valuable asset isn’t necessarily their technical stack, but their ability to see a human problem and refuse to look away.
In the evolving narrative of the UK startup ecosystem, Sanil stands as a reminder that the most impactful solutions often come from those who have walked the floor, managed the shift, and understood the value of every single penny.
Editorial Note
Sanil Xavier’s transition from a frontline manager to a tech founder illustrates that the best innovations are born from direct experience. His journey challenges leaders to look beyond traditional salary structures and consider the holistic wellbeing of their teams. For those looking to redefine their company culture, Sanil’s story is a call to action: make financial security a shared victory.
