Fintech company Klearly has secured €6 million in seed funding to advance its efforts in simplifying in-person card payments for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Europe. The funding round was led by Global PayTech Ventures and included participation from Antler Elevate, Shapers, and angel investors such as the former CEO of Mollie and the former COO of Adyen. Klearly aims to offer its payment solutions by utilizing existing hardware like smartphones and modern terminals, making payment processing more accessible and efficient for merchants. The company has also been collaborating closely with SaaS providers to embed payment functionalities directly into their platforms.
How does Klearly differentiate itself in the payment landscape?
Klearly positions itself as an alternative to traditional bank-supplied payment hardware by prioritizing flexibility and integration. According to Sam Koekoek, CEO of Klearly, the company’s system supports various devices, including Android and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), ensuring compliance and ease of use. Through these integrations, SaaS partners and their merchants can benefit from a seamless payment experience that eliminates the need for separate hardware. Sam Koekoek remarked,
“We empower SaaS partners to integrate payments seamlessly into their platforms, enabling them to deliver superior solutions to their merchants.”
What impact has Klearly achieved so far?
Within two years, Klearly has onboarded 4,000 merchants and reported a 500% increase in payment volume in 2024. A significant milestone includes its partnership with Apple, making it the first fintech globally to launch Tap to Pay on iPhone. This collaboration has expanded Klearly’s acceptance capabilities and cemented its role as a leader in the industry. Javier Perez from Global PayTech Ventures expressed confidence in Klearly’s potential, stating,
“Klearly is the best-positioned solution in Europe to capitalize on this trend. Sam and the team have already proven they can scale effectively while delivering outstanding service to partners, including international players like Bolt.”
In related developments, fintech solutions enabling Tap to Pay have gained traction over the years, with companies like Adyen and Stripe also venturing into this space. However, Klearly’s emphasis on integrating payment systems with SaaS platforms and its early adoption of Apple’s technology set it apart from traditional competitors. It appears to be addressing the growing demand for more flexible and transparent payment solutions tailored specifically for SMBs.
The recent funding will enable Klearly to expand its operations into additional European markets. By doing so, the fintech hopes to strengthen its network of partnerships, which already include regional ordering platforms and global companies such as Bolt. Additionally, its approach of leveraging existing hardware and simplifying pricing structures could make in-person payments more appealing to a larger segment of merchants.
Klearly’s progress reflects a broader shift within the industry toward integrated, user-friendly payment solutions that cater to SMBs’ unique needs. Its collaboration with SaaS providers highlights the importance of embedding financial services directly into business ecosystems, a trend that is likely to grow in prominence. As competition in the fintech space intensifies, Klearly’s ability to scale effectively while maintaining its focus on merchant-specific solutions will determine its long-term success.
Looking ahead, Klearly’s growth trajectory will depend on its ability to navigate regional regulatory landscapes and maintain its partnerships with technology providers such as Apple. For SMBs, solutions like Klearly’s provide opportunities to streamline operations and cater to modern customer expectations, making it a key player to watch in the European payment ecosystem.
