French fintech Hero secures €11.3M to enhance financial solutions for SMEs
Image via Hero (Website)
Paris-based Hero, a new fintech startup that offers an all-in-one platform to accept payments and manage cash flow, announced that it has secured €11.3M in funding to address the gaps in financial solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The company raised €7M in 2022 and announced, on Thursday, June 20, that it has raised €11.3M from Valar Ventures, a VC firm backed by Peter Thiel, and SquareOne Venture Capital, who have supported the company since the first round.
A single platform for payments and company financing
Unlike larger corporations, SMEs often struggle to find financing options for their payment terms, as traditional banks are slow to adapt to their needs.
Founded in 2021 by Roland Jais-Nielsen, Hero aims to simplify financial services for small businesses in France by aggregating fintech and banking solutions into a single, comprehensive product.
Beyond basic company registration and bank accounts, small business owners often need to manage payments, finance inventory, and handle loans. Hero’s integrated platform offers multiple accounts, IBANs, payment cards, and access to short-term financing, aiming to streamline financial management for entrepreneurs.
Capital utilisation
With this new funding, Hero plans to expand its offerings of flexible financing products tailored for SMEs, integrating them with comprehensive payment solutions.
Additionally, the funding will fuel Hero’s expansion across key European markets, aiming to become a leading provider of fintech services specifically designed for Very Small Enterprises (VSEs) and Small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Free field brief
The Empire File
How money, ownership, and power actually move behind the companies you think you know. Built for people who watch our documentaries. Sundays you also get The Undercurrent.
Written by
Vishal Singh
Vishal Singh is a News Reporter and Social Media Marketing Lead at Silicon Canals. He covers developments in the European startup ecosystem and oversees the publication's social media presence. Before joining Silicon Canals, Vishal gained experience at the Indian digital media outlet Inc42, contributing to its growth with insightful content. Despite being a college dropout, his passion for writing has driven his career in journalism.