Amsterdam-based Klearly, a startup that claims to be the first Dutch app to allow users to receive payments directly on their phones, announced on Wednesday that it has secured €2.1M in a pre-Seed round of funding.
With the free-to-use fintech app, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can turn their mobile phones into card terminals.
The investment was led by Antler and Global PayTech Ventures. Additionally, renowned individual investors also participated in this round. They include the former President of MasterCard, former CEO of Mollie, and former COO of Adyen.
Payment application for SMEs
Founded in 2022 by Sam Koekoek, Eva Rosa Bian, Geus Walder, Guy Griv, and Edan Dil, Klearly simplifies payment acceptance for SMEs across Europe by transforming their mobile phones into card terminals within minutes.
Koekoek says, “Entrepreneurs and small businesses often rely on separate mobile card terminals. Not only do they have to purchase them separately, but they also face issues such as poor connectivity, empty batteries, and intransparant pricing. Klearly, on the other hand, makes it easy for entrepreneurs.”
“Our free app seamlessly integrates with the hardware of your smartphone, and you only pay for what you use. Thanks to our fully automated registration process, users can start receiving payments within minutes of signing up.”
Recently, Taxi Central Amsterdam (TCA) and Rotterdam Taxi Central (RTC) drivers participated in a thorough pilot project by Klearly. The startup is now the preferred partner for all major taxi companies in the Netherlands, including the international operator Bolt.
The restaurant and canal cruise businesses are also showing interest in Klearly. Consequently, the fintech company has handled a “remarkable” 173 per cent more payments over the previous month.
Koekoek adds, “Klearly provides entrepreneurs with all the tools they need to conduct successful and effortless digital business, without the need for additional hardware. In addition to receiving digital payments, users have access to comprehensive data insights for making better-informed business decisions.”
“Convenience is paramount. That’s why we don’t require complicated installations or hidden subscription fees but instead have a transparent transaction-based fee.”
Expansion goals
Klearly claims that more than 35,000 payments have been completed through its app since the test programme began.
Koekoek says, “As one of the few fintech startups, we focus entirely on the end-user. Therefore, we aim to further streamline our processes and provide even more convenience in various sectors, including the taxi, restaurant, and canal cruise industries, in the near term.”
“In the long run, we are particularly interested in entering other countries. We started Klearly to help as many people as possible realise their entrepreneurial dreams, and that mission doesn’t stop at the Dutch border.”
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