Dutch fintech startup Klearly, specializing in Tap on Phone technology, has raised €6 million in a seed funding round to drive its growth into new European markets.
Klearly’s solution eliminates the need for traditional bank-supplied hardware by allowing businesses to accept payments directly on smartphones. This technology has made the startup the preferred partner for major taxi companies in the Netherlands.
The company has made significant strides since its inception:
- 4,000 Merchants Onboarded: Achieved in just two years.
- 500% Growth in 2024: Payment volumes surged last year.
- Apple Partnership: Selected by Apple as the first fintech globally to launch Tap to Pay on iPhone.
Sam Koekoek, Klearly’s CEO, highlighted the platform’s focus:
“We empower SaaS partners to integrate payments seamlessly into their platforms, enabling them to deliver superior solutions to their merchants. By leveraging existing hardware and streamlining pricing, we make in-person payments simple, accessible, and transparent.”
The funding round, following a pre-seed raise of €2.1 million in May 2023, was led by Global PayTech Ventures (founded by Javier Perez, former President of Mastercard Europe), with participation from Antler Elevate, Shapers, and notable angel investors, including the former CEOs of Mollie and Adyen.
Martell Hardenberg, partner at Antler Elevate, emphasized the opportunity for disruption in Europe:
“With 40% of POS systems in Europe still disconnected and €7.9 trillion in annual POS volumes, the market is primed for disruption with integrated solutions. Klearly’s innovative technology and customer-focused approach position it perfectly to lead this transformation.”
Klearly’s €6 million seed round marks a pivotal step in its mission to modernize in-person payments across Europe. By leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships, the startup is poised to become a leading player in the €7.9 trillion POS market.