19 Finovate Alums Selected for 2014 European FinTech 50 Awards

The FinTech 50 awards highlight 50 European-based companies to watch over the coming year. The companies are selected by a panel of 15 fintech professionals. This year, 19 of the selected companies are Finovate alums.

Here are the Finovate alums selected, listed in alphabetical order:


AcceptEmailLogo.jpg

AcceptEmail, for its electronic billing and payment system that allows customers to make payments straight from their email.

BehaviosecLogo2013.jpg

BehavioSec, for its technology that uses behavioral biometrics to verify users, creating a secure environment without extra friction.

creditagricoleLogo.jpg

Credit Agricole Apps, for its online app store where financial apps are co-created between clients and developers.

eToroLogo.jpg

eToro, for its social trading and investment network

etronikaLogo2.jpg

ETRONIKA, for its full suite of ebanking channels and BANKTRON management platform.

fidorLogo.jpg

Fidor Bank, for its innovative online banking community.

FiveDegreesLogo.jpg

Five Degrees, for its integrated banking platform that extends from back-end systems to client-facing technology.

FreeAgentLogo.jpg

FreeAgent, for its SMB-focused online accounting system.

HelpMyCashLogo.jpg

Help my Cash, for its recommendation engine that informs consumers of their options when choosing and negotiating financial services.
Holvi, for its smart checking account for group activities.
Ixaris, for its innovative global applications based on open-loop prepaid card schemes.

IxarisLogo.jpg

klarnaLogo.jpg

Klarna, for its e-commerce payment solutions.

mbankLogo.jpg

mBank, for its Bank 3.0 approach to online and mobile banking.

MenigaLogo.jpg

Meniga, for its white-labeled PFM and next-generation online banking solutions.

NutmegLogo.jpg

Nutmeg, for its online savings and investing service that helps users manage their money.

TheCurrencyCloudLogo.jpg

The Currency Cloud, for its Cross Border Payments as a Service product that optimizes exchange rates and payment networks for both parties in a currency exchange.

TransferwiseLogoNew.jpg

TransferWise, for its platform that allows expats, foreign exchange students and businesses to move money globally.

wonga.jpg

Wonga, for its service that provides small, short term cash advances to UK consumers online.

zopa.jpg

Zopa, for its P2P money lending service that allows borrowers and lenders to deal with each other directly.

Finovate Alumni News– December 19, 2013

  • Finovate-F-Logo.jpgThe Chicago Tribune lists Planwise, SigFig, Jemstep and FindaBetterBank as tools to fix your finances.
  • peerTransfer announces record setting 2013, bringing total customer base to 400 institutions.
  • Tradeshift brings in $15 million of a $57 million equity round.
  • Trustev brings in $500k from Notion Capital, Adding to the $3 Million it Garnered in October.
  • Business2Community features PaySimple.
  • Allied Payment Network teaming up with ACI Worldwide to provide same day bill pay via PicturePay.
  • Klarna acquires Sofort to become 10% of Europe’s $100 billion e-commerce market.
  • Les Muma, former Fiserv CEO, to join board of directors of FIS.
  • UAE’s Bank of Sharjah to offer CR2’s BankWorld-powered mobile banking app.
  • ayondo announces new features including open positions in profile view.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Klarna Acquires Sofort to Become 10% of Europe’s $100 Billion E-Commerce Market

klarnaLogo.jpg

In a deal reported to be worth $150 million, mobile payments company Klarna is acquiring German rival, Sofort.

The purchase will make Klarna one of the bigger fish in Europe’s payment industry pond. The company estimates that the acquisition will result in a 10% share of an e-commerce market valued at $100 billion.

A few more metrics on the new Klarna:
  • Operates in 14 countries
  • Serves 43,000 merchants and 25 million users
  • Earns $200 million in revenues annually
  • Expects to process $10 billion in transaction value in 2014
The new Klarna will combine the company’s current strength in northern Europe with Sofort’s market reach in Germany and Austria. Both companies will be operated separately, and the acquisition will require approval from Sweden’s Financial Supervisory Authority.

Klarna_homepage.jpg

Klarna has been a favorite of major industry investors, racking up $250 million in funding from the likes of Sequoia Capital. Sequoia was credited for originally suggesting the partnership with Sofort.
A leading mobile payments company in Europe, Klarna’s Checkout solution lets consumers make online purchases and pay after delivery. This approach, according to Klarna, helps merchants increase conversion rates and limit cart abandonment. At the same time, consumers appreciate the frictionless process and flexibility that allows them to pay later by email in full or in installments.
As founder and CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said during his FinovateSpring appearance in 2012: “We think of ourselves as a new rail, a new infrastructure for payments. One that is safer and simpler for consumers, but at the same time safer for merchants because (having) sub 1% losses allows us to take all the default and fraud risk for merchants.”
For European consumers and merchants (Klarna has yet to make its mark in the U.S.), today’s news is another big step in this direction.

Finovate Alumni News– May 24, 2013

  • Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Finovate-F-Logo.jpgMainStreet features “stock tip truth-o-meter” and FinovateSpring 2013 Best of Show winner TipRanks.
  • GMC Software Technology enters partnership with PostConnect to deploy Inspire technology.
  • AppScout takes a look at Flint’s mobile app for iPad and iPhone.
  • Yandex.Money integrates with Еuropean payment provider Skrill.
  • Banking Business Review reports: Handpoint introduces Chip and PIN MPOS systems.
  • Newfination visits the Personal Capital offices, interviews Head Of Advisory Services, Kyle Ryan.
  • American Banker mentions how Lendio and Lighter Capital are changing the face of small business lending.
  • Internet Retailer reports: ThreatMetrix helps EMerchantPay reduce its clients’ chargeback rates.
  • Klarna named “most innovative company” at annual Media Momentum Awards arranged by GP Bullhound.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News– May 6, 2013

  • Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Finovate-F-Logo.jpgBraintree’s Bryan Johnson provides columnist James Altucher with an example of “how to go from $0 to $1,000,000 in two years.” See Braintree demo at FinovateSpring in San Francisco.
  • TransactionAge takes a look at Klarna as an alternative to Google Wallet.
  • Digital Mailer’s My Virtual StrongBox deployed by Redstone Federal Credit Union.
  • Investment News features Finect, a social network for financial advisors. Join them in San Francisco for FinovateSpring.
  • miiCard partners with Bitcoin Exchange Platform, Tradehill.
  • Innovation Agency updates Innovation Café to support formal judging process and integrated rewards payment process.
  • TIO Networks announces partnership with mobile app developer iFactor Consulting.
  • Bloomberg Businessweek reports: On Deck Capital Targets Businesses Banks Won’t Touch.
  • David Barrett, Expensify CEO, interviewed on SkyNews to talk about Bitcoin. Come check out what’s new at Expensify at FinovateSpring next week.
  • Best Vendor profiles Gremln. See them in action at FinovateSpring in San Francisco.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News– May 2, 2013

  • Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Finovate-F-Logo.jpgNewfination interviews Adhil Shetty, founder and CEO of BankBazaar.
  • Pymnts.com features TipRanks Financial Accountability Engine. Join TipRans in San Francisco for FinovateSpring.
  • Klarna co-founder Niklas Adalberth talks about hyper growth in Europe.
  • InvestmentNews columnist takes a look at Finect. See them demo at FinovateSpring in May.
  • Yodlee forms partnership with London fintech incubator Level39.
  • Virtual Piggy wins The National Parenting Center’s 2013 Seal of Approval under the Websites category. See it demo live at FinovateSpring.
  • Signifyd receives the Merchant Risk Council’s 2013 Emerging Technology Award in the startup company category. Come see it demo live at FinovateSpring.
  • Engadget reports: PayPal and Discover expand partnership, will reach 2 million stores by year-end.
  • PandoDaily looks at Xero’s stealth period.
  • Billhighway partners with the Automation Alley Fund organization.
  • Braintree hires Google Wallet co-creator &
    former Square employee Rob von Behren as lead software engineer.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Zooz Closes $2 Million Series A Round Led by XSeed Capital

Zooz_logo.jpg

Product development and building partnerships with retailers are at the top of the To-Do List for mobile payment innovator, Zooz, as the company announces the conclusion of a productive round of venture capital funding.

The $2 million in capital from XSeed and others puts Zooz’s total capital raised at $3.5 million. The company raised $1.5 million in seed funding in January 2012.

Zooz’s payment platform is designed to help merchants improve and get more out of the transactions that go through their websites and mobile apps. The company’s solution provides one tap checkout, actionable analytics that provide merchant-specific suggestions, and “device-centric” security and fraud prevention.

Zooz currently has partnerships with companies like MasterCard and First Data, as well as with Finovate alumni like Dwolla, Klarna, and PayPal. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Israel, Zooz is led by co-founders Oren Levy (CEO) and Ronen Morecki (CTO).

Zooz is one of the companies that will be demonstrating their technology at FinovateSpring in San Francisco in May. To learn more about the event, including information on how to purchase tickets and save your spot, visit our FinovateSpring page here.

Finovate Alumni News– April 1, 2013

  • Finovate-F-Logo.jpgExpensify makes Reconciliation and Central Administration features available for American Express corporate cardholders.
  • Micronotes providing series of marketing campaigns for USAlliance FCU to help cross-selling efforts.
  • Palo Alto Software announces launch of EntrepreWorld, a virtual environment to test business plans in a virtual world of avatars. Come see Palo Alto demo its latest technology at FinovateSpring.
  • Consumers CU chooses Andera’s oFlows platform for online account opening and lending.
  • Lighter Capital appoints Molly Gregg Otter as Vice President.
  • Bloomberg looks at how Jemstep, SigFig, and FutureAdvisor help manage your portfolio online. See Jemstep’s new tech at FinovateSpring.
  • Forbes takes a close up look at London’s FinTech Innovation Lab, including participants BehavioSec, Kiboo, and Open Bank Project.
  • Huff Post blog considers Lighter Capital’s Revenue Loans as alternative to VC funding.
  • GCN looks at Dwolla’s use in government.
  • Huff Post blog considers automated report-writing software company, Narrative Science. See its new tech at FinovateSpring.
  • MyBankTracker reviews Tuition.io.
  • Y C Universe profiles Trust Egg. See them demo at FinovateSpring in May.
  • MicroStrategy signs technology alliance agreement with MapR.
  • Berry Review takes a look at Pageonce Money and Bills on Blackberry 10.
  • Times of India highlights Klarna’s growth in Europe.
  • Incentive Mag previews the launch of CashStar’s table gifting solution.
  • Eye Verify announces results from biometric standard, performance and assurance lab survey. Join them in San Francisco for FinovateSpring.
  • IntelliResponse selected by KMWorld as one of “100 Companies that Matter in Knowledge Management” for 2013. Come see them in action at FinovateSpring in May.
  • New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg officially ‘opened the doors‘ to On Deck Capital’s new NYC HQ.
  • Global Payments and edo Interactive launch pilot for card-linked offers network.
  • Boston Business Journal interviews Leaf CEO Aron Schwarzkopf. See Leaf’s demo at FinovateSpring in San Francisco.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News– March 27, 2013

Thumbnail image for Finovate-F-Logo.jpg

  • Acculynk to provide UnionPay International UPOP authentication service via PaySecure.
  • GMC  Software Technology’s GMC Inspire now available as a complete solution with Xerox devices.
  • Klarna AB wins SEK 150 million contract with EVRY.
  • Finextra reports East River FCU & Ishpeming Community FCU to integrate Geezeo’s PFM product.
  • International Business News reports Aditi Technologies and TIBCO Software announce strategic alliance to bolster enterprise social and e-commerce solutions.
  • Lend Academy reports: Lending Club adds monthly income and loan ID filters.
  • American Banker reports: Harleysville Savings chooses Q2ebanking’s online banking platform.
  • TIO Networks surpasses 1 million transactions across all TIO Wallet members.
  • BankersLab launches Collections Edition of its Bank-it mobile game.
  • Bell State Bank deploys Fiserv’s mobile banking system.
  • Banking Technology looks at Kiboo’s participation in London’s fintech Innovation Lab.
  • Wilson Bank & Trust introduces MoneyDesktop to members.
  • TIBCO Software acquires Maporama Solutions.
  • P2P lending comes to real estate courtesy of Realty Mogul.
  • Small Business Computing takes a look at Flint’s pursuit of “highly mobile small businesses.”
  • Retail Touch Points features Jingit and a conversation on the importance of in-store marketing ROI.
  • Bank Crerdit News talks compliance with Fenergo CEO Marc Murphy.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News– March 26, 2013

  • Thumbnail image for Finovate-F-Logo.jpgTransferWise featured in HuffPost Students United Kingdom.
  • EZBOB investor John Garfield profiled in The Telegraph.
  • Money.co.uk compares money transfers through Azimo.
  • Fiserv partners with Romania-based Eutron Invest to provide Cash and Logistics solution portfolio to the Romanian market.
  • Forbes looks at the “best of the best” debt crowdfunders including Lending Club, Prosper, Zopa, SoMoLend, Rebirth Financial.
  • SecureKey announced availability of its cloud-based briidge.net identity and authentication platform.
  • ID Analytics introduces fraud detection solutions for online retailers.
  • The Globe and Mail lists Expensify as 1 of 5 apps that take the bumps out of business travel.
  • Petter Made, co-founder and COO of SumUp, talks about the advantages of Dublin as a base for business.
  • Credit Union Times reports: Fiserv launches SpotPay.
  • Finextra reports G&D and PayPal team on pre-paid mobile top-ups in Brazil.
  • Practical eCommerce takes a look at Klarna Invoice for OSC programs.
  • CSI’s globalVCard wins top entrepreneurial prize at 2013 Innovation Project.
  • Newfination interviews CurrencyFair’s Brett Meyers.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News– March 18, 2013

  • Finovate-F-Logo.jpgBella Dati opens office in Singapore.
  • Business solutions company Neopost USA to use Striata as its electronic document delivery partner.
  • Mitek facilitates more than $40 billion in check deposits.
  • GigaOM reports Braintree’s recent move overseas helps double its payments volume to $8B.
  • Blackhawk Network files for IPO of up to $200 million.
  • miiCard 1 of 50 listed on the 2013 FinTech 50 Watchlist, a list companies in Europe that are redefining financial services.
  • Kashoo to partner with InfoStreet’s SkyDesktop.
  • Consumers.com asks whether Klarna will become a “major player” in online payments.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News– March 1, 2013

  • Finovate-F-Logo.jpgMetaforic’s self-defending software immune system named the Gold winner by Info Security Products Guide’s 2013 Global Excellence Awards.
  • Worldwide Insure names Expensify the February Travel App of the Month.
  • TIO Networks expands Services with First Data’s Money Network Prepaid Services.
  • Bloomberg Television interviews Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski.
  • CashStar co-founder, CEO David Stone to lead panel on mobile shopping and gifting at Prepaid Expo.
  • AEGON Turkey insurance sales processes go mobile with Figlo tablet solution.
  • Lending Club appoints former Visa President as Director.
  • Apps from BBVA Compass, Pageonce, and Simple highlighted in American Banker’s list of the top ten, most progressive mobile banking apps.
  • My Money Blog reviews Jemstep Portfolio Manager.
  • Co-founder and CEO of Birdback, Nicolai Watzenig named guest speaker at eDeal Summit.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.