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Blockchain payments firm SatoshiPay secures €850k to expand Vortex globally
SatoshiPay, a blockchain payments firm, has successfully closed an €850k fundraising round to accelerate the expansion of its payment solution, Vortex.
Built on the Pendulum network, Vortex aims to streamline global transactions by bridging stablecoins with local fiat currencies.
The round saw participation from several notable investors, including CoinShares chairman Danny Masters, SatoshiPay co-founder Meinhard Benn, and the company’s CEO, Alexander Wilke. Blue Star Capital, a publicly listed investment firm on the London Stock Exchange, also reinforced its ongoing support. Additionally, the Web3 Foundation contributed a grant to support the initiative.
Vortex is designed to enhance decentralised foreign exchange (FX) infrastructure by providing a low-cost, efficient payment system that integrates traditional financial networks with blockchain technology. The solution enables seamless currency conversion between USD stablecoins and local currencies.
The newly raised funds will support the rollout of Vortex in key markets, including Europe, Argentina, and Brazil, as well as facilitate further blockchain integrations across networks such as Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Binance, and Polkadot. The funding will also be used to drive initial market traction ahead of a planned Series A round in late 2025.
SatoshiPay co-founder Meinhard Benn highlighted the company’s long-term vision, stating, “Vortex represents the pinnacle of years of dedication to SatoshiPay’s vision to connect the world through instant payments. I’m proud to support this next chapter as we take on the challenge of revolutionizing payments in both emerging and established markets.”
CoinShares chairman Danny Masters also praised the project, saying, “Vortex addresses one of the most critical needs in the digital economy: seamless, cost-effective cross-border payments. With its strong technical foundation on Pendulum and a clear vision for scaling globally, Vortex is perfectly positioned to reshape the payments industry.”
The company has positioned Vortex as a solution that integrates with various platforms, including wallet providers such as MetaMask and Trust Wallet, as well as payment service providers and ramping platforms.
FinTech firm Kani Payments secures Series A funding to drive global expansion
Kani Payments, a FinTech firm specialising in payment reconciliation and reporting, has secured a multi-million-pound Series A investment to enhance its platform and expand globally.
The funding round was led by Maven Capital Partners, one of the UK’s leading private equity firms. It also included investment from the Maven VCTs and NPIF II – Maven Equity Finance, which is managed as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). FT Partners acted as the exclusive strategic and financial advisor to Kani.
Kani provides an automated reconciliation platform designed to simplify financial reporting for payment companies and financial institutions. With global payment volumes increasing and regulatory demands intensifying, the platform helps firms streamline complex reconciliation processes, reduce costs, and mitigate compliance risks. To date, Kani has reconciled over €24bn in processed payments across five continents.
The fresh investment will accelerate the development of Kani’s technology, expand its team, and facilitate entry into new international markets, particularly in the US.
Kani Payments CEO Aaron Holmes said, “This investment marks a pivotal moment in Kani’s evolution as we expand our automated reconciliation platform to meet surging global demand. Maven’s backing will accelerate our platform development and global expansion, particularly as we see increasing opportunities in markets where regulatory compliance and payment reconciliation complexity continue to grow.”
Maven Capital Partners investment manager Rebecca MacDermid said, “Kani has developed an innovative, award-winning platform that is addressing a critical challenge in the fast-evolving payments industry. The company’s proprietary technology, coupled with the team’s deep sector expertise, has helped the business achieve year-on-year growth, with annual recurring revenues sharply increasing in the last year, driven by a 70% increase in clients. With the increasing complexity of payment reconciliation and regulatory compliance, demand for Kani’s solution is set to grow further.”
Gomboc AI raises $13m to revolutionise cloud security with deterministic AI
Gomboc AI, a cybersecurity startup focused on cloud security remediations, has raised $13m in seed funding to accelerate its efforts in automating security fixes.
The round included an $8m investment led by Ballistic Ventures, with continued backing from Glilot Capital Partners and Hetz Ventures, which had co-led the company’s initial $5m seed funding.
The company was founded to address the mounting security backlog that hampers business transformation. Its platform, developed by co-founder and CEO Ian Amit, aims to eliminate inefficiencies in cloud security management by automating the remediation of security vulnerabilities. Amit, a former chief information security officer (CISO), was driven by the overwhelming number of security tickets and vulnerability reports he encountered while overseeing security for 15 businesses under a single corporate entity.
Gomboc AI’s platform differentiates itself by using a deterministic AI engine rather than generative AI or static templates. The technology integrates with cloud infrastructure via Infrastructure as Code (IaC), enabling accurate, repeatable, and context-aware code fixes while maintaining functionality. The solution helps security and DevOps teams reduce the Mean Time to Remediate (MTTR) from months to minutes, significantly cutting down on security backlogs.
Ballistic Ventures co-founder and general partner Roger Thornton said, “Gomboc AI is solving a massive, universal problem that organizations face: transforming the overwhelming security-ticket backlog into an automated, policy-driven remediation process. This company is a game-changer for how security and DevSecOps teams can work together more efficiently and effectively.
“We’re thrilled to have Gomboc AI’s talented team join the portfolio and look forward to their visionary approach changing the way organizations manage cloud security.”
Hetz Ventures general partner Pavel Livshiz said, “The cybersecurity market is at an inflection point threats are evolving faster than companies can hire and train security engineers.
“Gomboc AI is uniquely positioned to solve this bottleneck with AI-driven remediation, turning security from a constant fire drill into a seamless, automated process. This funding reflects their rapid progress, strong market traction, and an outstanding team. We’re excited to double down.”
Momnt and Your Virtual Adjuster partner to enhance roofing contractor financing and claims management
Momnt, a leading FinTech company specialising in real-time lending and payment solutions, has announced a partnership with Your Virtual Adjuster, an innovative claims management platform designed for roofers.
The collaboration aims to provide roofing contractors with a seamless solution for handling insurance claims while offering flexible financing options to homeowners, according to FF News.
The partnership seeks to tackle a significant challenge faced by roofing contractors—reaching a broader customer base through a combined insurance claims and financing solution.
Rising costs of materials and labour mean homeowners often bear high out-of-pocket expenses after their insurance claims are settled.
By integrating insurance claims management with financing options, the partnership allows roofers to offer a more attractive service, ultimately boosting their competitiveness.
Momnt provides real-time lending and payment solutions that enable businesses to offer point-of-need financing to their customers. By integrating lending services into various industries, the company helps businesses enhance their sales and customer experience.
Your Virtual Adjuster is a claims management platform tailored for roofing contractors, streamlining the insurance claims process and helping roofers secure approvals more efficiently. The company’s technology simplifies complex insurance procedures, ensuring smoother and quicker settlements for contractors and homeowners alike.
With this collaboration, roofers can improve deal closure rates, expand their client base, and enhance customer satisfaction by providing a full-service solution that includes both claims management and financing. This integration ensures homeowners can manage unexpected roof repairs without financial strain.
Momnt’s technology integrates seamlessly with Your Virtual Adjuster’s platform, allowing homeowners to access various financing options tailored to their needs. Roofers can now offer flexible payment solutions that include financing deductibles, making roof repairs more affordable and accessible.
“We’re empowering roofers to win more jobs and provide a complete solution to their customers,” Momnt vice president of partnerships Adam Goodman said. “By combining our financing options with Your Virtual Adjuster’s expertise in insurance claims, we’re enabling homeowners to get their roofs repaired quickly and affordably, even when faced with unexpected costs.”
“With this collaboration, homeowners can avoid the disruption and financial strain associated with unexpected roof damage,” Vince said. “They can now quickly get their roofs repaired, choose from a range of financing options to cover the out-of-pocket costs, and even finance their deductibles, making the entire process more manageable.”
Clearcover unveils insurance exchange to boost non-standard auto insurance market
Clearcover, a next-generation auto insurer known for its digital-first approach, has launched a reciprocal insurance exchange designed to strengthen its position in the non-standard auto insurance market.
The product, known as Clearcover Inter-Insurance Exchange (CIX), aligns with Clearcover’s broader strategy to improve profitability, fuel growth, and enhance accessibility within auto insurance, according to InsurTech Insights.
With a focus on serving more diverse customer segments, the company is also expanding into Texas through Clearcover General Agency (CGA), aiming to provide innovative and flexible insurance solutions.
Clearcover specialises in leveraging artificial intelligence and digital automation to streamline the auto insurance process.
By minimising operational inefficiencies, the company delivers cost-effective and customer-friendly insurance policies tailored to modern drivers.
The newly launched CIX is designed to offer expanded coverage to drivers who are often underserved by traditional insurers.
This includes individuals with foreign licenses, those with limited driving experience, or drivers with inconsistent insurance histories. The exchange also features competitive commission structures for agents, incentivising them to connect more drivers to affordable insurance options.
A key component of CIX is its AI-powered technology, which enhances self-service capabilities for customers while improving workflow efficiencies for agents. This ensures a seamless insurance experience that prioritises convenience and affordability.
As a reciprocal exchange, CIX operates on a subscriber-based model, meaning policyholders collectively own a stake in the exchange. This structure helps reduce operational costs, keeping premiums competitive and promoting long-term financial stability for members.
By launching CIX alongside CGA, Clearcover is diversifying its market reach while reinforcing its commitment to innovative, customer-centric insurance solutions. The company aims to continuously adapt to the evolving landscape of auto insurance, ensuring greater accessibility and efficiency.
“Launching CIX marks a turning point as we continue to redefine auto insurance,” Clearcover CEO and Co-founder Kyle Nakatsuji said. “By broadening our market focus and harnessing our tech-driven platform, we’re empowering more customers and agents while delivering unmatched efficiency and competitive pricing.”
Tabby lands $160m funding to accelerate financial services growth in MENA
Tabby, a leading financial services and shopping app in the MENA region, has secured $160m in a Series E funding round, pushing its valuation to $3.3bn.
The round was led by existing investors Blue Pool Capital and Hassana Investment Company, with additional backing from STV and Wellington Management.
Tabby has seen rapid growth since its last funding round in October 2023, nearly doubling its annualised transaction volume to over $10bn. It recently acquired Tweeq, a Saudi-based digital wallet provider, further expanding its suite of financial services. Alongside its core buy now, pay later (BNPL) offerings, Tabby has introduced several new products, including the Tabby Card for flexible payments, a subscription-based service called Tabby Plus, and Tabby Care, a buyer protection programme.
With the fresh capital, Tabby plans to accelerate the expansion of its financial services, including digital spending accounts, payments, cards, and money management tools. The company is also aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, contributing to the country’s transition towards a cashless economy. The funding also strengthens Tabby’s position as it prepares for an IPO, marking a significant step in its long-term growth strategy.
Hosam Arab, CEO and co-founder of Tabby, said, “This investment allows us to accelerate our rollout of products that make managing money simpler and more rewarding for our customers. We’re focused on creating tangible impact helping people take control of their finances with tools that are accessible, effortless and built for their everyday lives.”
Christopher Wu, chief investment officer at Blue Pool Capital, said, “Tabby’s ability to innovate and deliver exceptional products is truly impressive. Their strong revenue growth and operational efficiency sets them apart from other fintech companies globally. We are incredibly excited to support the team on their mission.”
Ahmed Al Qahtani, chief investment officer for regional markets at Hassana Investment Company, said, “We are consistently impressed with Tabby’s remarkable ability to execute and build significant momentum in such a short time. Their unwavering dedication to delivering innovative products and solutions to customers reinforces our strong belief in Tabby’s bright future. We are excited to continue our partnership as they redefine the financial services landscape in the region.”
Zeta raises $50m as valuation surges to $2bn in strategic funding
Zeta, a next-generation banking technology provider serving financial institutions worldwide, has secured a $50m strategic investment.
The latest funding values the company at $2bn, marking a 1.7x increase from its previous $1.15bn pre-money valuation.
The funding was contributed by a strategic investor, though their identity has not been disclosed. This follows Zeta’s previous $250m raise in 2021, which was led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 along with other key investors.
Zeta specialises in providing cloud-native banking solutions, enabling financial institutions to launch and manage digital financial products efficiently. Its SaaS offerings cater to banks and FinTech firms, supporting products such as credit cards, checking and savings accounts, unsecured loans, and commercial banking solutions. The platform is built on a microservices-based, API-first, and headless (MACH) architecture.
Zeta’s Global CEO and co-founder, Bhavin Turakhia, highlighted the company’s rapid growth, stating, “We are incredibly excited at the pace at which clients are embracing our modern stack.
“Over the past few years, we have supported over 25 million accounts on our cloud-native processing platform Tachyon and are on track to add 25 million more with contracts already in flight. Our clients are breaking away from decades of legacy systems to deliver amazing digital experiences thereby increasing their customer satisfaction and accelerating new user acquisition.”
Co-founder Ramki Gaddipati added, “Zeta’s mission to be a trusted partner to financial institutions is possible through the patient efforts of the best team ever assembled in banking technology. While the past few years have been challenging for the banking-tech industry, our organization has delivered multiple winning programs for our clients in record times.”
Zeta’s platform is used by some of the world’s largest financial institutions, including HDFC Bank, India’s leading private bank, where it has launched the Pixel digital-native credit card program. Other key partners include Pluxee, a global corporate benefits provider, and Sparrow Financial, a US-based card issuer focused on non-prime cardholders.
BIS guides central banks on balancing AI innovation with risk management
In its latest report, the BIS addresses the burgeoning role of AI in central banking, underscoring the critical balance between promoting innovation and managing associated risks.
The report outlines key strategies for central banks to safely incorporate AI technologies within their operational frameworks, according to ABA Banking Journal.
Central to BIS’s guidance is the establishment of an interdisciplinary AI committee aimed at overseeing AI integration and ensuring compliance with established ethical standards. Additionally, the report encourages the adoption of responsible AI principles and stresses the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities introduced by AI tools.
A significant part of the report highlights the need for revising current governance and risk management frameworks to accommodate AI’s unique challenges. “The safe and proper usage of AI across the central bank functions may demand changes to existing risk management and governance frameworks,” the BIS report notes. This statement emphasizes the importance of updating traditional models to ensure that AI technologies are implemented effectively and safely, mitigating risks while enhancing efficiency and decision-making processes within central banks.
In response to these recommendations, the BIS suggests that central banks take a proactive approach by reviewing and adapting their governance structures to better align with the evolving technological landscape. This strategic shift will not only safeguard the integrity of financial systems but also leverage AI’s potential to improve service delivery and policy implementation.
FinScan enhances payment screening for faster, safer transactions
FinScan, an anti-money laundering (AML) compliance solution from Innovative Systems, has enhanced its payment screening solution, FinScan Payments, to accelerate transaction workflows while strengthening financial crime prevention.
According to recent research from Datos Insights, 91% of surveyed financial institutions (FIs) are investing significantly in payment modernisation. Despite this, many firms still operate with legacy AML compliance systems that were not designed for today’s real-time payment rails, making them ill-equipped to handle instant settlement workflows.
With digital payments surging and financial crime risks rising, FinScan Payments enables FIs, FinTech firms, and other organisations to navigate evolving payment infrastructures efficiently. The latest enhancements introduce an improved system architecture capable of high-volume transaction screening, expanded integration support for new payment messages, and a redesigned user interface.
Becki LaPorte, strategic advisor in the fraud and AML practice at Datos Insights, said: “Today’s payment arena requires real-time AML compliance as evolving regulations demand deeper scrutiny of transactions. In a fast-changing geopolitical and tech landscape, compliance teams must screen payments against the latest sanctions, PEP, and dual-use goods lists to stay ahead of illicit activity. FinScan Payments is well equipped to support faster payments while effectively controlling risk across domestic and cross-border ecosystems.”
Deborah Overdeput, chief marketing officer of Innovative Systems, said: “To keep pace with evolving payments, organizations must streamline workflows, update their screening solutions, customize watchlists, and execute compliance checks in milliseconds with accurate results for instant payments.
“FinScan Payments empowers FIs, neobanks, PayFacs, FinTechs, and other organizations to block high-risk transactions in real time, facilitating compliance without delays. With configurable alerts and seamless integration into payment workflows, it keeps transactions secure while meeting time-sensitive review thresholds.”
FinTech startup SparkReceipt secures investment from Trind Ventures for global expansion
SparkReceipt, a pre-accounting software provider based in Finland, has secured investment from Trind Ventures.
The funding round, which remains undisclosed, also received support from the European Union under the InvestEU Fund and Business Finland.
The company provides AI-powered pre-accounting software designed to simplify bookkeeping for micro-businesses, with operations spanning nearly 100 countries. The platform automates receipt and invoice processing, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
The new funding will be used to accelerate SparkReceipt’s international expansion.
Trind Ventures partner Reima Linnanvirta highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “With my own background in the most boring industries like accounting, legal, and tax, I am always excited to see BoringTech startups transforming these industries. Knowing the team from the past and what they can deliver and seeing the strong early customer traction, I trust SparkReceipt will change the way millions of entrepreneurs handle their accounting, freeing their time for building their businesses.”
SparkReceipt co-founder Joel Ojala said, “It was crazy to see the appetite toward SparkReceipt from VCs. So many reached out, begging to invest. But it makes sense there is momentum in AI accounting for micro-businesses, or maybe it was the rockstar team.”
InsureVision raises $2.7m to transform insurance risk pricing with contextual driving data
InsureVision, an InsurTech company specialising in AI-powered contextual driving risk assessment technology, has successfully raised $2.7m in a seed funding round.
The investment round was led by Rethink Ventures, with participation from Twin Path Ventures and State Farm Ventures, the venture arm of State Farm, the largest vehicle insurer in the world.
InsureVision focuses on enhancing vehicle risk assessment by leveraging its proprietary “enviromatics” technology. This platform uses advanced vision transformer technology to analyse video footage from standard forward-facing vehicle cameras. Unlike conventional telematics systems or basic AI dashcams, which often rely solely on mechanical data or object detection, InsureVision’s solution takes a more holistic approach. It considers the full driving environment, including the behaviour and intent of other road users, to generate more accurate risk assessments.
With the fresh capital, InsureVision plans to accelerate product development and broaden its presence across international markets. The company is already conducting trials with major insurance providers in the US, with further pilots scheduled for Japan. Proof of value data from these trials is expected by mid-2025.
InsureVision was founded by serial entrepreneur Mark Miller, whose previous company, Dictate IT, was the largest supplier of medical speech recognition technology to the NHS before being acquired by Clanwilliam Group in a multi-million-pound deal in 2018.
The platform offers insurance companies a more accurate way to underwrite policies, enabling more precise pricing and fewer claims. Fleet operators benefit from real-time risk monitoring and enhanced driver safety insights, while automotive manufacturers can integrate the technology into software-defined vehicles to comply with upcoming Automatic Emergency Braking regulations.
Rethink Ventures general partner Matthias Schanze said, “We have followed Mark and his team for some time, and they have continuously shown exceptional entrepreneurial vigour and deep tech expertise paired with an unconventional approach. Their vision for transforming road safety through AI-powered contextual understanding sets a new standard for the industry.”
Twin Path Ventures partner Nick Slater added, “InsureTech is an exciting space because the numbers are huge and even a micro improvement can make a macro impact. InsureVision has one of the most unconventional but potentially groundbreaking ways of disrupting the sector for the better of insurance companies, fleet operators and drivers alike”.
UK AI FinTech Quantexa secures $175m Series F, hitting $2.6bn valuation
Quantexa, a global provider of AI-driven decision intelligence solutions, has successfully closed a $175m Series F funding round.
The funding round was led by Teachers’ Venture Growth (TVG), part of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, with ongoing support from existing investors such as British Patient Capital.
Other backers in Quantexa include Warburg Pincus, Dawn Capital, BNY, Evolution Equity Partners, AlbionVC, and HSBC.
The fresh investment values the London-based company at $2.6bn.
Founded in 2016, Quantexa specialises in decision intelligence technology, which helps both public and private sector organisations make data-driven operational decisions with greater confidence. Its platform applies advanced AI to connect, unify, and analyse vast amounts of siloed data, providing insights into customer intelligence, risk management, financial crime, and fraud detection. The company’s solutions are used across financial services, insurance, telecoms, media, technology, and the public sector.
The newly raised capital will support Quantexa’s platform innovation, accelerating the development of new AI-powered products, expanding strategic partnerships, and boosting its footprint in North America.
The company also plans to pursue selected mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its capabilities.
Following the funding, Ara Yeromian, managing director at TVG, is expected to join Quantexa’s board, subject to regulatory approval.
The Series F funding arrives shortly after Quantexa achieved ‘Centaur’ status, a milestone reserved for SaaS firms surpassing $100m in annual recurring revenue.
The company’s strong performance in 2024 saw nearly 40% growth in licence revenue and the addition of 23 new clients, helping to expand its footprint into new sectors, including insurance and telecoms.
Quantexa founder and CEO Vishal Marria said, “AI is a once-in-a-generation technology transforming industries, redefining operations, and creating entirely new processes. From day one, Quantexa has been at the forefront of this revolution, helping enterprises create trusted, curated data to unlock AI’s full potential.
“This latest investment reflects investors’ embracing our vision and committing to join our journey as we accelerate innovation, platform deployments, and amplify the value we deliver to clients and the broader ecosystem. With the continued support of our investors,
BriteCore unveils new vendor integrations to transform P&C insurance operations
BriteCore, a provider of cloud-native core insurance platforms for property and casualty insurers, has expanded its Solution Partner Marketplace.
This enhancement introduces five new vendor integrations, marking a significant stride in BriteCore’s ongoing effort to equip insurers with cutting-edge technology solutions and increased flexibility in underwriting accuracy, claims processing, and overall operational efficiency.
BriteCore’s core function is to offer property and casualty insurers advanced technology solutions that streamline and enhance their insurance processes. The BriteCore Solution Partner Marketplace is crafted to provide seamless access to innovative tools and services that augment insurers’ core operational capabilities.
The reason behind this new product initiative is to further BriteCore’s mission to deliver a flexible and comprehensive ecosystem that supports insurers in optimizing key business processes such as underwriting, claims handling, and risk assessment.
The newly integrated vendors in the BriteCore Solution Partner Marketplace include Acrisure AcrisureIQ, which provides real-time risk scores and tools for catastrophe risk modeling, and Bees360, which offers drone-enabled claims and underwriting inspection services. Also included are DataCrest AppEase, enhancing submission workflows and commercial insurers’ efficiency; Howden Re TigerCQ, which supplies advanced analytics for risk management; and Verisk XactAnalysis, improving the claims process with precise, professional estimates.
These integrations reflect BriteCore’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the InsurTech sector, offering solutions that enhance insurers’ operational efficiency and elevate policyholder experiences.
BriteCore’s CEO, Ray Villeneuve, emphasized the benefits of the expansion, stating, “These new solution integrations reinforce BriteCore’s mission to deliver a flexible and comprehensive ecosystem that empowers insurers with best-in-class solutions. By teaming with these industry leaders and innovators, we continue to provide our customers with the solutions they need to optimize underwriting, claims handling, and risk assessment.”
Tom Young, CEO of DataCrest, also shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Collaborating with BriteCore allows us to bring AppEase’s efficiency-driven submission management capabilities to more insurers, helping them navigate complex and time-intensive workflows with ease and accuracy. We are excited to join BriteCore’s growing ecosystem of innovative solutions.”
Unique AI secures $30m in Series A to transform FinTech with agentic AI
Unique AI, a vertical AI company, announced that it has successfully closed a $30m Series A funding round.
Since its inception in 2021, the company has now amassed a total of $53m in investment. The latest funding round was spearheaded by CommerzVentures and DN Capital, with continued backing from early seed investors, including VI Partners and Pictet Group.
Unique AI operates in the FinTech sector, developing an advanced agentic AI platform tailored for financial firms. The platform offers 25 specialized ‘off the shelf’ use cases, along with customisable agents, to enhance back and middle-office operations. This integration allows for improved data processing and accuracy, making significant impacts on efficiency and regulatory compliance.
The company plans to use this new influx of capital to fuel its global expansion and refine its ability to deploy cutting-edge solutions. With a solid base of deployment among blue-chip companies managing over $2.3 trillion in assets, including names like Pictet Group and LGT Private Banking, Unique AI is setting a new standard in financial services technology.
One of Unique AI’s prominent clients, Pictet Group, utilizes the platform extensively, providing it to 6,000 employees and reporting efficiency gains of approximately two hours per week per person. Despite the platform’s ability to streamline investment product filtering and related tasks, human relationship managers remain central to client interactions.
In addition to funding news, Unique AI announced the appointment of Dana Ritter as Chief Product Officer, effective April 2025. Ritter, a former Group Product Manager at Google Deepmind, brings a wealth of experience from his time leading projects like Gemini on Android and Google’s agentic web capability, Duplex on the Web.
Several quotes from the investing partners highlight the enthusiasm for Unique AI’s potential. “We are excited to announce this Series A investment,” Unique CEO Manuel Grenacher said. “This funding will significantly boost our global expansion efforts and enhance our ability to deploy agentic solutions for our clients.”
“We are thrilled to support Unique in this next phase of growth,” CommerzVentures Managing Partner Patrick Meisberger commented. Similarly, DN Capital Partner Guy Ward Thomas added, “Unique’s offering is serving a pressing need for banks and asset managers to deploy compliant and accurate agentic AI solutions.”
Lastly, VI Partners Managing Partner Olivier Laplace noted, “Our partnership with Manuel and his team goes back a decade when we backed his previous venture. Seeing once again their bold vision and outstanding execution, we are excited to support them in this next stage.”
Bourn raises £1.5m seed funding to revolutionise SME cash flow management
Bourn, a UK-based FinTech startup focused on SME finance, has secured £1.5m in seed funding to support the expansion of its AI-powered Flexible Trade Account (FTA).
The funding round was led by Haatch, with participation from fintech investors Love Ventures, Portfolio Ventures, and Aperture, alongside private backers.
Founded by Roger Vincent, Nick Tracey, and Paul Gambrell, the company has also appointed former banker and FinTech executive Leda Glyptis as a non-executive board member.
Bourn aims to address the cash flow challenges faced by SMEs by offering a modern alternative to traditional business overdrafts. Its flagship solution, the Flexible Trade Account, integrates AI-driven risk assessment, Open Banking, and accounting software connectivity to provide an automated revolving credit facility.
By partnering with banks and lenders, Bourn offers a white-label solution that enables financial institutions to expand their SME portfolios while minimising risk and maximising returns.
The newly raised funds will be used to further develop Bourn’s product, enhance its technology, and accelerate market entry.
Bourn’s CEO, Nick Tracey, highlighted the company’s mission, stating: “At Bourn, we understand the vital role SMEs play in the UK economy. Our mission is to simplify cash flow management through innovative financial solutions, giving businesses the confidence to grow. This funding propels us closer to our vision of transforming SME finance across the UK.”
Marcus Love, general partner at Love Ventures, reinforced the importance of Bourn’s solution, saying: “Access to working capital remains one of the biggest barriers to SME growth. Bourn’s solution offers a scalable, efficient funding option for UK businesses, and we’re thrilled to support their journey.”
Newly appointed non-executive board member Leda Glyptis added: “Bourn brings together a group of industry-leading seasoned professionals solving a very real problem that they understand deeply. I am honoured and excited to be joining this team bringing tangible value to businesses and driving financial accessibility.”
FinTech firm ClearScore secures £30m from HSBC Innovation Banking UK to drive global expansion
ClearScore, a global FinTech and data-driven financial marketplace, has secured £30m in debt financing from HSBC Innovation Banking UK to support its expansion across domestic and international markets.
The funding continues a long-standing partnership between ClearScore and HSBC Innovation Banking UK, which began in 2017. Over the past eight years, HSBC has played a key role in financing ClearScore’s global growth, enabling the company to scale and enhance its offerings. Today, ClearScore helps over 24 million users across the UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada improve their financial wellbeing.
ClearScore provides a financial marketplace that allows consumers to access their credit scores and compare financial products.
The newly secured funding will support ClearScore’s next phase of growth, expanding the range of financial products it offers and increasing the channels through which users can access them.
ClearScore CFO Brian Cole said, “As a profitable FinTech operating at global scale, we have options when it comes to choosing how to invest for the next ten years of growth. This funding allows us to expand the range products we can offer our users and the channels through which we can reach them. HSBC Innovation Banking has been a key strategic partner to enable us to scale at pace and become one of the UK’s leading fintech brands.”
Nick Conway, director of FinTech coverage at HSBC Innovation Banking UK, said, “ClearScore has been a valued long-term partner, and we’re thrilled to have been able to support their growth with this financing. We look forward to continuing our collaboration as they continue to transform the way people manage their financial health. This is a great example of how HSBC Innovation Banking helps our UK FinTech clients achieve their ambitions, scale and build world class, innovation driven businesses.”