SA fintech startup Float gets $11m debt to grow merchant base
TLDR
- South African startup Float secures $11 million funding from Standard Bank for card-linked installment platform launch and growth acceleration.
- Float, known for buy-now-pay-later solutions, partners with Standard Bank to strengthen market position with customer-centric value delivery.
- Float's collaboration with Samsung and existing 7 million pre-approved credit cards sets the stage for significant merchant base expansion post funding.
Float, a South African startup specializing in buy-now-pay-later solutions, has secured $11 million in funding from Standard Bank. The investment aims to facilitate the launch of Float's card-linked installment platform and drive growth over the next four years.
This funding milestone follows Float's collaboration with Samsung less than a year ago, where the startup provided South African consumers with flexible and responsible online shopping options. Maul Masson, CFO of Float, expressed confidence that the partnership with Standard Bank will fortify the company's market position and enable it to deliver enhanced value to its customers.
The startup already works with almost 7 million pre-approved credit cards in South Africa, and there is no sign-up, registration, or credit check process for consumers. It now expects to increase its well-established merchant base exponentially after securing the debt facility from Standard Bank.
Key Takeaways
In recent years, the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) model has experienced substantial growth in South Africa. According to KenResearch, a market research firm, the South African BNPL market expanded at a remarkable cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 64% from 2019 to 2022. Looking ahead, KenResearch predicts a continued strong growth trajectory, with a projected CAGR of 35% from 2022 to 2027. Amidst this burgeoning market, Float competes with several other BNPL platforms in South Africa, including 4months, HappyPay, PayFlex, and PayJustNow. As consumer preferences continue to evolve towards more flexible payment options, BNPL providers are poised to play a significant role in reshaping the retail landscape in the country.
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