Amsterdam-based fintech startup Klearly has successfully raised €6 million in a seed funding round aimed at accelerating its expansion across European markets and enhancing partnerships with SaaS providers. With its innovative approach to simplifying in-person payment processes, Klearly is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving point-of-sale industry.
The funding round saw participation from major investors, including Global PayTech Ventures, Antler Elevate, and Shapers, along with high-profile angel investors such as the former CEO of Mollie and the former COO of Adyen. This backing reflects the confidence in Klearly’s potential to disrupt a sector long overdue for innovation. CEO Sam Koekoek emphasized the company’s mission to empower SaaS partners by seamlessly integrating payment functionalities into their platforms, making payment processes more accessible, transparent, and efficient.
Founded in 2022 by Eva Rosa Bian, Edan Dil, Guy Griv, and Geus Walder, Klearly was established to address the persistent gaps in the in-person payment market, which has not kept pace with advancements in online payment systems. Klearly’s technology replaces outdated bank-supplied hardware with flexible, data-driven solutions that are compatible with any device, including Android smartphones, Apple devices, and modern payment terminals. This approach allows merchants to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences.
A key component of Klearly’s offering is its Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, which enables merchants to accept secure payments directly on standard devices without additional hardware. This innovative solution is expected to see significant growth, with global transaction volumes projected to rise from €1 billion in 2023 to €11.8 billion by 2028. Klearly’s collaboration with Apple to launch Tap to Pay on iPhone marked a significant milestone, as it became the first fintech startup worldwide to partner with Apple on this technology.
Klearly has already demonstrated impressive growth since its inception. In just two years, the company has onboarded 4,000 merchants and achieved a 500% increase in payment volume in 2024. This rapid expansion highlights Klearly’s ability to scale effectively while maintaining high-quality service delivery for its partners and merchants. The company’s focus on simplifying pricing structures and eliminating complex contracts further distinguishes it in a crowded market.
The European point-of-sale market, valued at €7.9 trillion annually, represents a significant opportunity for disruption. Approximately 40% of POS systems in the region remain disconnected, creating an environment ripe for integrated solutions. Klearly’s data-driven technology addresses these challenges by replacing legacy systems with streamlined, flexible alternatives that empower small and medium-sized businesses to digitize and modernize their operations.
Investors have expressed optimism about Klearly’s potential to lead this transformation. Javier Perez, founder of Global PayTech Ventures, noted that the future of the in-person payments space lies in providing merchants with flexible, customizable solutions that align with evolving customer expectations. Similarly, Martell Hardenberg, Partner at Antler Elevate, highlighted the significant market potential for a billion-dollar player to emerge, given the widespread inefficiencies in current systems. With its innovative technology and customer-centric approach, Klearly is well-positioned to become a dominant force in this evolving market.
By leveraging its newly secured funding, Klearly aims to further expand its footprint across Europe and enhance its partnerships with SaaS providers. The company’s ability to replace outdated systems with modern, integrated solutions has the potential to redefine the way payments are processed and managed, paving the way for a more efficient and connected POS ecosystem across the continent.
