Apron Takes Flight: $30M Series B Funding to Transform SMB Payments
September 27, 2024, 3:37 am
In the bustling world of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), cash flow is king. Yet, many owners find themselves shackled by the tedious task of managing payments. Enter Apron, a London-based payments platform that has just secured $30 million in Series B funding. This infusion of capital aims to streamline the payment process for SMBs, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: growing their businesses.
Founded in late 2021 by Bogdan Uzbekov, a former product leader at Revolut, Apron is on a mission to digitize and simplify payments. The company’s platform is designed to tackle the pain points that plague SMB owners. On average, these entrepreneurs spend up to 20% of their workweek dealing with invoices and payments. That’s a significant chunk of time that could be better spent serving customers or innovating products.
The latest funding round was led by Zinal Growth, a tech-focused investment firm backed by the founder of Checkout.com. Existing investors, including Index Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners, also joined the round, alongside notable investor Tony Fadell, known for his role in creating the iPod. This diverse group of backers signals strong confidence in Apron’s vision and execution.
Apron’s platform is more than just a payment processor. It acts as a “town square” where suppliers, buyers, and accountants can interact seamlessly. This approach not only simplifies the payment process but also fosters collaboration. Imagine a marketplace where everyone knows their role, and transactions flow like water. That’s the vision Apron is bringing to life.
The platform allows users to receive, sort, approve, pay, and reconcile invoices in mere seconds. This efficiency is crucial for SMBs, where every minute counts. With thousands of invoices and millions in payments processed daily, Apron is quickly becoming a lifeline for businesses struggling with cash flow issues. In fact, over 80% of SMBs in the UK fail due to cash flow problems. Apron aims to change that narrative.
The company’s growth trajectory is impressive. Since its $15 million Series A funding in September 2023, Apron has seen its customer base expand more than 20 times. This rapid growth is largely attributed to word-of-mouth referrals, a testament to the platform’s effectiveness and user satisfaction. As more businesses discover the benefits of Apron, the company is poised for even greater success.
But what’s next for Apron? The new funding will be used to bolster its engineering and product teams. The company is gearing up for significant milestones in 2025, including the launch of a new product aimed at larger suppliers. This product will help these suppliers streamline their invoicing processes, reducing the manual work involved in collecting payments. It’s a win-win situation: suppliers get paid faster, and SMBs can focus on their core operations.
Additionally, Apron plans to introduce an affordable expenses management solution tailored specifically for SMBs. This move responds to customer demand for alternatives to existing market offerings. By expanding its product range, Apron is positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for SMB payment needs.
The timing of this funding round is crucial. As the global economy continues to evolve, businesses are increasingly seeking efficient, user-friendly solutions. Apron’s focus on creating a consumer-grade experience in B2B payments resonates with today’s entrepreneurs. They want simplicity and speed, not the cumbersome processes of the past.
In a world where instant gratification is the norm, it’s baffling that business payments remain slow and cumbersome. Apron is here to change that. The company’s vision is clear: to transform payments from a painful chore into a powerful tool for growth. With the right investment and talent, Apron is well on its way to achieving that goal.
The support from investors like Zinal Growth and Tony Fadell speaks volumes about the potential they see in Apron. Their belief in the team’s execution and vision is a strong endorsement. As Apron continues to innovate and expand, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of SMB payments.
In conclusion, Apron is not just another fintech startup. It’s a game-changer for SMBs. With its recent funding, the company is set to revolutionize the way businesses handle payments. By simplifying processes and enhancing collaboration, Apron is helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time and focus on what they do best. The future looks bright for Apron and the SMBs it serves. As they say, time is money, and Apron is here to save both.
Founded in late 2021 by Bogdan Uzbekov, a former product leader at Revolut, Apron is on a mission to digitize and simplify payments. The company’s platform is designed to tackle the pain points that plague SMB owners. On average, these entrepreneurs spend up to 20% of their workweek dealing with invoices and payments. That’s a significant chunk of time that could be better spent serving customers or innovating products.
The latest funding round was led by Zinal Growth, a tech-focused investment firm backed by the founder of Checkout.com. Existing investors, including Index Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners, also joined the round, alongside notable investor Tony Fadell, known for his role in creating the iPod. This diverse group of backers signals strong confidence in Apron’s vision and execution.
Apron’s platform is more than just a payment processor. It acts as a “town square” where suppliers, buyers, and accountants can interact seamlessly. This approach not only simplifies the payment process but also fosters collaboration. Imagine a marketplace where everyone knows their role, and transactions flow like water. That’s the vision Apron is bringing to life.
The platform allows users to receive, sort, approve, pay, and reconcile invoices in mere seconds. This efficiency is crucial for SMBs, where every minute counts. With thousands of invoices and millions in payments processed daily, Apron is quickly becoming a lifeline for businesses struggling with cash flow issues. In fact, over 80% of SMBs in the UK fail due to cash flow problems. Apron aims to change that narrative.
The company’s growth trajectory is impressive. Since its $15 million Series A funding in September 2023, Apron has seen its customer base expand more than 20 times. This rapid growth is largely attributed to word-of-mouth referrals, a testament to the platform’s effectiveness and user satisfaction. As more businesses discover the benefits of Apron, the company is poised for even greater success.
But what’s next for Apron? The new funding will be used to bolster its engineering and product teams. The company is gearing up for significant milestones in 2025, including the launch of a new product aimed at larger suppliers. This product will help these suppliers streamline their invoicing processes, reducing the manual work involved in collecting payments. It’s a win-win situation: suppliers get paid faster, and SMBs can focus on their core operations.
Additionally, Apron plans to introduce an affordable expenses management solution tailored specifically for SMBs. This move responds to customer demand for alternatives to existing market offerings. By expanding its product range, Apron is positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for SMB payment needs.
The timing of this funding round is crucial. As the global economy continues to evolve, businesses are increasingly seeking efficient, user-friendly solutions. Apron’s focus on creating a consumer-grade experience in B2B payments resonates with today’s entrepreneurs. They want simplicity and speed, not the cumbersome processes of the past.
In a world where instant gratification is the norm, it’s baffling that business payments remain slow and cumbersome. Apron is here to change that. The company’s vision is clear: to transform payments from a painful chore into a powerful tool for growth. With the right investment and talent, Apron is well on its way to achieving that goal.
The support from investors like Zinal Growth and Tony Fadell speaks volumes about the potential they see in Apron. Their belief in the team’s execution and vision is a strong endorsement. As Apron continues to innovate and expand, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of SMB payments.
In conclusion, Apron is not just another fintech startup. It’s a game-changer for SMBs. With its recent funding, the company is set to revolutionize the way businesses handle payments. By simplifying processes and enhancing collaboration, Apron is helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time and focus on what they do best. The future looks bright for Apron and the SMBs it serves. As they say, time is money, and Apron is here to save both.