Ryft: The New Contender in the Payments Arena
April 10, 2025, 3:33 pm
In the bustling world of fintech, a new player is making waves. Ryft, a Manchester-based startup, has just secured £5.7 million in Series A funding. This fresh capital is set to fuel its ambition to challenge giants like Stripe and Adyen. With a total investment now reaching £7.4 million, Ryft is ready to shake up the payments landscape.
Founded by Sadra Hosseini and Alex Mackenzie, Ryft is not just another payment processor. It’s a beacon for businesses navigating the complex waters of online transactions. The company specializes in embedded payment solutions tailored for digital platforms and marketplaces. Think of it as a bridge connecting merchants and acquiring banks, making transactions smoother and more efficient.
The latest funding round was led by EdenBase, with notable participation from GPOS Investments, British Business Bank, Pembroke VCT, Sidebyside, and Ingenii VC. Strategic angel investors, including seasoned executives from PayPal, also joined the fray. This diverse backing underscores the confidence investors have in Ryft’s vision and technology.
Ryft’s mission is clear: to provide an alternative to the dominant players in the payment processing arena. The company’s technology allows acquiring banks, such as Clearhaus, to split payments and process payouts at a fraction of the cost of traditional providers. In a world where online marketplaces often involve multiple parties, Ryft’s solution is a breath of fresh air. It enables businesses to manage complex transactions with ease.
One of Ryft’s standout features is its ability to facilitate delayed payments. This means funds can be held in escrow until specific conditions are met. For businesses, this is a game-changer. It offers flexibility and security, allowing them to operate without the constant worry of payment complications. According to Ryft, businesses that have switched from Stripe report savings of up to 62% on payment fees. That’s not just a small win; it’s a significant advantage in a competitive market.
The founders, Hosseini and Mackenzie, are no strangers to the fintech world. Their previous venture, Butlr, was acquired by OrderPay in 2021. During their time building Butlr, they recognized a glaring gap in the market for compliant payment solutions that cater to the unique needs of marketplaces. Ryft was born from this realization, aiming to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive.
In the era of Commerce 2.0, traditional payment systems are struggling to keep up. The old model, designed for one-to-one transactions, simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Today’s online marketplaces require a more sophisticated approach. Ryft’s technology is designed to meet these evolving demands head-on. It’s a solution built for the complexities of modern commerce.
The company’s growth trajectory is impressive. Since its inception, Ryft has secured its FCA license, partnered with major players like American Express and Visa, and become a Mastercard Network Enablement Partner. These strategic alliances not only enhance Ryft’s credibility but also expand its reach in the payments ecosystem.
Ryft’s success is not just about technology; it’s also about execution. The company has integrated with multiple acquirers to achieve payments orchestration, boasting a remarkable 99.9% uptime. This reliability is crucial for businesses that depend on seamless transactions. In a world where every second counts, Ryft delivers.
The startup has also become profitable just two and a half years after launch. This rapid ascent is a testament to its innovative approach and strong market demand. Ryft has tripled its gross merchandise value year-over-year, a clear indicator of its growing influence in the payments space. The team is now focused on scaling operations and expanding its workforce to support this growth.
Investors are taking notice. Fred Ursell, Investment Director at Pembroke VCT, highlighted Ryft’s deep payments expertise and ambition to challenge incumbents. The ability to turn payments from a cost center into a profit driver is a significant selling point. In an industry ripe for disruption, Ryft is positioning itself as a formidable contender.
As Ryft embarks on its journey to transform the €18 trillion acquiring ecosystem, the stakes are high. The company’s commitment to compliance, collaboration, and outstanding technical support sets it apart from the competition. With a strong foundation in place, Ryft is poised for long-term growth.
In conclusion, Ryft is not just another fintech startup. It’s a bold challenger in the payments arena, ready to redefine how businesses handle transactions. With its innovative technology and strategic partnerships, Ryft is set to make a lasting impact. The future of payments is here, and it’s looking bright for Ryft. As the company continues to scale, it will be exciting to see how it reshapes the landscape of digital payments. The giants may want to watch their backs.
Founded by Sadra Hosseini and Alex Mackenzie, Ryft is not just another payment processor. It’s a beacon for businesses navigating the complex waters of online transactions. The company specializes in embedded payment solutions tailored for digital platforms and marketplaces. Think of it as a bridge connecting merchants and acquiring banks, making transactions smoother and more efficient.
The latest funding round was led by EdenBase, with notable participation from GPOS Investments, British Business Bank, Pembroke VCT, Sidebyside, and Ingenii VC. Strategic angel investors, including seasoned executives from PayPal, also joined the fray. This diverse backing underscores the confidence investors have in Ryft’s vision and technology.
Ryft’s mission is clear: to provide an alternative to the dominant players in the payment processing arena. The company’s technology allows acquiring banks, such as Clearhaus, to split payments and process payouts at a fraction of the cost of traditional providers. In a world where online marketplaces often involve multiple parties, Ryft’s solution is a breath of fresh air. It enables businesses to manage complex transactions with ease.
One of Ryft’s standout features is its ability to facilitate delayed payments. This means funds can be held in escrow until specific conditions are met. For businesses, this is a game-changer. It offers flexibility and security, allowing them to operate without the constant worry of payment complications. According to Ryft, businesses that have switched from Stripe report savings of up to 62% on payment fees. That’s not just a small win; it’s a significant advantage in a competitive market.
The founders, Hosseini and Mackenzie, are no strangers to the fintech world. Their previous venture, Butlr, was acquired by OrderPay in 2021. During their time building Butlr, they recognized a glaring gap in the market for compliant payment solutions that cater to the unique needs of marketplaces. Ryft was born from this realization, aiming to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive.
In the era of Commerce 2.0, traditional payment systems are struggling to keep up. The old model, designed for one-to-one transactions, simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Today’s online marketplaces require a more sophisticated approach. Ryft’s technology is designed to meet these evolving demands head-on. It’s a solution built for the complexities of modern commerce.
The company’s growth trajectory is impressive. Since its inception, Ryft has secured its FCA license, partnered with major players like American Express and Visa, and become a Mastercard Network Enablement Partner. These strategic alliances not only enhance Ryft’s credibility but also expand its reach in the payments ecosystem.
Ryft’s success is not just about technology; it’s also about execution. The company has integrated with multiple acquirers to achieve payments orchestration, boasting a remarkable 99.9% uptime. This reliability is crucial for businesses that depend on seamless transactions. In a world where every second counts, Ryft delivers.
The startup has also become profitable just two and a half years after launch. This rapid ascent is a testament to its innovative approach and strong market demand. Ryft has tripled its gross merchandise value year-over-year, a clear indicator of its growing influence in the payments space. The team is now focused on scaling operations and expanding its workforce to support this growth.
Investors are taking notice. Fred Ursell, Investment Director at Pembroke VCT, highlighted Ryft’s deep payments expertise and ambition to challenge incumbents. The ability to turn payments from a cost center into a profit driver is a significant selling point. In an industry ripe for disruption, Ryft is positioning itself as a formidable contender.
As Ryft embarks on its journey to transform the €18 trillion acquiring ecosystem, the stakes are high. The company’s commitment to compliance, collaboration, and outstanding technical support sets it apart from the competition. With a strong foundation in place, Ryft is poised for long-term growth.
In conclusion, Ryft is not just another fintech startup. It’s a bold challenger in the payments arena, ready to redefine how businesses handle transactions. With its innovative technology and strategic partnerships, Ryft is set to make a lasting impact. The future of payments is here, and it’s looking bright for Ryft. As the company continues to scale, it will be exciting to see how it reshapes the landscape of digital payments. The giants may want to watch their backs.