The Rise of Agentic Payments: A New Era in Fintech
May 15, 2025, 11:25 pm
Visa
Location: United States, California, Foster City
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 2006
Total raised: $25K
In the bustling world of fintech, innovation is the lifeblood. The latest buzz centers around agentic payments, a concept that’s reshaping how we think about transactions. At the forefront of this movement is Nekuda, a New York City-based startup that recently secured $5 million in funding. This investment is not just a financial boost; it’s a signal of a seismic shift in payment processing.
Nekuda is carving a niche in the payment landscape. Imagine a world where your digital agent handles payments seamlessly, without constant human intervention. This is the promise of Nekuda. The company’s infrastructure allows agents to manage payment credentials securely. It’s like having a trusted assistant who knows your spending habits and can make purchases on your behalf—safely and efficiently.
The funding round was led by Madrona Ventures, with participation from heavyweights like Amex Ventures and Visa Ventures. This backing is a testament to the potential of agentic payments. The fintech space is crowded, but Nekuda stands out with its unique approach. The company’s CEO, Ayal Karmi, envisions a future where transactions are not just secure but also intuitive.
Nekuda’s technology is built on two core pillars: the Secure Agent Wallet and Agentic Mandates. The Secure Agent Wallet allows users to delegate payment credentials to an AI agent. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about security. The agent can store and inject payment details at checkout, completing transactions autonomously. No more fumbling for credit cards or entering details repeatedly. It’s like having a personal shopper who knows exactly what you want and how to pay for it.
The second pillar, Agentic Mandates, captures the essence of user intent. It’s not just about making a payment; it’s about understanding the context behind it. The agent knows what you’re allowed to buy, under what conditions, and with what spending limits. This layer of authorization ensures that every transaction aligns with user preferences. It’s a safety net in a world where digital transactions can feel risky.
Nekuda’s vision aligns with broader trends in the fintech industry. The recent launch of Visa Intelligent Commerce is a game-changer. This infrastructure aims to integrate AI agents across various sectors, enhancing the payment experience. Nekuda plans to integrate its AI payment stack with Visa’s platform, paving the way for fast, authenticated agent payments. This partnership is a strategic move, ensuring that every transaction is secure and user-intended.
But Nekuda isn’t alone in this fintech revolution. Across the globe, companies are racing to innovate. In Tunisia, Konnect Networks is making waves as a leading payment orchestration platform. With support from Attijariwafa Ventures and other investors, Konnect is redefining payment solutions in the region. The company has achieved significant milestones, including the first Payment Facilitator license from the Central Bank of Tunisia. This is no small feat.
Konnect’s offerings are comprehensive. They cover online and point-of-sale payments, making it a versatile player in the digital financial services arena. The company has experienced over 20% month-over-month growth, capturing a 4% share of Tunisia’s e-commerce market in just three years. This rapid ascent highlights the demand for secure, scalable payment solutions. Konnect’s CEO, Amin Ben Abderrahman, is committed to driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in Tunisia and beyond.
The fintech landscape is evolving. As consumers demand more from their payment experiences, companies like Nekuda and Konnect are stepping up. They are not just responding to market needs; they are anticipating them. The integration of AI in payment processing is a natural progression. It’s about making transactions smoother, faster, and more secure.
However, challenges remain. The fintech industry is fraught with regulatory hurdles and security concerns. As companies innovate, they must also navigate these complexities. Trust is paramount in financial transactions. Users need to feel confident that their data is secure and that their transactions are protected.
The future of payments is bright, but it requires vigilance. Companies must prioritize security while pushing the boundaries of innovation. The rise of agentic payments is just the beginning. As more players enter the field, the competition will drive further advancements. This is a dynamic space, and the stakes are high.
In conclusion, the emergence of agentic payments represents a significant shift in how we approach transactions. With companies like Nekuda leading the charge, the future looks promising. The integration of AI into payment processing is not just a trend; it’s a revolution. As we move forward, the focus will be on creating seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experiences. The fintech landscape is changing, and those who adapt will thrive. The journey has just begun.
Nekuda is carving a niche in the payment landscape. Imagine a world where your digital agent handles payments seamlessly, without constant human intervention. This is the promise of Nekuda. The company’s infrastructure allows agents to manage payment credentials securely. It’s like having a trusted assistant who knows your spending habits and can make purchases on your behalf—safely and efficiently.
The funding round was led by Madrona Ventures, with participation from heavyweights like Amex Ventures and Visa Ventures. This backing is a testament to the potential of agentic payments. The fintech space is crowded, but Nekuda stands out with its unique approach. The company’s CEO, Ayal Karmi, envisions a future where transactions are not just secure but also intuitive.
Nekuda’s technology is built on two core pillars: the Secure Agent Wallet and Agentic Mandates. The Secure Agent Wallet allows users to delegate payment credentials to an AI agent. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about security. The agent can store and inject payment details at checkout, completing transactions autonomously. No more fumbling for credit cards or entering details repeatedly. It’s like having a personal shopper who knows exactly what you want and how to pay for it.
The second pillar, Agentic Mandates, captures the essence of user intent. It’s not just about making a payment; it’s about understanding the context behind it. The agent knows what you’re allowed to buy, under what conditions, and with what spending limits. This layer of authorization ensures that every transaction aligns with user preferences. It’s a safety net in a world where digital transactions can feel risky.
Nekuda’s vision aligns with broader trends in the fintech industry. The recent launch of Visa Intelligent Commerce is a game-changer. This infrastructure aims to integrate AI agents across various sectors, enhancing the payment experience. Nekuda plans to integrate its AI payment stack with Visa’s platform, paving the way for fast, authenticated agent payments. This partnership is a strategic move, ensuring that every transaction is secure and user-intended.
But Nekuda isn’t alone in this fintech revolution. Across the globe, companies are racing to innovate. In Tunisia, Konnect Networks is making waves as a leading payment orchestration platform. With support from Attijariwafa Ventures and other investors, Konnect is redefining payment solutions in the region. The company has achieved significant milestones, including the first Payment Facilitator license from the Central Bank of Tunisia. This is no small feat.
Konnect’s offerings are comprehensive. They cover online and point-of-sale payments, making it a versatile player in the digital financial services arena. The company has experienced over 20% month-over-month growth, capturing a 4% share of Tunisia’s e-commerce market in just three years. This rapid ascent highlights the demand for secure, scalable payment solutions. Konnect’s CEO, Amin Ben Abderrahman, is committed to driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in Tunisia and beyond.
The fintech landscape is evolving. As consumers demand more from their payment experiences, companies like Nekuda and Konnect are stepping up. They are not just responding to market needs; they are anticipating them. The integration of AI in payment processing is a natural progression. It’s about making transactions smoother, faster, and more secure.
However, challenges remain. The fintech industry is fraught with regulatory hurdles and security concerns. As companies innovate, they must also navigate these complexities. Trust is paramount in financial transactions. Users need to feel confident that their data is secure and that their transactions are protected.
The future of payments is bright, but it requires vigilance. Companies must prioritize security while pushing the boundaries of innovation. The rise of agentic payments is just the beginning. As more players enter the field, the competition will drive further advancements. This is a dynamic space, and the stakes are high.
In conclusion, the emergence of agentic payments represents a significant shift in how we approach transactions. With companies like Nekuda leading the charge, the future looks promising. The integration of AI into payment processing is not just a trend; it’s a revolution. As we move forward, the focus will be on creating seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experiences. The fintech landscape is changing, and those who adapt will thrive. The journey has just begun.