Arlequin AI and XTransfer: Pioneering the Future of Data and Payments in Europe
June 11, 2025, 4:23 pm
In the heart of Europe, two companies are reshaping the landscape of technology and finance. Arlequin AI, a Paris-based startup, is on a mission to combat disinformation with cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, XTransfer, a leading B2B cross-border payment platform, is simplifying international trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Together, they embody the spirit of innovation and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
Arlequin AI recently secured €4.4 million in seed funding. This investment is a beacon of hope in the fight against disinformation, a growing menace that threatens the very fabric of society. Led by Vsquared Ventures, the funding round attracted attention from various investors, including Kima Ventures and several prominent French business angels. The goal? To empower Europe to reclaim its technological independence from the giants of Silicon Valley and Beijing.
Hugo Micheron, the CEO and co-founder of Arlequin AI, emphasizes the need for Europe to carve its own path in the AI landscape. The startup is not just another player in the crowded field of large language models (LLMs). Instead, it is developing unsupervised AI models that require no training data. This approach is akin to a sculptor revealing a masterpiece from a block of marble—no excess, just pure insight.
Founded in 2024, Arlequin AI boasts a multidisciplinary team of over twenty experts in geopolitics, data science, and algorithmic research. Their platform processes complex, multilingual data at lightning speed, delivering certified and unbiased insights. This capability is crucial in a world where disinformation can destabilize political systems and erode public trust.
The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risk Report highlights disinformation as a top threat. By 2028, investments in technologies to combat this issue are expected to exceed €437 billion. Arlequin AI aims to be at the forefront of this battle, providing tools that enhance decision-making and strategic analysis for public institutions and businesses alike.
Unlike traditional AI solutions, Arlequin’s platform operates without the black box of LLMs. It is fully auditable and sovereign, allowing users to map narratives and actors while filtering out noise. This transparency is vital in a world where information is currency, and disinformation can lead to chaos.
In a parallel development, XTransfer is making waves in the financial sector. The company recently partnered with BNP Paribas to streamline cross-border payments for SMEs. This collaboration was announced at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, a significant event for the fintech community. The partnership aims to reduce costs and processing times for international transactions, particularly benefiting traders operating in the Eurozone.
XTransfer, headquartered in Shanghai, has established itself as a leader in B2B cross-border trade payments. With over 600,000 enterprise clients, it is the go-to platform for SMEs looking to expand globally. The partnership with BNP Paribas will empower Chinese clients to collect funds in Euros seamlessly, while European SMEs can make direct payments in Euros, simplifying foreign exchange complexities.
The bilateral trade between China and the EU reached a staggering $785.8 billion in 2024. This partnership is a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of European SMEs in the global market. By leveraging BNP Paribas’ extensive European network, XTransfer is poised to revolutionize how businesses engage in international trade.
Both Arlequin AI and XTransfer are examples of how innovation can address pressing challenges. Arlequin AI’s technology is already deployed in three European countries, supporting public institutions and major corporations like BNP Paribas Group. Its platform is adaptable across various sectors, from healthcare to logistics, demonstrating its versatility.
On the other hand, XTransfer’s focus on SMEs highlights the importance of empowering smaller businesses in the global economy. By providing secure and efficient payment solutions, XTransfer is leveling the playing field, allowing SMEs to compete with larger corporations.
The synergy between these two companies reflects a broader trend in Europe. As the continent seeks to establish itself as a leader in technology and finance, initiatives like those from Arlequin AI and XTransfer are crucial. They represent a shift towards sovereignty and independence in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion, Arlequin AI and XTransfer are not just companies; they are harbingers of change. They embody the spirit of innovation that Europe needs to navigate the complexities of the modern age. As they continue to grow and evolve, their impact will resonate far beyond their respective industries. The future is bright for those who dare to challenge the status quo and forge new paths in technology and finance.
Arlequin AI recently secured €4.4 million in seed funding. This investment is a beacon of hope in the fight against disinformation, a growing menace that threatens the very fabric of society. Led by Vsquared Ventures, the funding round attracted attention from various investors, including Kima Ventures and several prominent French business angels. The goal? To empower Europe to reclaim its technological independence from the giants of Silicon Valley and Beijing.
Hugo Micheron, the CEO and co-founder of Arlequin AI, emphasizes the need for Europe to carve its own path in the AI landscape. The startup is not just another player in the crowded field of large language models (LLMs). Instead, it is developing unsupervised AI models that require no training data. This approach is akin to a sculptor revealing a masterpiece from a block of marble—no excess, just pure insight.
Founded in 2024, Arlequin AI boasts a multidisciplinary team of over twenty experts in geopolitics, data science, and algorithmic research. Their platform processes complex, multilingual data at lightning speed, delivering certified and unbiased insights. This capability is crucial in a world where disinformation can destabilize political systems and erode public trust.
The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risk Report highlights disinformation as a top threat. By 2028, investments in technologies to combat this issue are expected to exceed €437 billion. Arlequin AI aims to be at the forefront of this battle, providing tools that enhance decision-making and strategic analysis for public institutions and businesses alike.
Unlike traditional AI solutions, Arlequin’s platform operates without the black box of LLMs. It is fully auditable and sovereign, allowing users to map narratives and actors while filtering out noise. This transparency is vital in a world where information is currency, and disinformation can lead to chaos.
In a parallel development, XTransfer is making waves in the financial sector. The company recently partnered with BNP Paribas to streamline cross-border payments for SMEs. This collaboration was announced at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, a significant event for the fintech community. The partnership aims to reduce costs and processing times for international transactions, particularly benefiting traders operating in the Eurozone.
XTransfer, headquartered in Shanghai, has established itself as a leader in B2B cross-border trade payments. With over 600,000 enterprise clients, it is the go-to platform for SMEs looking to expand globally. The partnership with BNP Paribas will empower Chinese clients to collect funds in Euros seamlessly, while European SMEs can make direct payments in Euros, simplifying foreign exchange complexities.
The bilateral trade between China and the EU reached a staggering $785.8 billion in 2024. This partnership is a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of European SMEs in the global market. By leveraging BNP Paribas’ extensive European network, XTransfer is poised to revolutionize how businesses engage in international trade.
Both Arlequin AI and XTransfer are examples of how innovation can address pressing challenges. Arlequin AI’s technology is already deployed in three European countries, supporting public institutions and major corporations like BNP Paribas Group. Its platform is adaptable across various sectors, from healthcare to logistics, demonstrating its versatility.
On the other hand, XTransfer’s focus on SMEs highlights the importance of empowering smaller businesses in the global economy. By providing secure and efficient payment solutions, XTransfer is leveling the playing field, allowing SMEs to compete with larger corporations.
The synergy between these two companies reflects a broader trend in Europe. As the continent seeks to establish itself as a leader in technology and finance, initiatives like those from Arlequin AI and XTransfer are crucial. They represent a shift towards sovereignty and independence in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion, Arlequin AI and XTransfer are not just companies; they are harbingers of change. They embody the spirit of innovation that Europe needs to navigate the complexities of the modern age. As they continue to grow and evolve, their impact will resonate far beyond their respective industries. The future is bright for those who dare to challenge the status quo and forge new paths in technology and finance.