Klearly, the first Dutch application that allows users to receive payments directly on their phones, is now available to download for free. With just a few simple steps, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can turn their mobile phones into card terminals using the app. The fintech startup recently raised €2.1 million in a successful pre-seed investment round led by investment firms Antler and Global PayTech Ventures. Renowned individual investors have also contributed, including the former President of MasterCard, former CEO of Mollie, and former COO of Adyen.
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses often rely on separate mobile card terminals. Not only do they have to purchase them separately, but they also face issues such as poor connectivity, empty batteries, and intransparent pricing,” says Sam Koekoek, CEO and co-founder of Klearly. “Klearly, on the other hand, makes it easy for entrepreneurs. Our free app seamlessly integrates with the hardware of your smartphone, and you only pay for what you use. Thanks to our fully automated registration process, users can start receiving payments within minutes of signing up.”
Founded in 2022 by Sam Koekoek, Eva Rosa Bian, Geus Walder, Guy Griv, and Edan Dil, in recent months, Klearly conducted an extensive pilot with drivers from Taxi Central Amsterdam (TCA) and Rotterdam Taxi Central (RTC). The fintech startup is now the preferred partner for all major taxi companies in the Netherlands, including the international operator Bolt. Interest in Klearly is also growing within the restaurant and canal cruise industries. As a result, the number of payments processed by the fintech company has increased by a remarkable 173% in the past month.
Koekoek adds: “Klearly provides entrepreneurs with all the tools they need to conduct successful and effortless digital business, without the need for additional hardware. In addition to receiving digital payments, users have access to comprehensive data insights for making better-informed business decisions. Convenience is paramount. That’s why we don’t require complicated installations or hidden subscription fees but instead have a transparent transaction-based fee.”
Since the start of the pilot, Klearly has processed around thirty thousand payments. According to its CEO, they focus entirely on the end-user. Therefore, they aim to further streamline their processes and provide even more convenience in various sectors, including the taxi, restaurant, and canal cruise industries, in the near term. In the long run, they are particularly interested in entering other countries. “We started Klearly to help as many people as possible realize their entrepreneurial dreams, and that mission doesn’t stop at the Dutch border,” concludes Koekoek.
