Wagniskapital: Citi Ventures beteiligt sich an Berliner Karten-Fintech Pliant
Der Spezialist für Firmenkreditkarten sammelt 80 Millionen Dollar bei Investoren ein, unter anderem bei Citi. Welches strategische Interesse verfolgt die Großbank mit der Beteiligung?
Citi Ventures has invested $80 million (approximately €71 million) in Berlin-based fintech company Pliant, as part of a funding round led by Seaya Nova and Speedinvest. The round of investment doubles the amount Pliant raised in the previous year, which was $40 million. Other investors in the round include Illuminate Financial, Motive Partners, and Molten Ventures.
Citigroup, through its in-house venture capital arm, is also participating in the funding round. Citi is a major player in the travel industry, with high trade volumes handled through credit cards and a platform in partnership with Booking.com. Pliant offers a digital credit card solution to companies, travel agencies, and tourism providers.
The fintech collaborates with Visa on this solution. Pliant's CEO, Malte Rau, expressed hope for a mutually beneficial partnership with Citi. The fintech industry valuation in Germany is currently at two to six times annual recurring revenue, with Pliant being valued at an upper-end valuation. After the latest funding round, Pliant shifted its profitability goal to 2028, with the company currently operating at a loss of around €11.5 million annually.
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