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Cartwheel Raises $3 Million to Bring Hybrid Delivery Technology to New Verticals

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Cartwheel, an on-demand delivery management platform for restaurants, retailers, couriers, and beyond, announced today that it has raised $3 million in seed funding led by Moonshots Capital, with participation from Chingona Ventures and existing investors including TenOneTen VenturesAct One, and Pitbull Capital. Funds will be used to further product development, partner integrations, and company expansion.

Cartwheel provides state-of-the-art delivery management software, built for on-demand optimization. The company’s technology supports in-house, outsourced, and hybrid delivery models, empowering operators to maintain control over the customer experience while balancing costs and resources to make every delivery profitable.

“Moonshots Capital invests in extraordinary leadership, and the team at Cartwheel has the leadership, experience and strategic vision to transform on-demand delivery,” said Craig Cummings, General Partner of Moonshots Capital. “To keep up with consumer demands, delivery has become a crucial required ingredient for brands and businesses, and Cartwheel’s technology powers a customizable solution that improves any delivery program.”

In the past year, Cartwheel has tripled its overall customer base and expanded to serve brands in the heavily-regulated cannabis and alcohol industries. The company’s tools are now available to more than 8,000 establishments nationwide, and Cartwheel is now one of the leading self-delivery providers for Olo (NYSE: $OLO), a leading on-demand commerce platform powering the digital transformation of more than 500 restaurant brands. Cartwheel has also cultivated more than a dozen partnerships and integrations with platforms including ChowNow and Nash, bringing Hybrid Delivery availability to small and mid-market businesses, courier services, and restaurant chains nationwide.

“The Cartwheel team has spent the last ten years building and optimizing delivery management technology, evolving a solution built for our own restaurant into a SaaS product designed for scale, and we are proud to count some of the biggest brands in the industry as our partners and customers,” said Alex Vasiklin, Cartwheel co-founder and CEO. “This round of funding will help us further the adoption of our delivery management technology, improving the delivery experience for operators and customers alike.”

Cartwheel’s Hybrid Delivery model allows businesses to maintain an in-house program alongside their third-party partners, enabling them to self-select some orders for self-delivery and redirect the rest to third-party services. During peak periods when an in-house fleet is occupied, Cartwheel automatically taps into outsourced driver fleets, and allows businesses to set automatic rules for order routing.

Cartwheel’s turnkey offerings for in-house delivery management include an easy-to-use driver app, sophisticated dispatch tools for managers, and user-friendly customer interaction functionality. Customers that outsource deliveries have access to a white-labeled network of drivers to handle overflow capacity during periods of high demand. Cartwheel matches driver supply with individual business needs, providing operators with additional capacity when needed, and its interface offers branded tracking links, making outsourced delivery feel like an in-house order to the customer.

“Cartwheel powers our in-house delivery program, and its software has been a critical component of the success we’ve seen in delivery over the past few years,” said Nick Scarpino, Portillo’s SVP, Marketing and Off-Premise. “We were so impressed with their work that we invested in the company, and we are thrilled they continue to grow and add new features to their platform.”

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To date, Cartwheel has powered deliveries for top brands including Portillo’s ($PTLO) (also a Cartwheel investor), P.F. Chang’s, Charleys Philly Steaks, Taco del Mar, and more.

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Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)

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As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.

Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets

Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.

With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.

Source: Bloomberg

ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval

ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.

MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.

Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire

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The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation

The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.

This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.

Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.

Source: PYMNTS

Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission

Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.

The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.

As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.

Source: RBJ

Industry Implications and Takeaways

Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:

  1. Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
  2. Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
  3. Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
  4. Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.

 

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SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025

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Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.

SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.

Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.

“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”

Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.

The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments

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Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”

Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.

Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.

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