Fintech startup Copper forced to discontinue banking services amid Synapse fiasco

A segment of customers holding deposits with fintech startup Copper find themselves unable to access their accounts, a consequence of disruptions involving the embattled banking-as-a-service platform Synapse.

Copper joins several companies impacted by an ongoing crisis at Synapse, which declared bankruptcy last month. Acting as a “middleware provider” connecting fintech startups with banks, Synapse was poised for acquisition by TabaPay; however, TechCrunch reported the deal fell through earlier this month.

Forbes also noted customers of Yotta Technologies and Juno Finance experiencing similar issues accessing their deposit accounts.

Founded four years ago, Copper initially introduced a banking platform aimed at teens and families. In 2022, the company secured $29 million in funding, boasting over 800,000 users and earning a finalist spot for Startup of the Year at the GeekWire Awards.

Copper CEO Eddie Behringer informed GeekWire on Tuesday of the company’s plans to transition away from banking services, focusing instead on its newer “Earn” product, which assists users in earning money through surveys and games.

However, this plan accelerated earlier this month. In a message to customers on May 12, Behringer announced the discontinuation of debit card and deposit account offerings within 24 hours.

Behringer cited the recent discovery that the banking middleware provider Copper utilizes is sunsetting their service imminently, which necessitated the premature closure of banking accounts despite prior planning.

Over the past weekend, Copper notified some customers of delays in fund delivery via email.

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Behringer assured that the disruption impacted only a small number of individuals.

Despite transitioning away from banking services, Behringer emphasized Copper’s commitment to its original mission of providing financial wellness and education.

“Moving forward, we’re going to continue to focus on providing not just teens and families, but all Americans the ability to earn money through Copper,” he stated.

Copper’s revenue has surged by 160% year-over-year, largely driven by the success of its “Earn” product.

The company intends to establish white-label partnerships with banks to generate software-as-a-service revenue.

Behringer and Copper co-founder Stefan Berglund previously co-founded Snap Raise, an online fundraising platform for youth groups based in Seattle.

With 30 employees and ongoing hiring efforts, Copper has secured a total funding of $42 million to date. Investors include Fiat Ventures, Panoramic Ventures, Insight Partners, Invesco Private Capital, PSL Ventures, Mana Ventures, Western Technology Investment, Clocktower Ventures, Index Ventures, Scout Fund, Launchpad Capital, Financial Venture Studio, Maven Ventures, Samsung Next, and Arnold Ventures.

Source: geekwire.com