KEO World Lands up to $500 Million Debt Facility Investment to Scale B2B Supply Financing for Businesses in Mexico
The facility will support the rapid growth of Workeo, the company’s core SME inventory financing program via its relationship with American Express.
MIAMI, February 1, 2022 -- KEO World (KEO), the leading Buy Now, Pay Later fintech for businesses, today announced that it has supercharged its growth with a seven-year debt facility of up to $500 million from Hayfin Capital Management LLP, a leading alternative asset management firm. KEO will use this facility investment to expand the purchasing power of thousands of small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) via its Workeo program.
Founded in 2020, KEO has grown rapidly and is now supporting over 12,000 businesses through its product ecosystem in six countries. Through Workeo, SMBs are issued a KEO American Express Virtual Card and a credit line after a fast digital approval process. Retailers that want to offer KEO’s BNPL to their B2B customers can do so instantly without any integration. The only requirement is that they accept payments via American Express.
“We are delighted to have agreed to this funding arrangement which will enable us to grow the reach of our B2B supply financing program to many more businesses in Mexico,” said Paolo Fidanza, Founder and CEO of KEO. “In a market where less than 12% of total traditional credit is extend to SMBs, our Workeo product allows business buyers to access key inventory on credit, and suppliers to increase their recurring sales, enhancing working capital management via an all-digital frictionless and low-cost inventory financing platform, thanks to the American Express network."
“The SME segment is key to developing the B2B payments ecosystem in Mexico,” said Mario Luna, Vice President Global Network Partnership Latino América at American Express. “This agreement enables further product development and expands our volume so we can continue to help these businesses grow.”
KEO was the first Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) to be granted an issuing license by American Express in Mexico. KEO operates supply chain financing through the company’s core BNPL inventory financing programs in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and the USA.
KEO was advised by Alantra, the independent global mid-market investment bank, on the arrangement of this facility.
About KEO World
Founded in 2020, KEO World is a buy now, pay later fintech focused on credit solutions and supply financing for small-and-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) via an all-digital B2B enterprise ecosystem in partnership with American Express. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, KEO currently supports over 12,000 businesses in the U.S. and LATAM. To learn more about Keo World, visit www.keoworld.com.
About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress
instagram.com/americanexpress , linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress , and youtube.com/americanexpress.
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