Chilean fintech Blanco has successfully secured US$1.7 million in a strategic funding round hosted on the Broota crowdfunding platform. This capital injection is earmarked to scale its innovative factoring business and accelerate its transformation into a digital bank for micro and small enterprises. Led by CEO Diego Contreras, a former founding team member of Xepelin, the company is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to redefine SME financial services.
A Strategic Pivot to an AI-Native Model
Blanco was originally established in February 2024 by Cristóbal Contreras and Andrés Hortal, initially focusing on digital factoring using third-party software. The company's trajectory shifted significantly when Diego Contreras joined as CEO in March 2025, following the expiration of a non-compete clause. His vision was to rebuild Blanco as an AI-native company, a decision inspired by the rapid advancements in generative AI technology.
This strategic pivot aims to create a fully "agentic" operational model, where AI agents handle core processes to dramatically lower costs. This efficiency allows Blanco to serve even the smallest micro-enterprises, a segment often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. The new approach moves beyond simple digitalization to embed intelligent automation at the heart of the company's financial product offerings.
Revolutionizing SME Financing Through WhatsApp
Blanco’s platform offers a uniquely streamlined experience by integrating directly with WhatsApp for all client interactions. After entrepreneurs grant access to their tax service credentials, the system’s AI agents automatically detect newly issued invoices. These agents then perform risk, fraud, and pricing analysis before sending a financing simulation directly to the client’s messaging app.
This innovative process allows business owners to review, request adjustments, or accept financing offers with unparalleled speed and convenience. The company’s initial focus is on factoring, a product that provides a crucial entry point and frequent contact with SMEs. This anchor service paves the way for a broader suite of future products, including leasing, loans, and business accounts.
Strong Growth and Investor Confidence
The US$1.7 million crowdfunding campaign attracted 160 investors, demonstrating strong market confidence in Blanco's vision and leadership. Notable participants included Daniel and Domingo Hiller of Movistar Arena and Cristián Morales, an early investor in Cornershop. This round is the first step toward a larger US$5 million goal, which will be supplemented with funds from venture capital firms.
The company's performance metrics underscore its rapid market penetration and the demand for its services. Blanco is currently processing over $17 billion CLP in invoices monthly, a tenfold increase in transaction volume compared to the previous year. With a user base of 8,000 registered companies and an enrollment rate of 600 new businesses per month, its growth is accelerating.
This successful funding round marks a pivotal moment for Blanco, providing the necessary capital to enhance its technological infrastructure and expand its commercial team. The investment validates the company's AI-driven strategy and strengthens its ability to secure larger debt facilities for its lending operations. Blanco is now well-positioned to continue its disruption of the traditional financial sector and achieve its ambition of becoming the leading digital bank for Chile's small businesses.