Amsterdam-based fintech startup Klearly has successfully secured $14 million in a Series A funding round to address the technical inefficiencies plaguing the European hospitality sector. This investment, led by PayPal Ventures, brings the company’s total capital raised to a significant $23 million milestone as it prepares to scale its operations internationally. The funding arrives at a critical time for restaurants, bars, and clubs that are increasingly seeking specialized payment infrastructure capable of handling the unique pressures of high-volume service.
Solving Service Disruptions in High-Traffic Environments
Many hospitality venues currently struggle with legacy payment systems that often stutter or fail entirely during peak service hours. These technical disruptions not only frustrate customers but also lead to tangible revenue losses for operators managing complex, high-traffic environments. Klearly’s solution focuses on providing a hospitality-first payments layer specifically engineered for speed, reliability, and seamless performance when a venue is at its maximum capacity.
Technical Integration Without Hardware Replacement
Unlike generic payment providers that often require a complete replacement of existing hardware, Klearly’s platform is designed to be entirely device-agnostic. This flexible approach allows merchants to integrate the payments layer directly into their existing point-of-sale systems without the financial burden of expensive equipment upgrades. By prioritizing deep software integration over the disruptive "rip-and-replace" model, the startup offers a low-friction entry point for established hospitality groups and individual operators alike.
Strategic Focus on Guest Retention and Revenue
CEO Sam Koekoek emphasizes that the payment moment should be utilized as a strategic tool to drive customer retention and repeat business rather than just a simple transaction end. The platform enables powerful features that transform a standard checkout into an opportunity for guest engagement and brand building through sophisticated data insights. This shift in perspective helps restaurants significantly increase their overall revenue per guest while ensuring the checkout process remains a positive part of the guest experience.
Strong Market Momentum and Expansion Strategies
The company has already demonstrated a robust product-market fit within the Netherlands, where it currently serves more than 4,000 active merchants across the country. These successful partnerships have propelled Klearly toward an impressive annualized total payment volume that is now approaching the$1.16 billion mark. This rapid adoption highlights a widespread demand for dedicated payment solutions that cater specifically to the nuances of the hospitality industry rather than general retail markets.
Broadening Investor Support and Sector Expertise
Lead investor PayPal Ventures chose to back the company because it recognizes that hospitality remains one of the largest yet least integrated payment categories in Europe. Ashish Aggarwal, a Partner at the firm, noted that Klearly provides a modern, integrated experience without forcing operators to discard their functional legacy systems. Other participants in the round, including the Italian Founders Fund and Global PayTech Ventures, further validate the startup’s scalable business model and its potential to dominate the regional market.
Internal Growth and Commitment to Team Diversity
To support its ambitious growth targets, the company is actively investing in product development while expanding its specialized engineering and commercial departments. While the firm remains a relatively lean organization, it prides itself on maintaining a diverse workforce comprised of professionals from multiple international backgrounds and immigrant communities. This diverse global perspective is considered a key asset as the company navigates the various cultural and regulatory landscapes required to succeed across the European continent.
Ultimately, Klearly aims to make the payment process increasingly invisible and frictionless for both overworked service staff and their valued guests. By providing a robust, hospitality-first infrastructure, the company allows operators to focus on their core mission of providing exceptional service rather than managing technical failures. As the industry continues to evolve, this integrated approach to financial technology will likely define the next generation of hospitality commerce across the globe.