Madrid-based fintech STAMP has successfully secured $4.7 million in a new funding round to modernize the Tax Free industry for international shoppers. The investment was led by Dozen and saw participation from notable entities like Barça Innovation Hub and footballer Thibaut Courtois. These funds will accelerate the company's expansion across Southern Europe and enhance its technology, including the launch of a new AI-powered product.
Reimagining the Tax Free Experience
The traditional Tax Free process has long been a cumbersome task, relying on complex post-purchase reimbursements and intermediaries. This model creates significant friction for tourists, diminishing the intended benefit of VAT refunds. STAMP aims to dismantle this outdated system by transforming the process into a seamless consumer right at the point of sale.
The company's technology integrates the fiscal benefit directly into the payment experience, complying with European regulations. In markets like Italy, shoppers can make purchases VAT-exempt, while in Spain, they receive an instant discount equivalent to the VAT. This adaptive approach ensures a smooth and immediate transaction for the customer, tailored to each country's tax framework.
By eliminating this friction, STAMP empowers retailers to leverage Tax Free as a powerful commercial tool to attract global consumers. This streamlined process helps increase sales conversion rates, encourages larger purchase sizes, and improves the overall shopping experience. Merchants regain control over customer interactions and their margins, turning a compliance task into a competitive advantage.
Strategic Funding for European Expansion
The $4.7 million capital injection will primarily fuel STAMP's strategic expansion across its key markets of Spain, Italy, and Portugal. This move is designed to solidify its presence in Southern Europe, a major hub for international tourism and retail. The funding provides the necessary resources to scale operations and onboard more merchants onto its platform.
A significant portion of the investment is dedicated to advancing the company's product portfolio, with a focus on international payment solutions. STAMP is also set to launch a new product based on artificial intelligence, aiming to provide retailers with smarter tools. This commitment to innovation ensures the platform remains at the forefront of the evolving global commerce landscape.
The investor lineup reflects a strategic approach, with partners chosen to accelerate market adoption. The involvement of Barça Innovation Hub and Thibaut Courtois highlights a key opportunity in the global football merchandising vertical. These partnerships provide not just capital but also invaluable access to a massive international fan base and retail ecosystem.
A Secure and Compliant Framework
STAMP's model operates within a secure and fully compliant framework, providing peace of mind for retailers and tax authorities. The platform ensures every transaction adheres to the specific fiscal regulations of the country in which it operates. This focus on compliance is central to its mission of delivering a true, fraud-proof Tax Free solution.
Behind the scenes, the system manages the entire validation and recovery process, ensuring full traceability of each transaction. It handles reimbursement from tax authorities directly, shielding merchants from fiscal risk, even in potential fraud scenarios. This allows retailers to offer the benefit confidently, without assuming complex administrative or financial burdens.
With this new funding and strong institutional backing, STAMP is well-positioned to redefine the European retail landscape. The company's innovative approach transforms the Tax Free process into a seamless sales driver for merchants and international consumers. As it expands its reach and technological capabilities, STAMP is set to become an indispensable partner for retailers in global commerce.