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A fintech company aiming to revolutionize payments in the region

October 24, 2024
Akua, a fintech company co-founded by Juan José Behrend, a telecommunications engineering graduate, raised $4.3 million in its seed round.
A fintech company aiming to revolutionize payments in the region

According to Forbes Uruguay, the startup specializes in payment infrastructure, facilitating transactions in Latin America. Its goal is to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs for businesses through an integrated platform. With a team of 20 people spread across several countries, Akua develops its technology from Uruguay, focusing on offering more agile and cost-effective solutions within the payments ecosystem.

A team of experts with an outstanding track record

Behrend, who has worked at companies such as dLocal, Pomelo, and PedidosYa, brings extensive experience in developing technology for payment companies. His co-founders, partners Carlos Marín and Rodrigo Rodrígues, have held key roles at PayU, Mastercard, and Jeeves, giving Akua a solid foundation to tackle the challenges facing the industry.

Offices in Uruguay and an international team

The company has at the Cubo Itaú innovation hub in Uruguay, where the technology platform will be developed. Akua’s team, consisting of 20 employees based in various Latin American countries, will work to expand its operations throughout the region.

Strategic investment for growth

The funding round was led by global venture capital firms such as Propel and Flourish Ventures, alongside angel investors with experience at leading companies like Mastercard and Nubank. The funding will enable Akua to accelerate its regional expansion and consolidate its position in the competitive fintech ecosystem.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Akua faces the challenge of competing in a rapidly growing fintech market, but its team’s experience and focus on payment efficiency give it a competitive edge. The company will not only operate in Uruguay but also plans to expand into other strategic markets in Latin America, with the goal of becoming a leader in the region.