Rapyd – Fintech Without Borders

Founded in 2016, Rapyd is a UK-based fintech startup offering a Fintech-as-a-Service (FaaS) platform that enables businesses to integrate global payment solutions seamlessly. The company provides access to over 900 payment methods across more than 100 countries, including cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cash.

Rapyd’s mission is to make global commerce frictionless, allowing companies of any size to collect and send payments internationally without dealing with complex banking regulations or multiple payment providers.

Founding Story

Rapyd was founded by Arik Shtilman, a serial entrepreneur with prior experience in fintech and software development. Shtilman noticed that cross-border payments were slow, fragmented, and expensive for businesses trying to scale globally.

With a small founding team, he envisioned a platform that unified global payments, compliance, and payouts under one API. Starting with seed funding in London, Rapyd focused on solving the pain points of e-commerce, marketplaces, and digital platforms that needed fast, reliable international transactions.

Funding and Growth Milestones

Rapyd’s growth has been fueled by aggressive funding rounds and strategic acquisitions:

• 2016: Seed funding of $3 million to build the first global payments API.
• 2018: Series B funding of $40 million, expanding operations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• 2020: Series C funding of $100 million, allowing Rapyd to scale globally and enhance its compliance and risk infrastructure.
• 2021: Series D funding of $300 million, bringing valuation to $2.5 billion.
• 2022: Expanded to 100+ countries and integrated 900+ payment methods, including mobile wallets, cards, and bank transfers.
• 2023: Partnered with major fintechs, e-commerce platforms, and marketplaces to become a backbone for global payments.

Rapyd now serves thousands of businesses worldwide, from startups to enterprise clients.

Business Model and Technology

Rapyd’s model combines API-first technology with B2B payments infrastructure:

• FaaS Platform: One API connects businesses to multiple payment methods worldwide.
• B2B Focus: Serves marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, neobanks, and global SaaS companies.
• Revenue Streams: Transaction fees, subscription plans, and enterprise-level service contracts.
• Compliance & Risk: Handles anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and cross-border compliance for clients.

By combining technology, regulatory know-how, and global payment networks, Rapyd simplifies complex cross-border transactions.

Market Impact

Rapyd is reshaping global commerce and fintech:

• Cross-Border Efficiency: Reduces transaction time from days to seconds in some cases.
• Financial Inclusion: Allows businesses to operate in regions previously inaccessible due to payment barriers.
• Global Adoption: Serves companies in e-commerce, fintech, ride-hailing, and gig economy platforms.
• Innovation Leadership: One of the first FaaS platforms combining payments, payouts, and compliance globally.

The company demonstrates how fintech startups can bridge gaps in global commerce with technology and strategy.

Challenges and Controversies

Rapyd faces challenges common to fintech startups:

• Regulatory Complexity: Operating across 100+ countries requires constant compliance updates.
• Security Risks: Handling sensitive payment and banking data makes cybersecurity critical.
• Competition: Competing with Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, and other global payment platforms.

Rapyd addresses these challenges with robust technology infrastructure, in-house compliance teams, and strategic partnerships.

Future Outlook

Rapyd continues to scale and innovate globally:

• Geographic Expansion: Increasing presence in Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific markets.
• Product Development: Launching new solutions for digital wallets, embedded finance, and virtual cards.
• Partnerships: Integrating with global fintechs, marketplaces, and platforms to expand reach.
• Innovation Leadership: Pioneering fintech-as-a-service solutions for seamless cross-border commerce.

Rapyd exemplifies how visionary fintech startups can enable global payments and create opportunities for businesses worldwide.

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From a London-based startup to a global fintech powerhouse, Rapyd shows the power of solving a universal pain point. Arik Shtilman turned a vision of seamless international payments into a platform serving thousands of businesses across the globe. Rapyd’s story demonstrates how combining technology, compliance, and strategic execution can redefine global commerce and create massive impact.