Klearly Secures $14 Million to Transform Hospitality Payments with SoftPOS Technology

Klearly, the Amsterdam-based payment provider, has successfully closed a $14 million Series A funding round led by PayPal Ventures. This capital injection follows a period of rapid growth where the company reached over 4,000 active merchants and neared a billion euros in annualized processing volume. The investment positions the firm to challenge traditional banking giants in the European hospitality sector.

The company focuses on SoftPOS technology, which eliminates the need for expensive card terminal hardware by turning standard smartphones into secure payment devices. Through its proprietary application, staff members can accept contactless payments directly on their Android or iOS devices using NFC technology. This shift allows businesses to operate more leanly without being tied to restrictive hardware rental contracts.

Specifically designed for bars, restaurants, and clubs, the solution integrates ordering and payment into a single workflow. By using one device for all guest interactions, waiters can significantly increase table turnover and improve the accuracy of service. This efficiency often translates into higher tips for staff and a more seamless experience for customers during peak hours.

Klearly plans to use the new funds to deepen its integration with various Point of Sale (POS) and SaaS platforms across Europe. Rather than competing directly with every local system, the company acts as a specialized payment layer that can be embedded into existing software. This partner-first approach allows for rapid scaling within the taxi, delivery, and hospitality industries.

Artificial intelligence plays a growing role in the platform's backend to provide merchants with sophisticated data analysis. The software utilizes AI to generate robust reporting and dashboard insights that help owners predict busy periods and manage staffing more effectively. By analyzing transaction patterns, the system offers actionable recommendations to optimize daily revenue.

Looking ahead, the firm is set to expand its footprint beyond the Netherlands to establish a broader presence in the European market. The leadership team remains focused on maintaining their transparent pricing model to appeal to small and medium-sized enterprises. This strategy is central to their goal of capturing market share from legacy financial institutions by offering better flexibility and zero hardware maintenance.