Klarna
Buy-now, pay-later startup Klarna is close to finalizing a fresh capital injection from SoftBank.
The two firms have been in discussions for at least two weeks, sources told Insider.
The deal could value Klarna, already Europe s most valuable private startup, above $40 billion.
Klarna, Europe s most valuable private startup, is close to finalizing funding led by SoftBank at a higher valuation, according to three sources with knowledge of the matter.
The funding is expected to include other major US investors following rapid growth in the buy-now, pay-later startup s American business.
The size of the cash injection is not yet finalized but is expected to be less than the $1 billion Klarna raised in March. One source indicated it could be around $500 million. The figures could change, and the deal is expected to close soon.
Financial technology start-ups in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates offering online short-term credit say they are enjoying exponential growth as the coronavirus pandemic drives a shift in consumer spending online. Digital buy now, pay later (BNPL) purchasing is relatively new to the region where consumers have traditionally been sceptical of paying for goods before getting them. But Saudi Arabian-based Tamara and UAE's Spotii, Tabby and Postpay all say the take-up has far exceeded initial expectations.
Read more about Buy now, pay later players tackle credit conundrum in West Asia s Gulf on Business Standard. Digital buy now, pay later (BNPL) purchasing is relatively new to the region where consumers have traditionally been sceptical of paying for goods before getting them