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§ Private Profile · 4455 Carver Woods Dr Ste 200, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242, United States
An open-source, code-first headless CMS and application framework providing a flexible backend for teams to build custom, data-driven websites.
Payload is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based software organization that develops an open-source, code-first headless content management system and application framework for software developers. The platform enables engineering teams to construct data-driven web applications by integrating a flexible backend architecture directly into existing codebases such as Next.js. Operating on an open-core business model, the firm provides its core software at no cost while generating recurring revenue through Payload Cloud, a managed hosting platform offering database administration and infrastructure support. The company maintains a workforce of approximately 15 to 20 employees and has raised $4.7 million in seed funding to scale its proprietary cloud ecosystem. The startup's capitalization table features lead investments and financial backing from recognizable entities including Gradient Ventures, Y Combinator, and Vercel founder Guillermo Rauch. Payload was founded in 2021 by James Mikrut and Dan Ribbens.
Payload has raised $5.5M across 2 funding rounds.
Payload has raised $5.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Payload is a technology company best known for two distinct products under the same name but serving different markets. One Payload offers an embedded finance platform that automates inbound and outbound payments for modern platforms and businesses, enabling seamless payment acceptance and disbursement across multiple methods with robust compliance and security features. The other Payload is a developer-first, open-source headless CMS and application framework built with TypeScript and React, designed to provide developers with a flexible, extensible content management solution that improves developer experience and empowers teams to build scalable digital products efficiently[1][4][6].
The embedded finance Payload serves businesses needing streamlined payment automation, solving the problem of complex payment workflows by offering a unified, compliant, and customizable platform with fast implementation. The CMS Payload targets developers and companies building digital products requiring content management, addressing the lack of developer-friendly CMS options by delivering a code-first, extensible, and user-friendly system. Both products show strong growth momentum, with the CMS Payload gaining traction through open-source adoption, accelerator backing (Y Combinator), and significant seed funding led by Google’s Gradient Ventures[1][4][5][6].
The embedded finance Payload’s founding details are less publicly documented, but it operates with a focus on modernizing payments through automation and embedded finance APIs, evolving alongside fintech trends.
The CMS Payload was founded by three full-stack TypeScript developers—Mikrut, DeNolf, and Ribbens—who launched the first public beta in January 2021. Frustrated by existing CMS solutions that neglected developer needs, they built Payload to offer a better developer experience. Early traction included community education efforts and acceptance into Y Combinator’s summer 2022 batch. They made a strategic decision to open-source the product in May 2022 and raised $4.7 million in seed funding later that year. Rooted in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they have grown their team and expanded locally with support from regional development programs, positioning Payload CMS as a Midwest tech hub pioneer[4][5].
*Embedded Finance Payload:*
*Payload CMS:*
Payload’s embedded finance platform rides the wave of embedded finance and fintech automation, addressing the growing demand for seamless, programmable payment infrastructure as businesses digitize financial operations. The timing aligns with increasing regulatory scrutiny and the need for secure, compliant payment solutions that reduce friction and operational costs.
Payload CMS taps into the rising trend of headless CMS and developer-centric tools, responding to the limitations of traditional CMS platforms that constrain developers and marketers. Its open-source nature and modern stack position it well amid the shift toward composable architectures and API-first development, empowering companies to build flexible, scalable digital experiences.
Both Payloads influence their ecosystems by pushing innovation in their respective domains—embedded finance by simplifying payments integration, and CMS by redefining content management for developers and teams[1][4][6].
For the embedded finance Payload, future growth likely involves expanding payment capabilities, deeper integrations with fintech ecosystems, and scaling compliance and risk management features to serve larger enterprises and new markets.
Payload CMS is poised to continue its momentum by enhancing developer tools, expanding its community, and possibly introducing enterprise-grade features while maintaining open-source accessibility. Trends such as increased demand for composable digital experiences and API-driven architectures will shape its evolution.
Both Payloads exemplify how specialized, developer-friendly platforms can disrupt traditional industries—payments and content management—by focusing on flexibility, security, and user empowerment, setting the stage for sustained influence in their sectors[1][4][5][6].
Payload has raised $5.5M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $5.0M Seed in November 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2022 | $5M Seed | Gradient | Accel, Gradient Ventures, Grand Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Section 32, Sequoia Capital, Exceptional Capital, MongoDB Ventures, SV Angel, Y Combinator | Announced |
| May 24, 2022 | $500K Venture Round | — | — | Announced |
Payload has raised $5.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Payload's investors include Gradient Ventures, Accel, Grand Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Section 32, Sequoia Capital, Exceptional Capital, MongoDB Ventures, SV Angel, Y Combinator.