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Smava has raised $84.0M across 5 funding rounds.
Key people at Smava.
Smava has raised $84.0M in total across 5 funding rounds.
smava is Germany's most well-known online comparison portal for loans, helping users find the best loan offers transparently, securely, and easily online.
Smava has raised $84.0M across 5 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $24.0M Series E in November 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2019 | $24M Series E | — | Earlybird Venture Capital, Oliver Holle | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2016 | $34M Series C | — | Earlybird Venture Capital, Oliver Holle | Announced |
| Apr 1, 2015 | $16M Series B | — | Earlybird Venture Capital, Innovation Endeavors, IVP, Meritech Capital Partners, Phenomen Ventures, QED Investors, Sequoia Capital, Target Global, TomorrowVentures, Volition Capital, Chris Bishko, Oliver Holle, RON Suber | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2011 | $5M Series U | — | Earlybird Venture Capital, Oliver Holle | Announced |
| May 1, 2007 | $5M Series A | — | Earlybird Venture Capital, Team Global, Oliver Holle | Announced |
Smava is a Berlin-based fintech company founded in 2007 that operates Germany's leading online loan comparison portal.[1][2][3] It aggregates offers from over 20 banks, enabling consumers to compare and apply for personal loans ranging from €1,000 to €120,000 through a fully digital, SCHUFA-neutral process that doesn't impact credit scores.[2][4] Smava serves individual borrowers seeking transparent, fair, and affordable financing options, solving the problem of opaque loan markets by providing side-by-side comparisons and streamlined mediation.[1][5] The company has demonstrated strong growth momentum, raising over $187 million in total funding across six rounds, including a €57 million debt financing in a recent scale-up effort led by Kreos Capital with participation from Earlybird, Verdane, Vitruvian Partners, and Runa Capital.[4]
With approximately 562 employees and reported revenue of $209.1 million, Smava has solidified its position as a key player in Germany's B2C financial services sector.[4][3]
Smava was founded in 2007 in Berlin, Germany, at a time when digital financial tools were emerging to disrupt traditional banking.[1][2][3] While specific founder names are not detailed in available records, the company quickly established itself as a pioneer in loan comparison, headquartered at Palisadenstraße 90.[2][4] Early traction came from its mission to make personal loans transparent amid a fragmented banking landscape, leveraging digital processes for market overview.[5][1]
Pivotal moments include partnerships with investors starting in 2016, such as Verdane, and multiple funding rounds totaling around €129-187 million, fueling expansion.[3][4][5] A key recent milestone was the €57 million financing to sustain growth during economic challenges, highlighting resilience and investor confidence.[4]
Smava stands out in the crowded fintech space through these key strengths:
Smava rides the fintech democratization wave, capitalizing on Europe's shift toward digital banking and open finance amid rising consumer demand for transparency post-financial crises.[1][2] Its timing aligns with regulatory pushes like PSD2, which foster data sharing for better comparisons, while economic pressures favor affordable lending platforms.[4] Market forces such as high interest rates and inflation amplify its value, as borrowers seek optimal rates without traditional bank friction.[4]
By influencing Germany's €100B+ personal loan market, Smava drives competition among banks, lowers consumer costs, and pioneers SCHUFA-neutral tech, contributing to a more inclusive ecosystem.[2][3] Its growth amid downturns underscores fintech's resilience in B2C services.[4]
Smava is poised for continued dominance in European loan fintech, potentially expanding beyond Germany into pan-EU markets with its scalable digital model.[2][4] Trends like AI-driven personalization, embedded finance (e.g., auto loans), and sustainable lending will shape its path, bolstered by recent €57M war chest for tech upgrades.[4][5] Influence may evolve through deeper bank integrations and IPO pursuits, as pre-IPO trading platforms like EquityZen signal maturing liquidity.[5]
From its roots as a transparency pioneer, Smava exemplifies how fintech portals empower consumers in an opaque financial world.[1]
Key people at Smava.
Smava has raised $84.0M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Smava's investors include Earlybird Venture Capital, oliver holle, Innovation Endeavors, IVP, Meritech Capital Partners, Phenomen Ventures, QED Investors, Sequoia Capital, Target Global, TomorrowVentures, Volition Capital, Chris Bishko.
