In 2020, amidst the challenges of financial accessibility in Greece, two visionary entrepreneurs, Antonis Prentzas and Marios Noutsos, identified a significant gap in the market: the need for fair and transparent credit options for consumers. Drawing from their experiences in the financial sector, they founded finloup, aiming to disrupt the traditional credit system and promote financial inclusion.
Antonis and Marios participated in the Match & Develop a Startup program co-organized by ACE in 2020 and joined ACE Compass Cycle the same year. Initially launched as one of Greece’s first Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms, finloup offered interest-free installment plans without requiring credit cards, leveraging open banking data to assess creditworthiness. This innovative approach quickly gained traction, leading to partnerships with prominent merchants and a growing customer base.
From BNPL Pioneer to Sustainable Tech Leasing Innovator
Recognizing the evolving needs of businesses and the importance of sustainable practices, finloup expanded its services to include technology leasing. This shift allowed companies, from freelancers to large enterprises, to access the latest tech equipment—such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets—through flexible leasing plans. By promoting usage over ownership, finloup not only provided financial flexibility but also contributed to reducing electronic waste, aligning with circular economy principles.
Key Achievements:
- Strategic Funding: finloup has secured over 2 million investment by Velocity.Partners, TECS Capital, Everypay, and several angel investors, fueling product development and market expansion efforts.
- Merchant Partnerships: finloup has established collaborations with over 21 merchants in Greece, including major brands, enhancing the platform’s reach and consumer offerings.
- Market Impact: Contributed to the growth of Greece’s BNPL market, which is projected to reach $2.03 billion in 2025, with finloup being a key player driving this expansion.
- Sustainability Focus: By offering tech leasing services, finloup supports businesses in reducing their carbon footprint, promoting a shift towards more sustainable consumption habits.
Empowering Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Growth
finloup’s journey from a BNPL startup to a leader in tech leasing exemplifies the power of innovation in addressing real-world challenges. Through their commitment to fair credit, sustainable practices, and technological advancement, Antonis Prentzas and Marios Noutsos have positioned finloup as a transformative force in Greece’s fintech landscape.
As they continue to expand their services and impact, finloup remains dedicated to empowering businesses and consumers alike, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem.