Image Credits: Matera CEO and co-founder Carlos Netto / Matera

Matera Raises $100M to Accelerate Instant Payments in the US

Matera raises $100M from Warburg Pincus to expand its instant payment solutions to the US, aiming to revolutionize the fintech landscape.

Matera, a Brazilian fintech company renowned for its instant payment solutions, has announced a significant milestone. The company has secured $100 million in Series A funding from Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm.

This investment marks a crucial step for Matera as it aims to expand its innovative payment systems into the North American market.

Highlights

  • Funding Announcement: Matera secures $100M investment from Warburg Pincus.
  • Company Background: Brazilian tech firm specializing in instant payment and core banking solutions.
  • Market Expansion: Plans to extend reach into the North American market.
  • Growth Metrics: Revenue up by 30%, processing nearly 500 million Pix transactions monthly.
  • Future Prospects: Aims to simplify legacy systems and enhance instant payment infrastructure in the US.

The Success of Pix in Brazil

Pix, an instant payment system launched by the Central Bank of Brazil, has revolutionized how Brazilians handle transactions. With over 153 million users and 15 million businesses adopting the system, Pix has become a cornerstone of Brazil’s financial ecosystem.

Matera has been instrumental in this transformation, providing the technology that powers Pix transactions, QR code payments, and core banking functionalities.

A user pays a bill with Pix. Photographer: Karime Xavier/Folhapress

Matera’s Rapid Growth

Since the introduction of Pix in 2020, Matera has experienced exponential growth. The company reports a 4x increase in revenue, reaching $77 million in 2023.

This growth is a testament to the effectiveness of Matera’s solutions in the competitive fintech landscape. The company now processes close to 500 million Pix transactions per month, a figure expected to double soon.

Expanding to North America

With its success in Brazil, Matera is setting its sights on the North American market. Unlike traditional core banking vendors, Matera aims to offer digital twin and QR code payment solutions to enhance existing systems rather than replace them.

According to CEO Carlos Netto, the goal is to reduce the complexity of legacy systems and enable seamless, instant payments in the US.

Strategic Investment from Warburg Pincus

The decision to partner with Warburg Pincus was strategic. Matera sought a partner with deep market knowledge and access to the US market.

Henrique Muramoto, Managing Director at Warburg Pincus, highlighted Brazil’s advanced payments infrastructure and Matera’s pivotal role in it. This partnership is expected to accelerate Matera’s growth and adoption in the US.

Industry Insights

The US government’s instant payment system, FedNow Service, launched about a year ago, has been slow to gain traction. In contrast, Brazil’s Pix system has quickly become ubiquitous.

This disparity highlights the potential for growth in the US market and the opportunities for companies like Matera to drive significant change. By leveraging its expertise and proven technology, Matera is well-positioned to lead the US into a new era of instant payments.

A Pivotal Mmoment

Matera’s $100 million funding round from Warburg Pincus is a pivotal moment for the company and the fintech industry. With plans to expand into North America, Matera is poised to bring its innovative instant payment solutions to a broader audience.

By reducing the complexity of legacy systems and enhancing the payment infrastructure, Matera aims to replicate its success in Brazil and help the US catch up in the realm of instant payments.

Tumisang Bogwasi
Tumisang Bogwasi

2X Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Empowering Brands to Generate Leads, Grow Revenue with Business Strategy and Digital Marketing | Founder, CEO of Fine Group