In December 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) made waves by announcing a €70 million investment in Scalapay, a buy now, pay later (BNPL) startup based in Italy. For those unfamiliar with Scalapay, it’s an impressive example of how a young fintech can achieve unicorn status within just a few years. Founded in 2019, the company has grown to serve over 11 million users and continues to expand its reach across Europe.
This move by the EIB isn’t just about funding one company , it’s a signal that European fintech, particularly in digital payments, is becoming a serious competitor on the global stage. From my perspective as a serial entrepreneur and startup founder, this also showcases the significant opportunities for startups to secure financing from public sector institutions willing to bet on future growth and technological innovation.
Why This Matters
First, this is more than a feel-good funding story. It opens up important conversations about the potential for partnerships between tech startups and organizations like the EIB. The €70 million investment marks the first time the EIB has funded an Italian unicorn directly. It reflects a growing focus within Europe to back its own entrepreneurs and reduce reliance on international players, particularly in the competitive fintech market.
Here’s what this means for startups, founders, and entrepreneurs like you:
- If your company operates in Europe, you now have a clear example of how European funding can play a pivotal role in scaling your business.
- The BNPL market remains attractive despite increasing global scrutiny, and Scalapay’s growth trajectory highlights the value of identifying clear market opportunities and executing them effectively.
What’s Driving the EIB’s Interest in Scalapay?
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Strong Market Presence
Scalapay isn’t just any BNPL startup. It’s a major player in Europe, with a valuation exceeding $1 billion after its Series B round in 2022. Unlike many fintech players that struggle with user acquisition, Scalapay boasts over 11 million users, giving it the scale and momentum that investors crave. -
Clear Growth Opportunities
In a statement, Scalapay CEO Simone Mancini laid out how the funds will be used to accelerate growth, expand its product range, and develop new markets. It’s a textbook case of a company knowing exactly where to deploy capital for maximum impact. -
EIB’s Strategic Goals
The EIB isn’t just focused on profits. It wants to stimulate innovation and competition in the European digital payments space. By backing Scalapay, the EIB is signaling that it sees BNPL as a cornerstone of the evolving e-commerce landscape.
How Founders Can Take Lessons From This
If you’re a founder, Scalapay’s journey offers several takeaways that can inspire your path forward. Let’s break it down:
1. Regulatory Readiness
The BNPL market is under increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide. Scalapay has managed to navigate this complex landscape while maintaining growth. If you’re in a regulated industry, this approach should inspire you to prioritize compliance early , it pays off when courting investors.
2. Strategic Partnerships
Scalapay has built partnerships with companies like Marqeta and acquired payment institutions like Cabel IP to strengthen its infrastructure. Strategic acquisitions and collaborations can be a game-changer for growth-stage startups.
3. Focus on Europe
Lastly, don’t overlook the potential for growth on your doorstep. Scalapay has benefited from focusing on European markets where BNPL services are still expanding. Larger, more competitive markets like the US aren’t always the best option in the early stages.
Common Missteps Startups Should Avoid
While this story has all the hallmarks of success, there are also common traps that derail other companies attempting to follow similar paths. If you’re running a startup, here are some pitfalls to watch for:
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Overexpansion
Expanding into new markets too quickly can be risky. Ensure that you’ve firmly captured a strong position in your current markets before scattering resources. -
Overestimating Demand
BNPL is growing rapidly, but that doesn’t mean every customer or merchant is ready to embrace it. Conduct robust market research and ensure there’s a sustainable base for your product. -
Ignoring Funding Diversification
Scalapay’s investment from the EIB comes as part of a diverse funding history that includes private and public backers. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket , diversify your funding sources to weather unexpected downturns in investor sentiment.
How Entrepreneurs Can Position Their Startups for EIB or Similar Investments
For those inspired by Scalapay’s success, here are actionable steps you should take to get the attention of large investors or public funding bodies:
- Highlight your scalability: Investors like the EIB want to know your business can grow within and beyond your current market. Prove it with data.
- Show clear alignment with European goals: If your company ties into European priorities, like technology, sustainability, or digitalization, you’re more likely to attract public funding.
- Prioritize robust KPIs: Scalapay’s success in attracting the EIB stems from its ability to show tangible growth metrics like user acquisition and partnerships.
Final Thoughts
From my perspective, the EIB’s €70 million investment is another reminder of the power of being strategic as a startup. Whether it’s diversifying funding sources, focusing on dominating local markets, or building regulatory expertise, Scalapay has provided a solid blueprint that other startups can follow.
The fintech and digital payments space is full of challenges but also opportunities. Entrepreneurs who are prepared with a clear market understanding, strong partnerships, and measurable outcomes can find success even in competitive environments.
For me, this story serves as an inspiration. It proves that Europe has a lot more to offer in terms of entrepreneurial talent and growth opportunities. And who knows , your startup could be the next headline-making unicorn to secure game-changing funding. The resources and guidance are there; you just need to make your move.
FAQ
1. What recent investment did the European Investment Bank (EIB) make in the fintech sector?
In December 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced a €70 million investment in Scalapay, an Italian Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) fintech unicorn. Learn more about EIB's €70M investment in Scalapay
2. Who is Scalapay and why is it significant?
Scalapay, founded in 2019, is a BNPL fintech company that achieved unicorn status in 2022. The company serves over 11 million users, making it one of Europe’s leading fintech players. Read more about Scalapay
3. How does Scalapay plan to use the €70 million investment?
Scalapay intends to use the €70 million from the EIB to accelerate growth, expand its product range, and support market development across Europe. Explore the purpose of Scalapay's funding
4. Why is the EIB’s investment in Scalapay considered groundbreaking?
This is the first time the EIB has provided direct financing to an Italian unicorn company, emphasizing the institution's focus on fostering European technological innovation. Learn about the EIB's milestone investment
5. What does this investment reveal about the BNPL market in Europe?
The investment underscores the continued attractiveness of BNPL services in Europe despite regulatory challenges, with Scalapay demonstrating strong growth and market presence. Learn more about the BNPL market dynamics
6. What strategic goals does the EIB aim to achieve through this partnership?
The EIB aims to stimulate innovation and competition in Europe’s digital payments ecosystem, making BNPL a cornerstone of the evolving e-commerce landscape. Read about the EIB’s mission
7. How has Scalapay expanded its operations recently?
Scalapay has made strategic acquisitions, such as acquiring the Italian payment institution Cabel IP in March 2023, to strengthen its payment infrastructure. Discover Scalapay's recent acquisitions
8. What role does regulatory readiness play in Scalapay's success?
Scalapay’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges in the BNPL market has been critical to its sustained growth and attractiveness to investors like the EIB.
9. How has Scalapay diversified its partnerships and product offerings?
Scalapay has collaborated with companies like Marqeta and Twig, besides enhancing its infrastructure through acquisitions, to broaden its service footprint in Europe. Learn about Scalapay’s partnerships
10. What does this investment signal for European startups overall?
The €70 million funding highlights the availability of substantial public funding for European startups, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment with broader regional goals. Explore EIB’s role in supporting European startups
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.