Smava is a technology company.
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.
Smava has raised $84.0M in total across 5 funding rounds.
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.
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]
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2019 | $24.0M Series E | Earlybird Venture Capital, oliver holle | |
| Oct 1, 2016 | $34.0M Series C | Earlybird Venture Capital, oliver holle | |
| Apr 1, 2015 | $16.0M 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 | |
| Oct 1, 2011 | $5.0M Venture Round | Earlybird Venture Capital, oliver holle | |
| May 1, 2007 | $5.0M Series A | Earlybird Venture Capital, Team Global, oliver holle |