Breaking news

Revolut Targets $40B Valuation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 23, 2024

Fintech company Revolut is targeting a $40 billion valuation in a move that could boost its value by 20%. The London-based startup wants to sell shares to cement its status as Europe’s most valuable startup.

KEY FACTS

The SoftBank-backed company wants to sell existing shares worth about $500 million, including those owned by employees, the Financial Times wrote.
The bank is working with Morgan Stanley on the sale.

ACCENT

The news comes amid challenges Revolut is trying to address. First of all, the startup is struggling to get a banking license, and it also reported some losses. The entire fintech sector has suffered defeats in the last two years. Stockholm-based Klarna, another prominent fintech, has sunk to $6.7 billion from a $46 billion fundraising in 2022. Since then, some venture capital investors have reduced their stakes in Revolut.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Revolut is still trying to get a banking license, which is key for the fintech company to increase lending and profits. However, regulators delayed their decision after Revolut was rocked by problems, including a warning from auditors that they could not fully verify the revenue figures in the 2021 accounts.

The company suffered a loss in its latest delayed report for 2022 as the boom in cryptocurrency trading that previously boosted profits waned. Meanwhile, rising costs offset the benefits of larger customer deposits and higher interest rates.

BIG NUMBER

In 2021, the company was valued at $33 billion in a funding round. The stock transaction could now fetch a significantly higher valuation of $40 billion. That would surpass the market capitalization of British lender NatWest and Paris-based Société Générale.

KEY STORY

Revolut was founded by Nikolay Storonsky and Vlad Yatsenko in 2015. Since then, it has significantly outpaced its competitors in terms of customer growth and aggressive international expansion. Revolut has around 40 million customers worldwide, with a third based in the UK.

In 2021, it raised $800 million from investors including SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2 and Tiger Global Management.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 15, 2025

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

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Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.