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FlexFin: The FinTech Game Changer Acquired By Alpha Bank To Revolutionize Factoring

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 29, 2025

Alpha Bank has acquired 100% of FlexFin, a pioneering FinTech company that offers liquidity solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic move aims to integrate FlexFin’s factoring operations with Alpha Bank’s ABC Factors, strengthening its presence in the factoring market.

FlexFin, founded in 2017 in Cyprus and later expanding to Greece, provides innovative factoring services, helping businesses quickly turn invoices into cash to cover daily expenses. The company serves SMEs in both Cyprus and Greece, focusing on a market that was previously overlooked by larger factoring firms.

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Co-founded by Dimitris Vranopoulos and Alexandros Kelaiditis, FlexFin has garnered support from over 45 investors, including the National Bank of Greece, RayCap, and IQBICITY. The company’s Greek subsidiary achieved a significant revenue increase, reporting €1.1 million in 2023, up from €568,000 in 2022.

FlexFin’s services, which help businesses obtain liquidity even when traditional loans are unavailable, fill a crucial gap in the market. The acquisition by Alpha Bank is expected to enhance the bank’s ability to provide comprehensive financial solutions for SMEs.

The company’s success is backed by a team of experienced leaders, including Vranopoulos, a former Goldman Sachs executive, and Kelaiditis, who has extensive experience in investment banking. FlexFin’s growth is set to continue under Alpha Bank’s ownership, offering more efficient and accessible funding solutions to SMEs.

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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.