Tensec Secures Funding to Innovate Cross-Border Payments
Founders from Ex-Rapyd, Meta, and Goldman Sachs build infrastructure to unlock B2B cross-border financial services for global trading companies
Tensec, a fintech innovator transforming cross-border financial services, has secured $12 million in seed funding to provide real-time, seamless payments and financial services for global companies operating in the $190 trillion cross-border payments market. With this funding, Tensec aims to empower global trading companies and their clients by granting access to cross-border real-time payments and transaction banking services typically offered only by large financial institutions.
Investment Details and Strategy
Led by Costanoa Ventures, this funding round saw participation from several notable investors, including Quiet Capital, WillowTree Investments, Cambrian VC, Ignia Partners, Montage Ventures, Renegade Partners, and Endeavor Scale Up Ventures. Tensec's approach focuses on integrating fintech solutions into the everyday operations of businesses involved in cross-border trade.
Empowering Small and Medium Businesses
“SMBs drive nearly half of global trade but have long been excluded from the financial tools that larger players rely on,” stated Helcio Nobre, CEO and co-founder of Tensec. “Our platform flips the traditional model by allowing global trading companies to provide these financial services directly to their partners, making global commerce faster, cheaper, and more accessible.”
Utilizing Advanced Technology in Financial Services
Tensec utilizes artificial intelligence, real-time payments, and a global fintech infrastructure to establish a no-integration platform. This platform enables global trading companies to offer services such as foreign exchange (FX) management, cross-border payments, treasury services, and more to their SMB clients. Currently, Tensec collaborates with customers who manage over $10 billion in annual trade volume, anticipating that this figure will reach $30 billion following an expansion into APAC and EU markets.
A New Standard in Cross-Border Payments
The company strategically targets the outdated cross-border payments infrastructure, much of which is still reliant on legacy technologies like SWIFT. With projections indicating that global cross-border payments could soar to $250 trillion by 2030, there is ample opportunity for innovation. Despite representing a significant portion of the $25 trillion annual physical goods trade, SMBs have seen little advancement in this domain. Tensec is taking essential steps to bridge this gap.
“Legacy banks built their cross-border infrastructure when fax machines were cutting-edge,” Helcio noted. “Our services enable companies already engaged in global trade to innovate their financial service offerings, satisfying a genuine need in the market.”
Empowering Clients with User-Friendly Solutions
Tensec's platform amalgamates payment, hedging, and trade finance capabilities into a single, user-friendly interface, negating the need for complex integration work and simplifying service delivery for trading companies. Banking services within the United States are facilitated by Stearns Bank, Member FDIC. The advantages for Tensec customers include:
- No API or coding is required—access to all services is available via a simple login.
- Unified FX transactions, cross-border payments, and banking services in one platform.
- Quick client onboarding, with intelligent KYB/KYC verification improving over time.
- Real-time global payments eliminating traditional delays of up to four days.
- Revenue management optimization using dynamic exchange rate information.
- Built-in risk assessment and real-time compliance checks.
- USD FX hedging services to navigate exchange rate fluctuations.
- Support for transactions across 150+ countries, with operations in 100+ real-time payment markets.
The Vision Ahead
“While tariffs shift trade patterns, they don’t slow down movement,” said Sandrine Okasmaa, Tensec's Chief Operating Officer and co-founder. “Our platform connects existing and burgeoning trade corridors, offering financial strength that traditional banks do not provide.”
As the logistics sector continues to witness disruption, financial technology remains a largely untapped field. Tensec's innovative offering represents a significant step towards integrating logistics with fintech infrastructure at an impressive scale.
“The next wave of fintech focuses on contextual finance rather than standalone applications,” remarked Yang Wang, co-founder, and VP of Engineering at Tensec. “We aim to embed sophisticated financial capabilities precisely where global traders require them the most.”
About Tensec
Tensec is reshaping B2B cross-border financial services by presenting the quickest and simplest routes for companies to transfer funds across international markets. With a foundation built by veterans from PayPal, Meta, Goldman Sachs, Visa, Mastercard, Rapyd, and Credit Karma, Tensec equips global trade companies and FX service providers with the tools necessary for delivering cross-border payments and financial solutions directly to their clients.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Tensec operates with offices in New York, Mexico City, and São Paulo. Banking services across the U.S. are provided by Stearns Bank, Member FDIC. For more information about Tensec, please visit its official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tensec’s primary focus?
Tensec focuses on transforming B2B cross-border financial services to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of transactions for global trading companies.
Who led Tensec’s recent funding round?
The recent funding round was led by Costanoa Ventures, alongside several other investors.
What kind of companies benefit from Tensec’s services?
Global trading companies and small to medium businesses (SMBs) are the primary beneficiaries of Tensec's financial services platform.
How does Tensec’s platform differ from traditional banks?
Tensec’s platform requires no extensive integration work, offers real-time payments, and enhances user experience compared to the legacy systems used by traditional banks.
Where is Tensec headquartered?
Tensec is headquartered in San Francisco with additional offices in New York, Mexico City, and São Paulo.
