PayPal Invests in Brazil’s Ume

PayPal Invests in Brazil’s UME, a Brazilian fintech specializing in payment solutions via Brazil’s successful electronic payment system Pix.

UME has successfully raised $15 million in a Series A funding round. The investment was led by PayPal Ventures, indicating strong international interest in Ume’s innovative approach to financial services in Brazil. Alongside this, Ume also secured $20 million through a credit rights investment fund (FIDC), providing it with a robust financial base to support their growth ambitions.

The company plans to leverage these funds to enhance its offerings for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ume’s platform, which enables flexible payment solutions via Pix, is designed to cater to the specific needs of SMEs, offering a more adaptable and accessible payment infrastructure. This expansion aims to solidify Ume’s position in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape in Brazil.

In addition to expanding its product offerings, UME is set to invest heavily in sales, marketing, and technology. These investments are intended to drive further growth in its user base and partner network. By focusing on these areas, Ume aims at accelerating its market penetration and increase its influence within the Brazilian financial sector.

The market ahead after PayPal Invests in Brazil’s UME

As PayPal Invests in Brazil’s UME, according to Berthier Ribeiro, co-founder and CEO of UME, the goal is to help thousands of retailers grow their businesses and make it easier for consumers to pay for their purchases.

The involvement of PayPal Ventures provides Ume with capital but more importantly enables strategic support from a globally recognized leader in digital payments. This partnership is expected to help UME refine its technological capabilities and expand its market reach, both within Brazil and other emerging markets.

Ume was founded in 2018 by Márcio Palheta, Marco Cristo, Theo Ramalho e Berthier Ribeiro.

The investment shows the resilience of Brazil’s fintech market in relation to the shortage of venture capital in recent years in Latin America.

The Esquires and the Firms Behind the Deal

Foley & Lardner LLP acted as legal counsel to UME. 

 Silicon Valley partner Andre Thiollier led Foley’s deal team and included corporate associates Talita Guedes Duarte and Trevor Mulin. 

Foley & Lardner, LL.P is a US-based full service global law firm with over 25 offices around the globe.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffek acted as legal counsel to PayPal Ventures and had Jeannie Shin and Mark Janoff in the firm’s deal team. 

Orrick is a San Francisco-based full service law firm with offices in 26 locations worldwide.