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  • 📈 Affirm Joins BNPL Frenzy Before Rules Tighten

📈 Affirm Joins BNPL Frenzy Before Rules Tighten

Yazen Health Bags €19.5M to Tackle Obesity

November 04, 2024

This is Cliff Equity, the UK’s business newsletter that keeps you informed on what’s important in tech, business and finance in less than 5 minutes

In today’s stories:

  • Affirm Joins BNPL Frenzy Before Rules Tighten

  • Yazen Health Bags €19.5M to Tackle Obesity

  • £50 Million Quest: CCV's Ambitious Funding Drive!

The summary: Affirm’s U.K. debut spices up the buy-now-pay-later scene, offering transparent credit options just in time to woo shoppers and regulators alike before stricter rules kick in.

The details:

  • Affirm, the U.S.-based BNPL giant, has landed in the U.K., its first step outside North America, seizing a window of opportunity before tighter regulations hit in 2026.

  • Unlike Klarna, Affirm promises no late fees or hidden charges, aiming to win over cautious U.K. consumers while keeping interest rates fixed, not compounding.

  • After a rollercoaster valuation dip, Affirm’s recent resurgence sees a $13 billion market cap, bolstered by a 48% revenue spike and a path to profitability in 2025.

  • Though it lacks Amazon and Apple as initial U.K. partners, Affirm's launch includes flight booker Alternative Airlines and payments firm Fexco, with more brands likely on the horizon.

Why it matters: Affirm’s entry into the U.K. means one more big player in the buy-now-pay-later game, giving Brits more choices to spread out their spending without hidden fees. With new regulations looming, Affirm is trying to charm consumers (and regulators) by promising transparency—no surprise charges here, unlike some rivals. Meanwhile, Klarna and Affirm’s wild valuation swings show the BNPL bubble isn’t popping just yet, but rather, inflating and deflating like a well-used bouncy castle.

The summary: Yazen Health’s €19.5 million boost and new leadership aims to bring its successful Swedish obesity treatment model across Europe, combining top-notch care with cutting-edge tech to make weight loss a true team effort.

The details:

  • Yazen Health, a Swedish platform targeting obesity, has clinched a €19.5 million Series A to fuel expansion across Europe and refine its unique treatment model, blending weight loss medications with lifestyle coaching from a top-tier healthcare team.

  • Leading the charge are Evli Growth Partners and Helsana HealthInvest, alongside Almaz Capital, Yabeo, and local backers Luminar Ventures and Aggregate Media.

  • With over 20,000 patients in Sweden and a stellar 70% retention rate, Yazen aims to spread its success to Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, and is piloting in the UK and Germany, all while enhancing its patient app and support model.

  • Mikael Hed, ex-CEO of Rovio, joins as Chairman, bringing his brand-building savvy to help Yazen in its global mission to combat obesity—CEO Fredrik Meurling is thrilled to have him on board for the journey ahead.

Why it matters: Yazen’s funding round signals big changes for obesity care, aiming to expand its successful Swedish model into new European markets where weight loss solutions are sorely needed. With the former Angry Birds CEO Mikael Hed as Chairman, Yazen’s approach has the firepower (and perhaps a bit of cheeky Scandinavian flair) to grow quickly and shake up traditional healthcare. Plus, with impressive patient retention and profit already in the bag, Yazen’s strategy seems poised to make slimming down less of a solo slog and more of a team effort.

The summary: Creative Capital Ventures is shaking up Europe's startup scene with an €18 million fund, combining cash with hands-on support to turbocharge innovation in high-growth sectors like tech and media—talk about a recipe for success!

The details:

  • Ambitious Fundraising Goal: Creative Capital Ventures (CCV) is off to a strong start with €18 million secured and eyes set on a grand total of €50 million by early 2025, aiming to back ambitious startups in sports tech, media, and lifestyle.

  • Spotlight on Intellectual Property: With a particular fondness for IP acquisitions in entertainment and media, CCV is betting big on immersive experiences and music rights as consumer demand for digital content skyrockets.

  • Hands-on Help from 'Pivotal' Studio: Not content with just writing cheques, CCV's in-house venture studio, Pivotal, steps in to offer strategic and operational support, guiding startups in everything from product development to marketing.

  • A Boost for Europe's Startup Scene: By combining funds and hands-on support, CCV’s venture fund aims to leave its mark on Europe's high-growth sectors, pushing early-stage companies to tackle the continent's most competitive markets.

Why it matters: CCV’s new fund is a timely lifeline for Europe’s high-growth startups, as they navigate increasingly competitive and tech-driven markets. By combining deep pockets with hands-on support, CCV isn’t just investing—it’s grooming the next wave of digital disruptors, from immersive entertainment to intellectual property goldmines. In a nutshell, it’s not just money on the table; it’s a power play to reshape Europe’s startup landscape with a bit of swagger.