MODIFI Secures $15M Investment from SMBC Asia Rising Fund to Boost SME Trade Finance

By
Arushi Sharma
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SUMMARY

  • SME-focused fintech MODIFI raised $15M from SMBC Asia Rising Fund, with participation from Maersk, Intesa SanPaolo, and Heliad.
  • MODIFI and SMBC signed an MoU to expand digital trade finance solutions for SMEs in Asia.
  • The investment will support MODIFI’s growth in high-potential markets, including China and India.

MODIFI, a fintech startup focused on providing financing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has raised $15 million (approx. INR 126 crore) through a strategic investment led by SMBC Asia Rising Fund, the venture capital arm of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Existing investors, including Maersk, Intesa SanPaolo, and Heliad, also participated in the funding round.

In addition to this capital injection, MODIFI and SMBC have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop digital trade solutions that help SMEs expand their cross-border operations. This partnership aims to simplify and enhance access to financing for SMEs exporting goods across Asia, allowing these businesses to manage liquidity and secure international trade.

MODIFI plans to use the funds to increase its market reach in high-growth regions like China and India. The platform, founded in 2018 by Nelson Holzner, Jan Wehrs, and Sven Brauer, offers SMEs digital tools for financing, risk management, and shipment tracking, all tailored to facilitate smooth and secure international trade.

“With this fresh funding, we’re set to redefine global trade finance—ensuring businesses of all sizes can unlock the liquidity and get the protection they need to grow internationally,” MODIFI’s CEO Nelson Holzner stated. The company provides instant working capital approvals, integrated risk management tools to shield businesses from buyer defaults, and anti-fraud measures, making it a trusted partner for SMEs in global trade.

MODIFI’s latest funding comes amid a wave of digital transformation within the Indian fintech space. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), neobanking, and BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) are revolutionizing the industry, making this an opportune moment for MODIFI to solidify its footprint in international trade finance.