12 Embedded Finance Startups Redefining How Money Moves in 2025

embedded finance startups

Remember when “finance” meant banks, branches, and bureaucracy?

That world’s fading fast. Today, financial services are slipping quietly into the apps we already use:  rideshare wallets, SaaS dashboards, and retail checkouts. That shift has a name: embedded finance.

The numbers back it up. The global embedded finance market hit $104.8 billion in 2024 and is growing at 23.3% CAGR through 2034. Over half of the sponsor banks’ deposits and revenue now come from embedded partnerships.

In this article, we’re not just listing companies. We are spotlighting 12 embedded finance startups building the infrastructure, not just the hype. These are the ones pushing real innovation- in code, in compliance, and customer experience.

#1. Parafin

Source: Parafin

Founded in 2020 by ex-Robinhood employees Sahill Poddar, Vineet Goel, and Ralph Furman, Parafin is one of the fastest-growing embedded finance startups transforming how small businesses access capital. Headquartered in San Francisco, Parafin provides infrastructure that enables platforms like Amazon, DoorDash, TikTok, and Worldpay to embed financial services directly into their ecosystems.

 By late 2024, the company had facilitated nearly $1 billion in annual funding to tens of thousands of SMBs across North America.

Industry Impact

Parafin is reshaping small business finance by turning non-financial platforms into financial service providers. Its embedded infrastructure removes traditional friction for SMBs accessing capital, leveraging real-time transaction data to deliver personalized, on-demand financing. For platforms, it drives deeper engagement, higher retention, and new revenue streams, making Parafin a critical layer in the embedded finance economy.

Key Innovations

  1. Embedded Capital Programs

Parafin enables platforms like Walmart and TikTok to offer financing directly to their sellers without requiring a banking license or infrastructure overhaul.

  1. Machine Learning-Based Risk Models

Its proprietary ML models underwrite based on platform-level business activity instead of credit scores, allowing fast, fair, and dynamic financing offers.

  1. Unified Financial Services Stack 

Parafin provides a single API integration that combines capital, spend management, and savings, allowing platforms to launch multiple embedded finance products at once.

  1. Strategic Platform Partnerships 

Backed by companies processing over $100B in payments volume, Parafin integrates directly into user flows of platforms like DoorDash and Amazon to reach underserved merchants at scale (Parafin Blog).

Patent Activity

As of 2025, Parafin has not disclosed any granted patents in public databases. However, their use of ML-driven underwriting, platform-level performance scoring, and API-based financial product delivery suggests they may be building toward future IP protection.

Notable Achievements

$100M Series C (Dec 2024), valuing Parafin at $750M. Investors include Notable Capital, Redpoint, Ribbit Capital, Thrive Capital, and GIC.

Named to the 2024 Fintech Innovation 50 for transforming embedded capital delivery to SMBs.

#2. Marqeta

Source: Marqeta

Founded in 2010 by Jason Gardner, Marqeta has established itself as a leading force among embedded finance startups, revolutionizing modern card issuing and payment processing. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Marqeta offers an open API platform that enables businesses to create and manage their payment programs with unprecedented flexibility and speed. 

By 2022, Marqeta had processed over $160 billion in volume, reflecting its significant impact on the financial technology landscape.

Industry Impact

Marqeta has transformed the payment industry by providing a platform that allows companies to seamlessly integrate financial services into their existing ecosystems. This innovation has empowered businesses across various sectors, including digital banking, on-demand services, and e-commerce.

They offer customized payment solutions, thereby enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. Marqeta’s technology supports major brands like Square, Uber, and DoorDash, underscoring its pivotal role in the embedded finance arena. ​

Key Innovations

  1. Open API Platform

Marqeta’s open API architecture provides developers with the tools to build, test, and deploy payment solutions rapidly, facilitating the creation of tailored card programs that meet specific business needs.

  1. Just-in-Time (JIT) Funding 

This feature allows for real-time funding of card transactions, ensuring that funds are allocated precisely when needed, thereby reducing fraud risk and improving cash flow management.

  1. Instant Card Issuing 

Marqeta enables businesses to issue virtual and physical cards instantly, streamlining the customer onboarding process and enhancing user satisfaction.

  1. Dynamic Spend Controls

The platform offers customizable spend controls, allowing businesses to set parameters on transactions in real time, which enhances security and compliance.

Patent Activity

As of Q2 2024, Marqeta has filed many patents, with a significant focus on digitalization, payment systems, and data management. Notably, the company saw its highest number of patent filings and grants in May 2024, reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation in the embedded finance sector. ​

Notable Patents

US12,192,365: Generating Cryptographic Proof of a Series of Transactions

This patent outlines a method for creating cryptographic proofs to verify sequences of transactions, enhancing security and integrity in payment processing. 

US12,175,451: Processing Real-Time Transactions Using Just-in-Time Funding

This patent details a system for funding payment card accounts from external sources just in time for purchases, optimizing fund utilization, and reducing fraud risk. 

US11,682,013: Parallel Processing in Idle States of a Transaction Processing Protocol

This patent describes methods for enhancing transaction processing efficiency by utilizing idle states for parallel processing tasks. ​

#3. Unit

Source: Unit

Founded in 2019 by CEO Itai Damti and CTO Doron Somech, Unit has rapidly positioned itself as a leader among embedded finance startups. Headquartered in New York City, Unit offers a comprehensive platform that enables companies to integrate banking and lending services into their products seamlessly.

 By 2023, the platform was supporting over 1.8 million end customers and processing more than $40 billion in annual transactions. 

Industry Impact

Unit is transforming the financial services landscape by providing a robust infrastructure that allows businesses to embed banking functionalities directly into their applications. This integration empowers companies across various sectors, including vertical SaaS, business management software, and consumer apps, to offer tailored financial services. This enhances customer engagement and unlocks new revenue streams. 

Key Innovations

  1. White-Label App 

Unit introduced a White-Label App that enables companies to launch banking and lending services with minimal coding, significantly reducing time-to-market. This solution offers both front-end UI/UX and back-end support, allowing businesses to provide financial services swiftly.

  1. Comprehensive API Platform 

Unit’s platform provides a suite of APIs that facilitate the creation of accounts, issuance of cards, processing of payments, and provision of lending services. This flexibility allows businesses to customize financial products to meet their specific needs.

  1. Embedded Lending Capabilities

In 2023, Unit expanded its offerings to include embedded lending, enabling software companies to extend capital instantly to their customers. This feature allows businesses to offer credit products, enhancing customer satisfaction and generating new revenue streams.

  1. Vertical SaaS Solutions 

Unit provides tailored solutions for vertical SaaS platforms, allowing them to become all-in-one solutions for their customers by integrating banking and lending products specific to their industry. This approach helps businesses stand out from competitors and increases customer lifetime value.

Patent Activity

As of now, there is no publicly available information indicating that Unit holds any granted patents. However, their innovative approach to embedding financial services through APIs and white-label solutions underscores their commitment to technological advancement in the embedded finance sector.​

Notable Achievements

Series C Funding: In 2022, Unit secured $100 million in a Series C funding round, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. This investment has facilitated the expansion of their platform and accelerated the adoption of embedded finance solutions. ​

Rapid Customer Growth: By 2023, Unit’s platform was serving over 1.8 million end-customers and processing more than $40 billion in annual transactions, reflecting the significant demand for embedded finance solutions. ​

#4. Swan

Source: Swan

Founded in 2019 in Paris, France, by Nicolas Benady, Nicolas Saison, and Mathieu Breton, Swan has rapidly become a significant player among embedded finance startups in Europe. The company offers a Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform that enables businesses to integrate banking features such as accounts, cards, and payments into their products via simple APIs.

As of early 2025, Swan processes approximately €1.5 billion in transactions monthly for over 150 companies across 30 European countries. ​

Industry Impact

Swan is transforming the financial services landscape by allowing non-financial companies to embed banking functionalities directly into their offerings. This integration empowers businesses across various sectors, including retail, real estate, and financial services. They can offer tailored financial products, enhance customer engagement, and create new revenue streams. By handling the regulatory and technical complexities, Swan enables its clients to focus on delivering seamless user experiences. ​

Key Innovations

  1. Modular Banking APIs

Swan offers a suite of APIs that enable businesses to integrate banking services such as accounts, cards, and payments into their products. This modular approach allows companies to select and embed specific banking features that align with their needs. ​

  1. Virtual and Local IBANs

Swan supports the creation of virtual IBANs, facilitating streamlined account reconciliation by assigning unique identifiers to transactions. Additionally, the platform offers local IBANs in countries including France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, providing localized banking experiences for end-users. ​

  1. White-Label Solutions

Swan provides white-label interfaces, allowing companies to offer banking services under their own brand. This ensures a consistent and personalized customer experience, including customizable interfaces and card designs that reflect the client’s branding.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that Swan holds any granted patents. However, their innovative approach to embedded banking solutions and ongoing product development may lead to future patent filings as they continue to expand their technological capabilities.​

Notable Achievements

Series B Funding: In January 2025, Swan secured an additional €42 million in Series B funding, led by Eight Roads Ventures, bringing their total funding to approximately €100 million. This investment aims to fuel its expansion into new markets, including the UK and Belgium, and to enhance its product offerings. ​

European Expansion: Following successful launches in the Netherlands and Italy, Swan plans to extend its presence across Europe, further supported by a growing team and strategic partnerships.

#5. Plaid

Source: Plaid

Founded in 2013 by Zach Perret and William Hockey, Plaid has become a cornerstone in the fintech ecosystem, facilitating seamless connections between consumers’ bank accounts and financial applications. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Plaid’s platform enables users to link their financial accounts to apps and services securely. This powers various financial tools and services across the United States, Canada, and Europe. 

Industry Impact

Plaid has significantly transformed the financial services landscape by providing the infrastructure for developers to create innovative financial applications. By acting as an intermediary between financial institutions and third-party apps, Plaid has enabled a new wave of digital financial services, enhancing user experiences in personal finance management, payments, lending, and more. Its technology underpins popular applications like Venmo, Robinhood, and Coinbase, demonstrating its pivotal role in the fintech industry. ​

Key Innovations

  1. Unified Financial Data API

Plaid offers a single API that aggregates financial data from various institutions, allowing developers to access users’ bank accounts, transactions, and balances securely. This standardization simplifies the integration process for fintech applications.

  1. Auth Product for Secure Payments

Plaid’s Auth product enables applications to authenticate accounts for ACH payments seamlessly, facilitating secure and efficient bank-to-bank transfers without manually entering account numbers.

  1. Identity Verification Services

Plaid provides identity verification solutions that help applications confirm users’ identities by accessing bank account information, enhancing security and compliance in financial services.

  1. Payment Initiation Services In Europe 

Plaid offers Payment Initiation Services (PIS), allowing businesses to initiate payments directly from users’ bank accounts, streamlining the payment process and reducing reliance on traditional card networks.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, Plaid holds a portfolio of patents related to financial data access and processing. 

Notable Patents

US9449346B1: System and Method for Programmatically Accessing Financial Data

This patent covers methods for programmatic access to external financial service systems, enabling seamless retrieval of financial data for user-authorized applications. ​

US9595023B1: System and Method for Facilitating Programmatic Verification of Transactions

This patent details systems for programmatic access to financial institution systems to verify transactions, enhancing the security and reliability of financial data access. ​

US12223006B2: Information Processing Apparatus and Method

This patent involves an information processing apparatus and method for managing user data, contributing to more efficient data handling in financial applications. ​

Notable Achievements

Strategic Funding Rounds: In December 2018, Plaid raised $250 million in a Series C funding round led by Kleiner Perkins, valuing the company at $2.65 billion.

Expansion into Identity Verification: In January 2022, Plaid acquired Cognito, a compliance and identity verification platform, to enhance its suite of services in user authentication and regulatory compliance. ​

#6. Bond

Source: Bond

Founded in 2019 by Roy Ng (former COO of Twilio), Bond is one of the most technically advanced embedded finance startups in the United States. Headquartered in San Francisco, Bond offers a robust API platform that helps companies embed financial products, like bank accounts, debit cards, and credit, into their apps with speed, scale, and compliance built in. 

Backed by Coatue and Goldman Sachs, Bond raised $32 million in its Series A and is trusted by a growing portfolio of vertical SaaS and B2B platforms.

Industry Impact

Bond is building the backend infrastructure layer that allows non-financial brands to act like FinTechs. By combining bank relationships, compliance rails, and an abstracted API layer, Bond gives platforms full control over customer-facing financial experiences without the regulatory burden. This empowers vertical SaaS companies, gig platforms, and marketplaces to launch financial products like neobanks or expense cards in a fraction of the usual time.

Key Innovations

  1. Unified Compliance + Banking APIs

Bond handles critical compliance elements, like KYC, AML, and transaction monitoring, within the same platform that powers account creation and card issuing. This “compliance-in-the-box” approach is a major differentiator.

  1. No-Code Bank Onboarding Layer

Bond’s orchestration layer connects fintechs to partner banks and helps with KYB (Know Your Business) and bank due diligence. This dramatically simplifies the historically painful bank onboarding process.

  1. Credit Builder Program

In 2023, Bond launched an embedded credit builder product, allowing platforms to offer responsible credit lines to users while integrating payment behavior directly into credit bureau reporting.

  1. Sandbox Environment for Developers

Bond provides a robust sandbox environment that mimics live bank integrations, enabling fintech teams to test end-to-end workflows before going live. This shortens development cycles and improves product readiness.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, Bond has not disclosed any public patents. However, their orchestration engine and compliance-first abstraction model for embedded finance are novel enough to warrant future filings potentially. Their innovation lies primarily in product architecture and regulatory integration.

Notable Achievements

$42M in Funding, including a $32M Series A led by Coatue, with participation from Goldman Sachs, MasterCard, and Lightspeed.

Bond has pre-established partnerships with multiple chartered banks, streamlining go-to-market timelines for embedded finance products.

It was also recognized as a Leading Embedded Finance Infrastructure Company by Forbes and CB Insights in 2023.

#7. Zeta

Source: Zeta

Founded in 2015 by Bhavin Turakhia and Ramki Gaddipati, Zeta is a leading player among embedded finance startups, offering a cloud-native platform for banks and fintechs to launch modern credit and debit card programs. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, with a significant presence in San Francisco, USA, Zeta’s platform enables the issuance, processing, and management of card programs through a comprehensive suite of APIs. 

As of early 2025, Zeta has expanded its operations across multiple countries, serving clients in Asia, Europe, and North America.​

Industry Impact

Zeta is transforming the financial services industry by providing a modern, flexible, and scalable platform that allows financial institutions to deploy and manage card programs rapidly. By replacing legacy systems with its cloud-native infrastructure, Zeta enables banks and fintechs to offer innovative financial products, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.​

Key Innovations

  1. Tachyon Suite

Zeta’s flagship product, the Tachyon Suite, is a full-stack, cloud-native platform that offers end-to-end capabilities for card issuance, processing, and management. It supports various card types, including credit, debit, and prepaid cards, and provides features such as real-time transaction processing and fraud detection.

  1. Fusion Banking

Zeta’s Fusion Banking platform integrates core banking functionalities with modern APIs, enabling financial institutions to launch digital-first banking experiences. This platform supports features like digital account opening, payments, and lending, facilitating a seamless customer journey.

  1. Zeta Super Card

The Zeta Super Card is a customizable card program that allows businesses to offer co-branded cards with tailored rewards and benefits. This solution enables companies to enhance customer loyalty and engagement through personalized financial products.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that Zeta holds any granted patents related to its embedded finance technologies. However, their innovative solutions in cloud-native core banking and card issuance are well-recognized in the industry.​

Notable Achievements

Series C Funding: In May 2021, Zeta raised $250 million in a Series C funding round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, valuing the company at $1.45 billion.​

Partnership with Sodexo: Zeta has partnered with Sodexo to provide digital employee benefits solutions, leveraging its platform to offer innovative financial products to corporate clients.​

Global Expansion: Zeta has established a significant presence in multiple countries, including India, the USA, the UK, and Singapore, serving a diverse clientele of banks and fintech companies.​

#8. Brim Financial

Source: Brim Financial

Founded in 2015 by Rasha Katabi, Brim Financial is a Toronto-based fintech company specializing in credit card issuance and digital payment solutions. The company offers a comprehensive platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that enables banks, credit unions, FinTechs, and large enterprises to launch and manage credit card programs with integrated rewards and loyalty systems. 

Brim Financial is recognized for its innovative approach to embedded finance, providing clients with the tools to offer seamless payment experiences to their customers. ​

Industry Impact

Brim Financial has significantly influenced the financial services sector by providing a modular and scalable platform that allows institutions to modernize their credit card infrastructure. By offering a turnkey solution, Brim enables clients to decrease time-to-market and reduce the complexities associated with independently building and maintaining advanced payment systems.

This approach has empowered various organizations to enhance their financial product offerings and improve customer engagement.

Key Innovations

  1. Credit Card as a Service (CCaaS) Platform

Brim’s CCaaS platform delivers an end-to-end solution for credit card issuance and management, including features such as digital account opening, real-time transaction processing, and integrated rewards programs. This platform allows clients to offer customized credit card products tailored to their customers’ needs.

  1. Integrated Rewards and Loyalty System

Brim offers a globally open rewards ecosystem that enables cardholders to earn and redeem points across a wide network of merchants. This system enhances customer loyalty and provides a competitive edge for clients utilizing Brim’s platform.

  1. Modular and Scalable Architecture

The platform’s modular design allows clients to select and integrate specific functionalities as needed, facilitating scalability and flexibility. This architecture supports a range of financial products, including consumer and business credit cards, as well as embedded installment plans.

  1. Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced Capabilities

Brim has formed strategic partnerships with organizations such as Mastercard to embed open banking capabilities within its platform. These collaborations enhance the platform’s functionality and expand its reach within the financial ecosystem.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that Brim Financial holds any granted patents related to its embedded finance technologies. However, their innovative solutions in credit card issuance and digital payment platforms have been recognized within the industry.​

Notable Achievements

Series C Funding: In April 2024, Brim Financial secured $85 million in a Series C funding round led by EDC Investments, with participation from Vistara Growth and existing investors. This funding aims to fuel Brim’s U.S. expansion strategy and accelerate product development. 

Recognition in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™: Brim Financial was recognized in Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 50™ Canada and Technology Fast 500™ North America lists, highlighting its rapid growth and innovation in the fintech sector. ​

#9. Finix

Source: Finix

Founded in 2015 by Richie Serna and Sean Donovan, Finix is a San Francisco-based payment processor that provides businesses with the infrastructure to accept and manage payments both online and in-person. The company’s platform is designed to cater to a wide range of clients, from startups to publicly traded companies, enabling them to embed payment capabilities seamlessly into their systems. ​

Industry Impact

Finix has significantly influenced the embedded finance sector by offering a full-stack payment processing solution that allows businesses to own, manage, and monetize their payment experiences. By providing direct integrations with major card networks and a suite of no-code, low-code, and API-driven solutions, Finix empowers companies to streamline their payment operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences.

Key Innovations

  1. Full-Stack Payment Processing

Finix offers a comprehensive payment processing platform with direct integrations to major card networks, enabling businesses to manage the entire payment lifecycle without relying on multiple third-party providers.

  1. No-Code and Low-Code Solutions

Recognizing the need for accessible payment solutions, Finix has developed a suite of no-code and low-code tools, such as Checkout Pages and Payment Links, allowing businesses to implement and customize payment experiences with minimal technical expertise.

  1. Expansion into International Markets

In March 2024, Finix expanded its services into Canada, offering unified cross-border payment solutions and simplifying payment management for businesses operating in both the U.S. and Canada.

  1. Direct Processor Certification

In May 2023, Finix achieved certification as a direct payment processor, establishing direct connections with major card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. This development allows Finix to offer more reliable and flexible payment solutions to its clients.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that Finix holds any granted patents related to its payment processing technologies. However, their innovative solutions in embedded finance and payment infrastructure have been recognized within the industry.​

Notable Achievements

Series C Funding: In October 2024, Finix secured $75 million in a Series C funding round led by Acrew Capital, with participation from Leap Global, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Citi Ventures, and others. This funding aims to enhance Finix’s product offerings and expand into new markets. ​

Recognition in the Fintech Industry: Finix was included in Business Insider’s list of 49 most promising fintech startups in 2024, highlighting its impact and innovation in the payments sector. ​

Strategic Partnerships: Finix has formed partnerships with major financial institutions and technology providers, including Visa, to enhance its payment processing capabilities and offer comprehensive solutions to its clients. ​

#10. Synctera

Source: Synctera

Founded in 2020 by Peter Hazlehurst, Kris Hansen, and Dominik Weisserth, Synctera is a San Francisco-based banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform that connects fintech companies and non-financial institutions with community banks. The platform enables clients to build and launch financial products, such as bank accounts, debit cards, and payment solutions, by providing the necessary technology infrastructure and compliance framework. ​

Industry Impact

Synctera has significantly influenced the embedded finance sector by simplifying the process of FinTechs and enterprises partnering with community banks. This approach allows for the rapid deployment of compliant financial products, fostering innovation and expanding access to banking services. By bridging the gap between banks and fintechs, Synctera enhances the scalability and efficiency of embedded finance solutions. ​

Key Innovations

  1. Comprehensive BaaS Platform

Synctera offers a full-suite BaaS platform that includes APIs for bank account management, card issuance, and payment processing. This enables clients to integrate banking services seamlessly into their offerings.

  1. Bank-Fintech Matchmaking

The platform facilitates partnerships between fintechs and community banks, streamlining the process of launching compliant financial products and ensuring mutual benefits for both parties.

  1. Compliance and Risk Management Tools

Synctera provides built-in compliance and risk management features, assisting clients in adhering to regulatory requirements and mitigating potential risks associated with financial services.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that Synctera holds any granted patents related to their embedded finance technologies. However, their innovative solutions in the BaaS space have been recognized within the industry.​

Notable Achievements

Series A Funding: In June 2021, Synctera raised $33 million in a Series A funding round led by Fin VC, with participation from Mastercard and other investors. ​

Strategic Partnerships: In March 2025, Synctera announced a partnership with Bolt, an e-commerce checkout technology company, to offer financial services to consumers.

Expansion into Canada: Synctera expanded its operations into Canada, partnering with the National Bank of Canada to offer BaaS solutions in the Canadian market. ​

#11. Railsr

Source: Railsr

Founded in 2016 by Nigel Verdon and Clive Mitchell, Railsr (formerly known as Railsbank) is a London-based embedded finance platform that enables brands to integrate financial services into their customer experiences. The company offers a comprehensive suite of APIs, allowing clients to embed capabilities such as digital wallets, payments, rewards, loyalty points, and cards directly into their products. 

Railsr’s mission is to empower brands to create seamless and engaging financial experiences for their customers. ​

Industry Impact

Railsr has significantly influenced the embedded finance sector by providing a turnkey platform that simplifies the integration of financial services into non-financial products. This approach enables companies across fintech, sports clubs, retailers, and brands to enhance customer engagement and loyalty through personalized financial experiences. By democratizing access to financial services infrastructure, Railsr fosters innovation and broadens the reach of embedded finance solutions. 

Key Innovations

  1. Embedded Finance Experiences

Railsr offers a platform that allows brands to create embedded finance experiences, integrating services like digital wallets, payments, and loyalty programs into their existing offerings. This enables companies to deliver personalized and seamless financial interactions to their customers.

  1. Comprehensive API Suite

The company provides a robust set of APIs that facilitate the integration of various financial services, including banking-as-a-service (BaaS) and cards-as-a-service (CaaS). This modular approach allows clients to select and implement the specific financial functionalities that align with their business objectives.

  1. Vertical Integration

Railsr’s platform is designed as a vertically integrated financial ecosystem, connecting directly with central banks and payment schemes like Visa. This structure ensures a streamlined and efficient process for embedding financial services into client offerings.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that Railsr holds any granted patents related to their embedded finance technologies. However, their innovative solutions in the embedded finance space have been recognized within the industry.​

Notable Achievements

Series C Funding: In October 2022, Railsr raised $46 million in a Series C funding round, comprising $26 million in equity and $20 million in debt. The equity portion was led by Anthos Capital, with participation from Ventura, Outrun Ventures, CreditEase, and Moneta. ​

Rebranding from Railsbank to Railsr: In 2022, the company rebranded from Railsbank to Railsr, reflecting its evolution and focus on delivering embedded finance experiences. ​

Acquisition and Restructuring: In March 2023, Railsr was acquired by a shareholder consortium and entered administration to facilitate restructuring. This move aimed to ensure the company’s continuity and future growth.

#12. Treasury Prime

Source: Treasury Prime

Founded in 2017 by Chris Dean and Jim Brusstar, Treasury Prime is a San Francisco-based embedded banking software platform that connects companies with a network of banks and financial service providers. The company aims to modernize API banking and technology systems to deliver new value to consumers, businesses, fintech companies, and banks. ​

Industry Impact

Treasury Prime has significantly influenced the embedded finance sector by providing a platform that bridges the gap between traditional banks and fintech companies. By offering a comprehensive API suite, Treasury Prime enables businesses to embed financial services directly into their applications. This enhances user experience and expands the reach of banking services. This approach fosters innovation and accelerates the development of new financial products. ​

Key Innovations

  1. API Banking Platform

Treasury Prime offers an API platform that allows businesses to embed a full range of banking services into their products, including account creation, payments, and card issuance. This platform is designed to be developer-friendly, providing the scale and security required for sensitive applications.

  1. Bank Network Expansion

The company has developed a network of over 15 financial institutions, facilitating strategic partnerships between banks and FinTechs. This network enables clients to choose banking partners that align with their specific needs and objectives.

  1. Compliance and Security Focus

Treasury Prime emphasizes compliance and security, offering tools and integrations to help clients build robust compliance programs. This focus ensures that embedded banking partnerships operate within regulatory frameworks and maintain high-security standards.

Patent Activity

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that Treasury Prime holds any granted patents related to its embedded banking technologies. However, their innovative solutions in API banking and bank-fintech partnerships have been recognized within the industry.​

Notable Achievements

Series C Funding: In February 2023, Treasury Prime raised $40 million in a Series C funding round led by BAM Elevate, with participation from The Banc Funds Company, Invicta, Deciens, QED, and SaaStr. This funding aimed to expand the company’s banking relationships and enhance product capabilities. 

Expansion of Bank Network: In February 2025, Treasury Prime partnered with KeyBank, one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, to enhance embedded banking solutions through its bank network. ​

Recognition in Fintech Industry: Treasury Prime was named Best Banking-as-a-Service Platform by Tearsheet in 2021 and 2022 and was included in CB Insights’ annual 2021 Fintech 250 list, highlighting its impact and innovation in the fintech sector. ​

The Embedded Finance Boom Isn’t Just About APIs; It’s About Control.

The startups in this list aren’t just integrating payments or launching card programs. They’re rebuilding financial infrastructure from the ground up, with modular cores, real-time rails, and embedded compliance.

From orchestration layers that replace legacy processors to platforms that abstract away banking complexity, these companies are quietly becoming the financial operating systems for the internet economy. And they’re securing that position with technology and IP.

So how do you cut through the noise of fintech buzzwords and find who’s actually building defensible innovation?

Patent intelligence tells the real story. That’s where Global Patent Search gives you a strategic edge.


Whether you’re investing in embedded finance, building a new banking platform, or mapping the next wave of financial infrastructure, our platform helps you:

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Want to know which embedded finance startups are just fast and which are truly defensible? Start by seeing who’s protecting the core.

Explore the embedded finance IP landscape with Global Patent Search.