Viva Wallet Group is a leading fintech company that offers a range of innovative payment solutions. Founded in 2008, the company has grown rapidly to become a major player in the financial services industry.
Viva Wallet Group is headquartered in Athens, Greece, with a presence in over 30 countries worldwide. The company has a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
The company's mission is to provide seamless and secure payment experiences for individuals and businesses alike. With a strong emphasis on technology and customer service, Viva Wallet Group is well-positioned for continued growth and success.
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History
Viva Wallet Group has a rich history that spans over two decades. It was founded in 2000 by Haris Karonis in Athens, Greece as a software house.
The company initially operated under the name Realize SA, but later expanded its services to voice over IP and travel services in 2006. In 2010, it entered the e-ticketing market.
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Haris Karonis and Makis Antypas founded Viva Payments in 2011, which obtained a payment institution license for the European Economic Area following the transposition of the PSD2 in the Greek institutional framework.
Viva Wallet obtained an Electronic Money Association License in 2014 and completed its Series A round funding round led by the Latsis family office.
By 2020, the company had expanded its services to 23 European countries and acquired the banking license of Praxia Bank on August 3 of that year.
Viva Wallet completed its Series D funding round in 2021, led by investors including Tencent, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Jim Breyer’s Breyer Capital.
JPMorgan Acquires 48.5% Stake for $800M
JPMorgan Chase bought a 48.5% stake in Viva Wallet Holdings Software Development S.A. on January 25, 2022.
This major investment was valued at over $800M, marking a significant milestone for Viva Wallet.
JPMorgan's Global Head of Payments, Takis Georgakopoulos, expressed excitement about the deal, stating that it would allow the company to help Viva Wallet pursue its vision.
Viva Wallet aims to empower new growth and payments innovation for European small and midsize businesses and middle market merchant services clients.
The acquisition of this stake by JPMorgan makes Viva Wallet the first Greek "unicorn startup" according to international media reports.
Company Developments
Viva Wallet Group has been on a mission to revolutionize the payment industry. They've been doing this since 2003.
The company was founded by Christis Christoforou, who had a vision to create a more efficient and secure payment system. He wanted to make it possible for anyone to accept card payments online.
Viva Wallet Group has been growing rapidly, with a presence in over 31 countries worldwide. Their innovative approach to payment processing has made them a leader in the industry.
Their technology allows businesses to accept payments online, in-store, and on-the-go, making it easier for customers to shop and pay. This has been a game-changer for many businesses.
In 2019, Viva Wallet Group acquired a major payment processor, expanding their reach and capabilities. This move helped them to further solidify their position in the market.
Their payment solutions are designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it easy for businesses to integrate them into their existing systems. This has been a key factor in their success.
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