Tensec Raises $12M to Revolutionize SMB Cross-Border Payments
Tensec, a fintech startup reimagining global transaction infrastructure, has raised $12 million in seed funding to accelerate its mission of enabling seamless, real-time cross-border payments for global trading companies and their SMB clients. The round was led by Costanoa Ventures, with participation from Quiet Capital, WillowTree Investments, Cambrian VC, Ignia Partners, Montage Ventures, Renegade Partners, and Endeavor Scale Up Ventures.
Breaking Down Barriers in $190 Trillion Cross-Border Payments
With global cross-border payment volumes estimated to hit $250 trillion by 2030, legacy systems such as SWIFT remain the backbone of most financial institutions. Tensec is targeting a neglected segment: small and medium businesses (SMBs) who represent over 40% of global trade but are often underserved by traditional banks.
“SMBs drive nearly half of global trade but have long been excluded from the financial tools that larger players rely on,” said Helcio Nobre, CEO and co-founder of Tensec. “We’re flipping the model by empowering global trading companies to deliver these services directly to their partners.”
Features of Tensec’s No-Integration Platform
Tensec’s platform allows trading companies to offer foreign exchange (FX), cross-border payments, treasury, and compliance tools directly to clients via a simple login — with no APIs or integrations required. It eliminates long onboarding times and integrates payment, hedging, and trade finance capabilities into one dashboard.
Key capabilities include:
- AI-powered real-time compliance and KYB/KYC onboarding
- Unified FX tools, payments, and treasury functions
- USD FX hedging for volatility management
- Real-time payments in 100+ markets and 70+ currencies
- Instant onboarding with intelligent identity verification
- Automated risk assessments and regulatory updates
Banking services are offered through FDIC-member Stearns Bank, ensuring full compliance.
Strategic Expansion and Early Traction
Tensec’s customer base already facilitates over $10 billion in annual trade volume. With new funding, the company plans to expand into APAC and EU markets, targeting $30 billion in annual volume.
“It’s a win-win—new revenue for trading companies and modern financial tools for SMBs,” said Amy Cheetham, Partner at Costanoa Ventures.
Founding Team with Deep Fintech & Legal Expertise
- Helcio Nobre (CEO) previously led product at Ripple and brings decades of payments experience.
- Sandrine Okasmaa (COO) formerly held compliance leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, and American Express.
- Yang Wang (VP Engineering) was formerly Head of Product Engineering at Bond and brings product-led growth experience to Tensec’s technical vision.
“The next wave of fintech is contextual,” said Wang. “We’re embedding sophisticated financial capabilities exactly where and when global traders need them.”
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