The strategic infusion of capital marks a major milestone for the burgeoning financial technology company, which has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of digital commerce infrastructure in Latin America since its inception just four years ago in 2020.
Founded with a mission to democratize financial services and modernize commerce for small and medium-sized enterprises, Bold has carved out a vital space in the Latin American fintech landscape. The company initially gained traction by offering affordable, accessible payment terminals—commonly known as data phones or point-of-sale (POS) devices—that allowed merchants who were previously excluded from the traditional banking system to easily accept card payments.
Over the subsequent years, Bold has steadily broadened its operational horizon, transforming from a hardware-focused payments provider into a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem. Today, the company’s product suite extends far beyond basic point-of-sale terminals, encompassing advanced digital payment solutions, merchant deposits, flexible business loans, and tailored savings products designed to help growing enterprises manage their cash flow and scale their operations.
According to the terms of the newly finalized agreement, Bold intends to deploy the $11.3 million credit facility directly toward expanding its commercial lending portfolio. This capital will enable the fintech to extend much-needed credit lines to a larger volume of Colombian businesses, many of which face persistent hurdles when attempting to secure traditional bank financing. By injecting liquidity into the local business ecosystem, Bold aims to bridge the persistent credit gap that often stifles the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Colombia.
The timing of the credit facility aligns with a period of remarkable growth and market penetration for the fintech. Since opening its doors in 2020, Bold has successfully onboarded and served more than 700,000 merchants across its core markets of Colombia and Peru. The sheer volume of economic activity processed through its platform underscores its systemic importance to regional commerce: the company currently processes approximately $5.4 billion annually in card and QR code payments, reflecting deep trust and widespread adoption among everyday consumers and business owners alike.
The partnership with BBVA Spark represents an important validation of Bold’s business model and financial health. BBVA Spark, which specifically targets high-impact, high-growth technology companies with tailored financial solutions, equity-free venture debt, and comprehensive banking services, has increasingly positioned itself as a key financial ally for the region’s most promising startups. For Bold, securing backing from an institution of BBVA’s stature provides not only vital non-dilutive capital for its lending operations but also further institutional credibility as the company eyes its next phase of maturity and regional expansion.
As the Latin American financial technology sector continues to mature, companies like Bold are playing a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion and economic digitization. By bridging the divide between traditional banking infrastructure and the modern needs of local merchants, Bold continues to reshape how commerce is conducted in Colombia and Peru. With this fresh influx of $11.3 million in capital from BBVA Spark, the company is well-positioned to accelerate its mission, empowering hundreds of thousands of additional business owners to access the financial tools and credit they need to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
