KKR backs fintech startup Paddle as it ramps up European VC activity
The investment came via KKR’s second tech-focused growth equity vehicle, which closed on $2.2 billion in 2020. Existing investors FTV Capital, 83North, Notion Capital and Kindred Capital also participated in the round, with Silicon Valley Bank providing debt financing.
KKR has been ramping up its venture investment activities in Europe over the past few years as more PE investors seek exposure to tech companies.
Bigger VC ticket sizes, strong returns and more moderate risk for late-stage investing has made venture a fertile hunting ground for PE. Europe’s ecosystem has substantially matured over the past few years and its valuations—comparably lower than those in the US—have made the continent an attractive investment destination.
KKR, which has been investing in European startups since as early as 2004, participated in six VC deals in the continent worth a combined €1.2 billion (around $1.3 billion) last year, according to PitchBook data—its highest annual deal count and value to date. Already in 2022, the firm has joined four deals with an aggregate value of about €810 million. Aside from Paddle, KKR’s European portfolio companies include fintech startup Qonto and food and merchandise delivery platform Wolt.
Despite growing concerns about an economic downturn, European VC dealmaking has remained robust so far this year, with several startups like ecommerce platform Ankorstore and fintech startup Spendesk joining the unicorn herd.
Founded in 2012, Paddle’s platform handles payment routing, tax collection, compliance, invoicing, subscription management, renewals, reporting and fraud protection for SaaS companies. Since its launch, it has raised $293 million in funding.
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