Curve establishes Brooklyn base ahead of US launch

Curve has committed to creating 185 new jobs in the US by 2024 and investing nearly $17 million in research and development over the next decade

UK fintech Curve, the platform that consolidates multiple cards and accounts into a single smart card, has opened its first US office in Brooklyn.

Curve has committed to creating 185 new jobs in the US by 2024 and investing nearly $17 million in research and development over the next decade—reportedly in exchange for up to $8.3 million in state and city tax incentives (paywall).

Brooklyn also provides Curve’s US operations with access to world-class paytech talent and a burgeoning startup scene.

Leading the US expansion for Curve will be Amanda Orson, the fintech’s newly appointed vice president and head of North America.

Orson will be based in the new Brooklyn office, where she will take on responsibility for establishing Curve’s US business and growing its team.

The US launch follows a whirlwind two years for the fintech. Since 2018, Curve has signed up more than 900,000 users in European markets, with more than £1.2 billion spent on the platform.

Last year also saw Curve close its series B funding round, valuing the business at $250 million. The fintech also raised just under £6 million in crowdfunding on Crowdcube.

Commenting on the US launch, Orson said: “In the race to own the consumer relationship, Curve is building the perfect product for the US market at just the right time.”

“US consumers aren’t clamoring for a different, or additional, bank—they want their financial products to provide a better user experience. Curve’s all-in-one value proposition, ease of use, and obsession on customer experience are exactly what the US market needs.”

Eric Gertler, Empire State Development acting commissioner and president and chief executive officer-designate, added: “New York City has long been known as the centre of the finance industry—and our rapidly growing tech ecosystem is building on that strong foundation to support some of the most innovative, interesting, and successful fintech firms. Curve’s decision to open its first US office in Brooklyn is a testament to everything the Empire State has to offer, and we are proud they will call New York home for years to come.”

Image: Curve

Mark Dugdale