27 Apr 2018

VC-backed fintech companies raised $5.4B across 323 deals globally in Q1’2018:

Global fintech deal activity hit a new quarterly record. The US saw the largest boost in deals, while Europe saw fintech deal activity dip to a 5-quarter low. Q1’18 fintech funding in South America already surpassed 2017’s annual total: In the first 3 months of 2018,

The 10 largest fintech deals to VC backed companies in Q1’2018 were all $100M or greater as investors continued to make more concentrated bets in the sector. $100M+ investments spanned four continents and included N26, eToro, Oscar Health, and C2FO

Asia fintech funding saw the largest quarterly spike in Q1’2018 on the back of 4 $100M+ investments: Funding to Asia-based fintech companies surged on the back of 4 mega-round deals of $100M+ or greater.

Europe fintech deals dipped to 5-quarter low in Q1’18: VC-backed fintech companies in Europe saw the largest pull back in early-stage investments. Despite the dip in deals, funding hit a 5-quarter high driven by $100M+ investments to later-stage digital banking startups N26 and Atom Bank. Banks continue to make fintech investments, but slow down pace: Over the last five quarters, top US banks including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and JPMorgan slowed down their fintech investments relative to 2016’s highs. European banks were more active as Santander made three new portfolio investments in Q1’18.