Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services have taken the online shopping world by storm, but what about your local brick-and-mortar stores? Enter Qomodo, a Milan-based fintech company making waves by bringing flexible payment options to physical retailers. Fresh off a successful pre-seed round earlier this year, Qomodo has just raised an additional $13.9 million in Series A funding. Venture capital firms RTP Global and LMDV Capital led the charge, with support from Proximity Capital, Primo Capital, and other investors. This brings their total funding to a cool $49.6 million. So, what’s the big deal? Qomodo’s platform lets small businesses offer customers interest-free installment plans, boosting sales while reducing credit risks. For consumers, it’s a win with flexible payment options. For retailers, it’s a game-changer for cash flow and revenue growth. Currently, Qomodo works with over 2,500 physical merchants, mainly in Italy. But they’re not stopping there. The company plans to roll out more banking products like cards and accounts, aiming to become a one-stop-shop for small businesses. Co-founder Gianluca Cocco shared, “We’re digitizing SMBs that have been left behind by fintech in the physical world. It’s a 360-degree approach to empower local retailers.” With partnerships already in place with big names like Decathlon, Nike, and Pandora, Qomodo is well on its way to transforming the in-store shopping experience. As one investor put it, “Italy has been waiting for a B2B fintech champion, and Qomodo is it.” For small businesses and shoppers alike, the future of retail payments is looking brighter than ever. ---