GMO Payment Gateway invests $3m in Helicap’s Credit Fund

By Gloria Mathias

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc., a provider of payment and financial-related services under the GMO Internet Group, has invested $3 million in Helicap’s credit fund, which is managed by Helicap Investments, a regulated subsidiary of the Helicap Group.

The investment was executed through GMO-PG’s Singapore-based subsidiary, GMO-Z.COM PAYMENT GATEWAY.

In the first half of 2024, FinTech startups in Southeast Asia secured a notable $899.3 million in funding, highlighting the region’s enduring appeal amidst global economic headwinds. This demonstrates the sector’s resilience, fueled by Southeast Asia’s strong demand for innovative financial solutions as traditional services evolve to meet modern needs.

Helicap, together with its regulated subsidiaries, aims to address the region’s $500 billion funding gap. This period marks the rise of critical players leveraging technology to build scalable, inclusive financial services, solidifying Southeast Asia as a thriving FinTech hub.

This latest investment from GMO-PG underscores their commitment to supporting FinTech solutions and aligning with Helicap’s vision of driving financial inclusion in underserved markets. Through this partnership, Helicap will continue to empower FinTech companies that are transforming the financial landscape of Southeast Asia while opening doors to new business opportunities in untapped markets.

Helicap is a Singapore-based FinTech firm facilitating private debt opportunities in Southeast Asia. As a group, the goal is to fill a $500 billion financing gap that banks are unable to serve and deploy capital to 300 million underbanked through 1,000 originators in the region.

Over the last six years, Helicap has raised more than $15 million in paid-up capital and deployed almost $400 million worth of capital with its in-house data analytics expertise via its regulated subsidiaries. By leveraging this advanced data-processing capability, they have indirectly served more than 5 million MSMEs and individuals.