Skip to content
SuperMoney logo
SuperMoney logo

Upgrade Enters The BNPL Space With A $100 Million Acquisition Of Uplift

Last updated 10/24/2023 by

SuperMoney Team

Edited by

Summary:
Upgrade, Inc. has acquired Uplift, Inc., a top Buy Now Pay Later provider in the travel sector, in a $100 million cash and stock deal. This strategic move is set to enhance travel accessibility and affordability for millions, leveraging Uplift’s partnership with major airlines, cruise lines, and hotels.

Get Competing Personal Loan Offers In Minutes

Compare rates from multiple vetted lenders. Discover your lowest eligible rate.
Get Personalized Rates
It's quick, free and won’t hurt your credit score

Fintech giant Upgrade, Inc. announces its latest acquisition

In a move to expand its reach and enhance its suite of financial products, San Francisco-based Upgrade, Inc. has acquired Uplift, Inc., a leading name in the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) segment that specializes in travel financing. This collaboration marks a significant step in reshaping how consumers experience and finance their travels.

Uplift’s thriving trajectory

Over the recent years, Uplift has emerged as a dominant player in the BNPL travel sector. With partnerships encompassing over 300 of North America’s premier airlines, cruise lines, and hotel chains, they now serve an impressive clientele of 3.3 million. Their innovative financial solutions, especially their popular 0% financing offers, have redefined the way travelers manage and align their expenditures.

A merger promising enhanced travel financing solutions

Upgrade’s CEO, Renaud Laplanche, expressed his enthusiasm about integrating the Uplift team into their fold. This merger is not merely a business strategy but aims to simplify travel for millions by making it more accessible and affordable. Moreover, Upgrade sees potential in introducing similar BNPL solutions in other consumer sectors, broadening their product spectrum.

A bright horizon for Uplift under Upgrade

Tom Botts, Uplift’s Chief Commercial Officer, anticipates an accelerated growth trajectory following this merger. With Upgrade’s resources, Uplift is poised to refine its offerings further, ensuring consumers can seamlessly finance their trips. The overarching goal remains to empower users to fund moments that enrich their lives without any financial hiccups.
WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS
Analyzing the merger’s implications for the financial landscape.
Pros
  • Increased accessibility to affordable travel financing
  • Enhanced product range combining strengths of both companies
  • Potential expansion into other BNPL sectors
Cons
  • Integration challenges during the merger process
  • Over-reliance on BNPL might increase consumer debts
  • Potential redundancy in overlapping services

Key takeaways

  • Upgrade, Inc. acquires Uplift, Inc. for $100 million in a combination of cash and stock.
  • The acquisition is set to revolutionize travel financing, making it more accessible and affordable.
  • Uplift’s partnerships with major travel industry players position them as a BNPL leader in this sector.
  • Upgrade foresees potential in branching out into other BNPL sectors beyond travel.

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

Loading results ...

Share this post:

You might also like