Square is a financial technology company that provides payment and point-of-sale solutions for businesses. In 2018, Square launched FDIC-insured deposit accounts for its sellers, which are held at partner banks. Recently, Square announced its acquisition of Azevedo, a Spanish startup that provides a platform for creating and managing invoices. This acquisition will allow Square to expand its offerings to small businesses and further establish itself as a one-stop-shop for financial services.

 Azevedotechcrunch Acquisition

Azevedo is a Spanish startup that provides a platform for creating and managing invoices. The platform allows businesses to create and send invoices, track payments, and manage their cash flow. Square’s acquisition of Azevedo will allow the company to expand its offerings to small businesses. With the addition of Azevedo’s platform, Square will be able to offer a more comprehensive suite of financial services to its customers.

The acquisition is also a strategic move for Square as it continues to compete with other payment processing companies like PayPal and Stripe. By adding invoice management to its suite of services, Square can better compete with these companies that already offer similar solutions.

 FDIC-Insured Deposit Accounts

In 2018, Square launched FDIC-insured deposit accounts for its sellers. These accounts are held at partner banks and offer sellers the ability to earn interest on their funds. The accounts are also insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor.

This move was a significant step for Square as it allowed the company to offer more traditional banking services to its customers. It also helped to establish Square as a trusted financial institution, which is essential for businesses that rely on the company for their payment processing needs.

 Point-of-Sale Solutions

Square’s core business is its point-of-sale solutions, which allow businesses to accept credit and debit card payments. The company offers a range of hardware options, including card readers and terminals, as well as software solutions for managing sales and inventory.

Square’s point-of-sale solutions are popular with small businesses due to their ease of use and affordability. The company’s hardware is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional point-of-sale systems, and its software is user-friendly and intuitive.

 Square Capital

Square Capital is a lending program that provides small businesses with access to funding. The program offers loans ranging from $500 to $250,000, with repayment terms ranging from three to 18 months. The loans are repaid through a percentage of the business’s daily card sales, making them a flexible option for businesses with fluctuating revenue.

Square Capital has been a significant source of growth for the company, with loan volume increasing by 55% year-over-year in Q2 2021. The program has also been essential for small businesses that may not have access to traditional lending options.

Conclusion:

Square’s acquisition of Azevedo is a strategic move that will allow the company to expand its offerings to small businesses. With the addition of invoice management to its suite of services, Square can better compete with other payment processing companies like PayPal and Stripe. Additionally, Square’s FDIC-insured deposit accounts, point-of-sale solutions, and lending program have established the company as a one-stop-shop for financial services for small businesses. As Square continues to grow and expand its offerings, it will undoubtedly remain a key player in the financial technology industry.

Olivia