Clerq, a New York-based financial technology company modernizing payments for high-value transactions, has secured $21 million in new funding to accelerate its mission of transforming how large purchases are made. The investment includes a $12 million Series A round led by 645 Ventures, with participation from existing investors FirstMark Capital, Fika Ventures, Commerce Ventures, and Dash Fund, as well as new strategic backers Friedkin and Yossi Levi, founder of Car Dealership Guy.
The company is rapidly gaining traction across industries long underserved by traditional card-based payment systems, including automotive, powersports, and home and office. Over the past year, Clerq achieved sixfold revenue growth, driven by widespread demand for its modern, frictionless payments platform designed for high-ticket transactions.
Historically, these industries have relied on outdated manual payment methods such as checks and wire transfers—processes that are slow, error-prone, and risk-laden. While these methods avoid costly card fees, they also create friction for customers and expose merchants to unnecessary payment risks. Clerq’s platform solves these challenges by combining the speed and convenience of digital payments with the security and cost-effectiveness of account-to-account transactions.
The platform already processes hundreds of millions of dollars in annual payment volume, serving Fortune 500 retailers, leading marketplaces, and large-scale enterprises. By digitizing payments without forcing merchants to absorb card fees or impose surcharges on customers, Clerq delivers a seamless checkout experience that improves conversion rates while protecting margins.
The new funding will enable Clerq to continue expanding its platform capabilities, grow its team, and enter additional high-value verticals. The company aims to establish itself as the leading provider of modern, account-to-account payment solutions in the U.S. market.
KEY QUOTES:
“Clerq has helped our dealerships provide a smooth, modern checkout experience for our customers, avoiding clunky payment methods like checks, without incurring expensive card fees. The company’s solution is unique in the market, and we jumped at the opportunity to join the funding round.”
Josh Holm, Chief Financial Officer, Friedkin Automotive
“At 645, we invest in founders who have purity of motivation and deep insights into their customers and markets. While many companies aim to introduce new payment methods into existing industries, often unsuccessfully, Truett and Ben developed a deep understanding of the payment challenges of automotive dealerships and developed a product that has been a game-changer for both dealers and their end customers. We’re excited to partner with them as they scale this platform within the automotive industry and into new industries, driving meaningful account share and creating significant value for their customers.”
Nnamdi Okike, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, 645 Ventures
