独家丨再融3.3亿，Airwallex今天估值80亿美元了

Core Viewpoint - Airwallex has successfully completed a Series G funding round of $330 million, achieving a valuation of $8 billion, which represents a nearly 30% increase from the previous round. This funding will accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and other key global markets [3][4]. Funding and Growth - The Series G funding was led by Addition, with participation from T. Rowe Price, Activant, Lingotto, Robinhood Ventures, and TIAA Ventures. Addition's founder, Lee Fixel, is known for his investments in technology and finance, having previously invested in companies like Facebook and LinkedIn [3]. - Airwallex's annualized revenue is projected to exceed $1 billion by October 2025, reflecting a 90% year-over-year growth, while its annualized transaction volume is expected to double to $235 billion [4]. - The company currently holds 80 licenses globally and supports businesses in over 200 countries, serving more than 200,000 customers, with a customer acquisition rate in Q3 doubling compared to the beginning of the year [4]. Strategic Developments - Airwallex plans to establish a second global headquarters in San Francisco, focusing on core products, engineering, strategic partnerships, and marketing teams, with plans to double its U.S. team to over 400 people within a year [4]. - The company aims to invest over $1 billion in the U.S. market from 2026 to 2029 for strategic positioning [4]. Historical Context and Challenges - Airwallex's journey began in a Melbourne café, and it has evolved into a prominent fintech unicorn, now on the verge of an IPO. The company faced multiple near-death experiences and rejections from investors, highlighting the challenges of building a global financial infrastructure [5][26]. - The initial investment of $1 million from Lucy Liu, made without formal contracts, marked the beginning of Airwallex's funding journey, showcasing a high level of trust and belief in the company's vision [7]. Key Partnerships and Investor Dynamics - The A round of funding in 2017 was critical, with Sequoia Capital and Tencent entering the picture. Despite initial hesitations from Tencent, a pivotal meeting with James Mitchell led to their investment, which opened doors to Asian and global markets [12][13]. - The refusal of a $1.2 billion acquisition offer from Stripe in 2018 demonstrated the company's commitment to its long-term vision, with a team vote overwhelmingly against the sale [19][20]. Financial Performance and Future Outlook - By 2023, Airwallex achieved profitability, maintaining an annual growth rate of over 100% since its inception in 2015. The company has successfully navigated through various crises and is now positioned for continued growth [25][26].