PALO ALTO, California – On October 21, 2025, Tensec, a burgeoning fintech startup specializing in cross-border financial services, disclosed a significant $60 million credit facility from Upper90 Capital Management, LP. This financial boost positions the company to enhance its annual trade volume dramatically from $500 million to an impressive $5 billion, which is in direct response to the growing demand among its import and export trading clients.
The crux of Tensec's operations lies in its AI-native global financial tools designed specifically for trading companies. With a unique zero-integration platform, Tensec collaborates with its banking partner, Stearns Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, to offer a range of essential services including foreign exchange (FX), cross-border payments, and treasury management. This approach not only broadens service offerings but also opens new revenue opportunities for its client base.
“The credit partnership with Upper90 is a catalyst for Tensec’s growth,” said Helcio Nobre, Tensec’s founder and CEO. “It allows us to rapidly scale our customer base and transaction volumes, bringing more global trade enablers into the cross-border financial services market.” Nobre emphasized that Upper90's strategic capital structuring makes them an ideal partner, paving the way for Tensec to increase its transaction volume significantly.
The anticipated growth comes at a time when the cross-border payments market is thriving. Industry experts predict that global payment volumes will soar from $194.6 trillion in 2024 to $320 trillion by 2032, marking a staggering 64% increase. This represents an unparalleled opportunity for new entrants like Tensec.
Billy Libby, co-founder and CEO of Upper90, echoed the excitement surrounding this collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Tensec as they embark on this next phase of exciting growth. Cross-border trade is a theme we have been focused on since starting Upper90.” Libby noted that Tensec’s innovative, technology-focused strategy to streamline transactions and enhance customer interaction resonates with Upper90's mission to support technology-driven, capital-intensive businesses.
Tensec initially raised $12 million in seed funding earlier this year, led by Costanoa, to lay down the foundation for its services. The recent credit financing will be instrumental in accelerating transaction volume and refining client engagement strategies. Over the next 18 months, Tensec plans to onboard more than a hundred new trading partners, providing them with immediate access to compliant U.S. banking and payment solutions that would otherwise require significant time and investment to replicate,
“Upper90’s sophisticated approach to structuring growth capital makes them an ideal partner,” added Nobre. He pointed out that Tensec's model—termed “Powered by Tensec”—effectively manages all technical, operational, and compliance aspects, thereby reducing barriers for new trading clients.
Tensec, based in Silicon Valley, has been at the forefront of reimagining B2B cross-border financial services, aiming to deliver the fastest and simplest methods for businesses to facilitate financial transactions across international borders. Founded by industry veterans from companies like PayPal, Meta, and Goldman Sachs, Tensec stands out for equipping global trade entities and FX service providers with innovative tools.
With the support of high-caliber investors and backed by a talented leadership team with extensive experience, Tensec is poised to make significant strides in the fintech landscape. The company not only promises to transform how trading companies operate but is also set to carve out entirely new markets amidst the expanding global economy.
As Tensec moves forward with its expansion plans, it remains clear that the landscape of cross-border payments and financing is changing rapidly. This funding marks a pivotal moment, not just for Tensec but for the fintech industry as a whole, hinting at a future where efficiency and accessibility dominate cross-border financial transactions.