Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast Tackling financial fraud with AI: Qonto CEO Alexandre Prot
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Jun 26, 2025 
Alexandre Prot, Co-founder and CEO of Qonto, a profitable French fintech unicorn, shares insights on how his company serves 500,000 small businesses across Europe. He discusses Qonto's plans to apply for a banking license and how they leverage AI to combat financial fraud. Prot reveals their strategic acquisition plans and the operational challenges involved. He also touches on the intricacies of fundraising in fintech and emphasizes the importance of celebrating team milestones. Tune in for a peek into the future of financial services!
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Qonto's Successful Acquisitions
- Qonto made two strategic acquisitions: Penta for geographic expansion in Germany and Regate for product and channel enhancement in France.
- Penta customers were migrated to Qonto's platform, and Regate introduced direct services to accountants, expanding the ecosystem.
Integration is Key in M&A
- Acquisitions require careful integration to avoid slowing down or breaking the company.
- Focus on how to align teams and processes to maintain momentum post-acquisition.
Focused Growth Strategy
- Qonto targets growth mainly in existing eight European markets, seeking opportunities especially outside France.
- Product focus is on financial tools adjacent to banking core, potentially expanding via small or larger acquisitions but mostly building internally.