Singapore-based travel payments startup Laters.com has closed a US$1.5 million seed round led by XBO Ventures, the investment arm of digital-asset platform XBO.com. The company will use the capital to scale its flexible payment offerings, which include buy now pay later (BNPL) plans, stablecoin settlements, and support for more than 70 cryptocurrencies.
Since launching in August 2024, Laters.com has recorded a net profit every month from February 2025, according to management accounts. The company holds a Singapore Tourism Board licence (TA04059) and reports that the majority of its payment volume now comes from non-card transactions. It offers roughly 40 BNPL and instalment options, catering to travellers who prefer to spread the cost of flights and holidays.
The startup provides access to flights on over 650 airlines, with the United States emerging as its largest market. This cross-border focus aligns with broader industry trends, as travel sellers increasingly seek alternative payment methods to reduce reliance on traditional card networks. For agents and online travel agencies, the rise of BNPL and crypto options is reshaping how consumers settle high-ticket travel purchases.
Beyond payments: public tools and transparency
In addition to its core payment platform, Laters.com operates two free public resources: a country-by-country guide to fly-now-pay-later providers and the Laters.com Payment Score. These tools are available on the company's website, and no provider pays to be ranked. The move is designed to build trust and help travellers compare flexible payment options across different markets.
The funding from XBO Ventures will enable Laters.com to further develop its payment infrastructure and expand into new regions. The company's focus on non-card transactions is particularly relevant given recent industry reports about banks' fraud controls causing travel payment delays, which have pushed some merchants to explore alternative settlement methods.
Laters.com's growth also reflects a wider shift in travel technology. While hotel-specific payment gateways are emerging in markets like Malaysia, as seen with Roomie's recent launch, the airline sector remains dominated by card-based transactions. Startups like Laters.com are challenging that status quo by offering more flexible and often cheaper alternatives.
For travel agents and tour operators, the ability to offer BNPL and crypto payments can be a differentiator, particularly for younger travellers and those in markets with limited credit card penetration. The company's profitability so soon after launch suggests there is genuine demand for these services, not just among consumers but also among travel businesses looking to reduce payment friction.
As the travel industry continues to digitise, payment innovation is becoming a critical competitive lever. Laters.com's seed round is a signal that investors see opportunity in this niche, even as the broader travel payments landscape faces challenges from fraud controls and regulatory scrutiny. The company's next steps will be watched closely by airlines, OTAs, and payment vendors alike.
