Rauva

Rauva is a fintech startup founded in 2022 in Lisbon by Sam Mizrahi and Jon Fath, aiming to simplify financial services for sole proprietors, freelancers, and Portuguese SMEs. Its offering includes digital accounts, financial management tools, and banking automation designed for a segment — micro and small businesses — traditionally underserved by traditional Portuguese banks, which tend to focus on large retail or corporate clients. The company has attracted investors tied to the Portuguese startup ecosystem, including Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Portugal FinLab, and Kima Ventures, consistent with Rauva's positioning as one of the most promising emerging fintechs in Portugal. The most significant strategic move was the acquisition of Portuguese bank Banco Empresas Montepio for around €30 million, a deal that gave Rauva its own banking licence — a rare step for a fintech startup, which typically operates under partnership with already-licensed banks rather than acquiring a credit institution directly. According to available sources, headcount ranges between 62 and 100 employees, with the company stating its intention to double its team in the coming months to support growth. Rauva positions itself in the SME and freelancer business banking market in Portugal, a segment still with significant room for digitisation compared to more mature European markets, with its own banking licence representing a structural competitive advantage over fintech competitors that depend on external bank partnerships to deliver their services.