The Swedish fintech company Klarna, a pioneer of the “Buy Now, Pay Later” model, is going through a significant milestone. After returning to profitability, it has announced its entry onto the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) while simultaneously revealing strategic partnerships with American giants DoorDash and Walmart.
From a Student Project to a Global Fintech Leader
Founded in 2005 in Stockholm by three Swedish students, Klarna quickly became a global fintech player:
- Now operating in 26 countries including the Czech Republic and Slovakia
- Services used by over 675,000 merchants and 150 million users
- Holding a banking license since 2017 to offer a wider range of financial services
- Reported 2024 revenue of $2.8 billion with an operating profit of $181 million (24% year-over-year growth)
Key American Expansion Before IPO
DoorDash – America’s largest delivery service announced on March 20, 2025, the implementation of Klarna’s payment system. Customers will be able to use the “Buy Now, Pay Later” service when purchasing food, products, and even DashPass memberships.
Walmart – The American retail giant, in cooperation with its startup OnePay, will offer Klarna’s services both online and in physical stores. Klarna has effectively “taken” Walmart from its competitor Affirm, which had collaborated with the chain since 2019. According to SEC documents, OnePay could purchase up to 15 million Klarna shares.
Expected IPO on NYSE
On March 14, 2025, Klarna officially filed for an initial public offering on the NYSE. Preliminary estimates suggest:
- Expected valuation of $15 billion
- Planned capital gain from the IPO around $1 billion
- Trading under the ticker KLAR
A successful IPO could be a positive impulse for the American market, which has seen a decline in new stock market entries. Uncertainty regarding Trump’s trade tariffs presents a potential risk.
Performance of New Partners on the Stock Market
DoorDash (DASH) closed at $190.62 on March 21, 2025, close to its historical maximum. It has gained 12% since the beginning of the year and grown 38% year-over-year.
Walmart (WMT) reached its historical maximum in mid-February 2025 ($105). By March 21, the shares had corrected to $85.95. However, they have grown 41% year-over-year and 112% over the past 5 years.
IPO as an Opportunity and Challenge
Klarna’s entry into the stock market represents a significant milestone both for the company itself and for the entire fintech sector. A successful IPO could bring not only capital for further expansion but also increased prestige in the global market. New partnerships with DoorDash and Walmart could be a key factor in attracting investors and establishing an attractive valuation for the company.
