French crowdfunding platform Ulule has acquired its KissKissBankBank from La Banque Postale for an undisclosed amount, according to reports. La Banque Postale acquired KissKissBankBank in 2017.
At the time of the purchase the CEO of La Banque Postale explained the move as responding to new consumption patterns.
“This operation is also in line with our strategy of deploying a digitized offer of financial solutions for a wide audience.”
The bank’s acquisition included Lendopolis – initially a lending platform that now allows equity investments too.
The French investment crowdfunding sector has been going through a maturation process. In early 2024, it was reported the industry declined in 2023. Most activity is from online lending platforms. At the same time, new EU rules now allow approved platforms to raise capital across all EU member states – up to €5 million.
The terms of the transaction, including financial details, were not disclosed. Sources said the deal combines two top players in France’s crowdfunding sector. Ulule is said to be preparing a major transformation of its platform for the first quarter of 2025 that is more comprehensive for clients.
Alexandre Boucherot, President of Ulule, said, “By joining forces with KissKissBankBank.com, we will increase our capacity to support project leaders with major innovations that we will unveil in early 2025. This technological convergence will allow us to pool our investments and expertise in order to accelerate the development of new innovative services.”
According to local reports, both platforms will continue operating under their existing brands while leveraging operational synergies.
The combined platforms reportedly serve a community of 9 million users, positioning the combination to strengthen the French and European crowdfunding markets further.
The deal follows La Banque Postale’s sale of Lendopolis to Lendosphère last month, part of a broader divestment strategy for its crowdfunding assets.
Other entities within the KissKissBankBank & Co group, such as Microdon and media outlet Youmatter, remain with La Banque Postale.
Since their launch in 2010, Ulule and KissKissBankBank have collectively raised €480 million for 80,000 projects.
The platforms support entrepreneurs, associations, and cultural initiatives. In 2023 alone, Ulule’s crowdfunding activity raised €31 million, with average project funding of €7,000.
Ulule, which generates two to three times the volume of KissKissBankBank, has diversified beyond crowdfunding including services like e-commerce and entrepreneurship support. New initiatives now account for 60% of Ulule’s business.
The acquisition enhances Ulule’s Franco-European focus and aims to streamline technical infrastructure and compliance processes.