EMEA Daily: PropTech Startup Goodlord Raises £27M to Boost UK Renting Experience; Nigeria-Based Andela Launches Platform to Power Customized Work

In today’s top Europe, Middle East and Africa news, PropTech startup Goodlord has raised £27 million ($35.5 million) in a Series B funding and Andela has launched a platform designed to create a personalized hiring experience.

Plus, the European Union is considering a new round of sanctions against Russia in response to its war in Ukraine, Swedish mobile payment systems are gaining traction in the Nordics and DP World has introduced its wholesale eCommerce platform in Tanzania.

PropTech Startup Goodlord Raises £27M to Boost UK Renting Experience

Goodlord, a London-based property technology startup, raised £27 million ($35.5 million) in a Series B funding round led by Highland Europe, which also saw participation from Finch Capital, Latitude and Oxx.

Goodlord aims to elevate the rental experience in the U.K. The company also said Highland Europe partner Laurence Garrett would join Goodlord’s board to help the company leverage its fast growth and continue improving the renting industry for all involved, according to reports.

Nigeria-Based Andela Launches Platform to Power Customized Work

Andela, a global network of remote talent that began in Nigeria, launched a platform Wednesday (March 30) designed to create a personalized hiring experience for both candidates and recruiters.

The firm, which focuses on engineering aspirants from more than 100 countries, has expanded to include product managers, designers and data workers.

Officials: EU Considers New Round of Russia Sanctions

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the European Union is considering a new round of sanctions against Russia in response to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The report cited comments from officials and diplomats familiar with the discussions. The new measures will reportedly include efforts to use the EU’s anti-money laundering blacklist against countries who help Russia get around the sanctions. Additionally, there has been some discussion about adding Russia to that list, although officials said a decision is not forthcoming.

Avarda CEO Says Open Banking Will Increase Retailer Conversion Rates

Payment methods that facilitate fast and convenient ways to pay are gaining traction in the Nordics, a region renowned for its innovative payments and digital banking services.

As deferred payment options have grown in popularity, global firms like Swedish buy now, pay later (BNPL) giant Klarna are reaping the benefits. However, as Avarda Managing Director Mikael Johansson told PYMNTS, this also creates a unique opportunity for merchants.

“What we see is that the invoice and the deferred payment options are [still] not losing out because consumers like that it’s very flexible and [offers] a secure way to pay,” Johansson said. “You can get your goods first and then pay [later].”

DP World Launches B2B Platform in Tanzania

DP World is launching Dubuy.com, its wholesale eCommerce platform, in Tanzania. The marketplace is intended to give better access to international markets and offer a more secure, reliable supply chain using the company’s ports and logistics network.