Sparkling18

Sparkling18 operated as a fintech entity in the digital payments sector, originating from Milan, Italy. The firm commenced its operations in 2013, focusing on the development of mobile and omnichannel payment systems.

A significant achievement in its history was the recognition by MasterCard as one of only seven Platinum Digital Vendors globally, a designation that highlighted its standing in the payment technology landscape. The company's trajectory culminated in its acquisition by Nexi, a prominent Italian PayTech corporation, in April 2018. This transaction marked Nexi's inaugural acquisition of a startup and was a strategic move aimed at accelerating its roadmap for smartphone-based payment solutions.

The core of Sparkling18's business was a comprehensive platform that enabled mobile and multi-channel purchasing experiences. Its service portfolio included the development of mobile wallets and bespoke purchasing applications. The underlying technology featured a Payment Gateway with a PCI DSS 3.2 Level 1 certification, point-of-sale management functionalities, and integrated value-added services such as loyalty programs and coupon management. The company catered to a client base of major brands operating in retail, large-scale distribution, financial services, and telecommunications, with names like Eataly and Auchan among its customers. The business model was centered on providing these large-scale clients with the infrastructure to support sophisticated and seamless digital customer journeys.

Keywords: digital payments, fintech, omnichannel payments, mobile wallets, PayTech, payment gateway, retail technology, financial services, mobile payment solutions, point-of-sale systems, loyalty programs, multichannel retail, Nexi acquisition, customer journey technology, e-commerce solutions, digital commerce, payment processing