40Seas Enters New Era with Leadership Changes to Boost Global Trade Finance

40Seas Enters New Era with Leadership Changes

In a significant move to enhance its operations, 40Seas, an innovative AI-driven platform, has announced a steep change in leadership aimed at fostering growth in the global trade finance arena. Or Kapelinsky has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer, while Asaf Halfon assumes the position of Chief Technology Officer. Together, they join the ranks of co-founders Gil Shiff and Suki Gao in steering the company towards a promising future.

Accelerating Growth

40Seas has experienced substantial momentum recently, catering to a vast network of sellers and buyers on a global scale. Currently, the platform is witnessing over 10,000 transactions monthly and is projected to facilitate transactions nearing $1 billion within the next year. This rapid growth is testament to 40Seas' ability to embed critical financial services and intelligence into the order-to-cash workflow for B2B sellers.

The company has also broadened its partnerships with key entities in the ERP, shipping, logistics, and B2B marketplace sectors, reinforcing its strategic collaborations with leading sourcing agencies and eCommerce fulfillment platforms.

Leadership Profiles

Or Kapelinsky brings a wealth of experience from over a decade in fintech and cross-border trade enhancement. His previous roles include Chief Business Executive at Amdocs, where he spearheaded initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Under his leadership, Amdocs realized multi-million-dollar growth through strategic innovations. Additionally, he co-founded TenureX, transforming it from an idea into a funded startup, and has significant experience in establishing and scaling financial institutions.

Meanwhile, Asaf Halfon, a prominent engineering leader, boasts over 15 years of expertise in technology innovation. His tenure at Meta involved managing global teams focused on market intelligence and partnership development, driving monetization through data strategies and machine learning. Asaf’s background also includes a role at ConvertMedia, where he played a crucial role from inception to acquisition.

Pioneering Fintech Solutions

Reflecting on the current financial landscape, CEO Or Kapelinsky states, “Fintech has reached a pivotal tipping point.” His vision emphasizes the importance of revolutionizing how payment, data, and workflows function, providing a seamless experience for SMEs worldwide to engage in global trade confidently. With AI now capable of operating in specific contexts, 40Seas is poised to lead this transition.

The platform is tailored to meet the needs of small and medium enterprises, combining essential features such as real-time credit assessments, cross-border payment solutions, and automated receivables management. The focus is on fostering sustainable growth for its customers by optimizing working capital and expediting cash flow.

A Future Focused on Growth

Rakefet Russak-Aminoach, Managing Partner at Team8, highlighted the necessity of Kapelinsky and Halfon’s strategic vision and execution strength in accelerating the growth trajectory of 40Seas. The fusion of their fintech innovation alongside leadership experience from the likes of Meta and Amdocs offers a unique advantage to seize new opportunities in the global financial space.

The mission of 40Seas is clear: equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive in trade, using cutting-edge technologies to facilitate optimal workflows and practices. As they implement their strategic plan, both consumers and SMEs can look forward to a strengthened presence in global trade finance, thanks to the adept leadership and innovative capabilities that 40Seas promises to offer.

Conclusion

With the recent leadership changes, 40Seas is set to redefine how SMEs engage in international trade. This transition marks not only a historical point in the company's timeline but a pivotal step forward in the evolution of fintech and trade finance. As they continue to build on their successes, 40Seas remains committed to the ongoing support and development of its customers, ensuring that global trade remains accessible and efficient for all.