Forus

Forus. Forus is a Chilean financial technology and retail company that provides integrated point of sale and payment processing solutions primarily to small and medium-sized enterprises across Latin America. Founded in 2015, the company has expanded rapidly, leveraging technology to streamline commerce for merchants in sectors such as retail, food and beverage, and services. Its platform combines hardware, software, and financial services into a unified system designed to simplify business operations and facilitate digital transformation.

History

Forus was established in 2015 in Santiago by brothers Nicolás de la Cerda and Andrés de la Cerda, who identified a need for more accessible and efficient commerce tools for local businesses. The company initially focused on providing point of sale terminals and basic payment processing in the Chilean market. Significant growth followed a strategic partnership with Falabella, one of Latin America's largest department store chains, which helped scale its distribution and credibility. This collaboration was bolstered by an investment from Mercado Libre, the region's dominant e-commerce platform, fueling expansion into other countries including Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. Key milestones include the launch of its proprietary business management software and the integration of advanced features like inventory tracking and customer relationship management tools.

Business model

The company operates on a Software as a service model, generating recurring revenue through monthly subscriptions for its cloud-based platform and transaction fees from payment processing. Forus provides the necessary hardware, such as point of sale terminals and peripherals, often at a subsidized cost or through flexible financing plans to lower the barrier to entry for merchants. This approach creates a comprehensive ecosystem where clients rely on Forus for both operational technology and financial services. Strategic alliances with major players like Falabella and Mercado Libre are central to its distribution and market penetration strategy, allowing it to reach a vast network of small businesses. The model is designed to foster high customer retention by deeply integrating into a merchant's daily operations.

Products and services

The core offering is an all-in-one point of sale system that includes proprietary hardware like terminals, barcode scanners, and cash drawers. Its software platform encompasses sales management, inventory control, employee management, and detailed analytics and reporting tools. Forus provides integrated payment processing, accepting all major credit and debit cards, along with support for alternative methods like QR code payments and digital wallets. Additional services include business financing options, working capital loans, and loyalty program management for customers. The platform is designed to be interoperable, allowing connections to other business tools such as accounting software and e-commerce platforms, creating a centralized hub for commerce operations.

Corporate affairs

The company is headquartered in Santiago, with operational offices in Lima, Bogotá, and Mexico City to serve its regional markets. Leadership under co-founders Nicolás de la Cerda and Andrés de la Cerda has focused on aggressive growth and technological innovation. Major shareholders include the founding team, Falabella, and Mercado Libre, following significant investment rounds. Forus actively engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives, often focusing on digital inclusion and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across Latin America. The company navigates a competitive landscape that includes global players like Square and SumUp, as well as regional financial technology firms and traditional banking institutions.

See also

* Mercado Pago * Rappi * Cornershop * Albo * Clip

Category:Companies established in 2015 Category:Financial technology companies of Chile Category:Retail companies of Chile