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Delend launches Financial Assistant for SMEs based on Generative Artificial Intelligence

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Delend launches Financial Assistant for SMEs based on Generative Artificial Intelligence

Delend, a Brazilian fintech that operates in the credit journey for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), introduces its new Financial Assistant, a Generative Artificial Intelligence tool that promises to revolutionize SME financial management. The solution initially focuses on replacing traditional bank slips with payment initiation via Pix, while using Open Finance to automate cash flow management, credit scoring, and receivables administration. The company decided not to develop a specific mobile app and bet everything on WhatsApp, since almost every Brazilian, whether individual or legal entity, uses the application.  

A solution to the financial challenge of SMEs  

The Brazilian SME market faces a critical problem: only 29% of these companies' credit demand is met by financial institutions. This results in an estimated credit gap of R$2.5 trillion, an amount that represents 71% of the necessary and unmet credit. The mismatch limits the growth and sustainability of SMEs, which are responsible for 27% of GDP and employ 55% of the country's formal workforce.   

Delend aims to directly address this problem by offering an innovative alternative based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open Finance. By simplifying access to credit and automating financial processes, the Financial Assistant enables SMEs to overcome traditional barriers, improve cash flow, and accelerate their growth.   

Real-time intelligence for strategic decisions  

Delend's solution not only eliminates the complexity of invoices that become duplicates in installment sales with many manual processes but also uses real-time data to provide personalized insights. "Our Financial Assistant is more than a solution; it is a partner based on AI agents that helps SMEs make quick and accurate decisions," explains Fernando Wosniak Steler, CEO of Delend. Based on AI agents and data tools, the Financial Assistant makes simple what is very laborious for those who sell on credit, such as obtaining the Open Finance consent from your client, conducting credit analysis, issuing invoices, and discounting the title for immediate cash generation. You can write, send audio, send photos, or speak in any language, and the Assistant handles it, searches, and returns the result to you.  

Innovation aligned with market growth  

With the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Open Finance, the Financial Assistant identifies opportunities to reduce costs, optimize operations, and facilitate access to credit. This approach addresses a significant market gap while transforming the way SMEs interact with traditional financial services, such as invoice discounting.  

By launching the solution, Delend reinforces its commitment to driving the growth of SMEs and simultaneously contributing to reducing the credit gap, representing one of the greatest innovation opportunities in the Brazilian financial sector.  

Initially, the product is being launched by Delend in the customer base of Rede OK, a company acquired by Delend in 2023, but there are already other launches scheduled in partnerships such as the systemwhite label.   

A step forward in the financial market  

With a history of over R$32 billion in managed receivables and solutions that simplify the lives of tens of thousands of SMEs, Delend leads the digital transformation of the financial sector. The new Financial Assistant positions itself as a central piece in the strategy to bring automation, efficiency, and intelligence to the core of SMEs' financial operations.   

The launch marks another step in Delend's mission to empower small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, helping them overcome historical challenges and explore their full potential in the Brazilian market.

BB and Leapfone announce partnership for smartphone subscription

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BB and Leapfone announce partnership for smartphone subscription

Banco do Brasil and Leapfone announced a strategic partnership so that BB customers can use the startup's smartphone subscription service, with special conditions and unique advantages.  

The main benefits of the partnership include:

Exclusive conditions:Discounts and special conditions for BB customers;

Ease and convenience:Options with iOS and Android operating systems from various brands and models, with monthly fees starting at R$ 49.90. The entire signing process, from delivery to device maintenance, will be managed by Leapfone, ensuring a hassle-free experience;

Payment by card:Subscriptions will be paid exclusively using the Ourocard card, providing greater security and convenience;

Full support:Leapfone will offer full support, including insurance against theft, qualified theft, and physical damage, as well as a dedicated customer service channel.  

"With this partnership, Banco do Brasil reinforces its commitment to innovation and service diversification, aligning with the concept of beyond banking. The goal is to expand the range of solutions that go beyond traditional financial services, improve the experience for Ourocard holders, and attract clients seeking innovative and convenient solutions. With the subscription, the customer can keep their cell phone always updated, taking advantage of the new features that emerge every year," says Renato Barreto, Executive Manager of Payment Solutions and Services at BB.  

The smartphone subscription service also reinforces BB's commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. The partnership promotes the circular economy, which aims to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of products, contributing to the conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, signing a smartphone is more financially accessible than purchasing a new device and allows more people to access cutting-edge technology.  

"Our goal is to provide a service that democratizes access to cutting-edge technology for more Brazilians, promoting more conscious and sustainable consumption," says Letícia, Leapfone's marketing.  

The offers are available to those who have an Ourocard card on the websitewww.leapfone.com.br/bbor in the My Benefits/Advantages and Coupons space in the Banco do Brasil App.  

Criteo and Coresight Research report highlights the top 10 trends for retail media in 2025

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Criteo and Coresight Research report highlights the top 10 trends for retail media in 2025

Retail media networks (RMNs) have become a valuable asset for brands and retailers. According to a new report by Criteo, produced by Coresight Research, "Retail 2025: 10 Trends Shaping the Retail Media Market," available in English, the global retail media market will total $179.5 billion in 2025, representing a robust year-over-year growth of 15.4%. Third-party data, advances in AI (artificial intelligence), and closed-loop attribution should drive rapid growth.

In recent years, more retailers have launched RMNs due to their high margin potential, which, according to the report, is estimated at 70% gross margin. Brands are increasingly investing in RMNs due to retailers' primary data, which allows them to create and deliver highly targeted and personalized advertising campaigns. Advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning are further amplifying the value of this data, revealing new insights that help brands maximize the benefits of RMNs.

Retailers have a significant opportunity to increase MRI profits in 2025. However, this will require significant actions to differentiate one network from another as competition increases. According to the Criteo report, retailers, advertisers, and technology companies will need to focus on these 10 trends to maximize RMN opportunities from 2025 onward:

Innovation and Technology

  1. AI (Artificial Intelligence) to deliver next-generation ad automation and personalization
  2. Programmatic advertising will drive operational efficiency across NMRs
  3. Ad formats will continue to expand
  4. Strategic partnerships to unlock off-premise growth

Market Changes

  1. In-store retail media will continue to be a “test and learn” channel
  2. Retail media will strengthen its position as a full-funnel advertising tool
  3. Retail media will drive first-party data enhancement

Data and Measurement

  1. Building trust and transparency will be more critical than ever for NMRs
  2. Measurement standardization to gain attention
  3. Emerging NMRs will disrupt the retail media ecosystem

“The retailers that are seeing the greatest growth and have weathered the storm of inflation and consumer spending contraction with the least impact are those that have intelligently diversified their revenue streams and invested in developing advanced retail media networks,” said Coresight CEO Deborah Weinswig.

"AI enhancements have the potential to revolutionize retail media and will be the driving force behind the next big leap in the industry, creating new opportunities for brands and retailers," says Tiago Cardoso, Managing Director for Latin America at Criteo. AI-based algorithms will enable prioritization of top-performing products and real-time bid optimization, maximizing advertising spend efficiency and replacing mere impressions with measurable results. With advances in predictive AI and machine learning, brands will be better positioned to anticipate consumer behaviors and make real-time decisions.

For additional insights into each of these trends, see the full report “Retail 2025: 10 Trends Shaping the Retail Media Market” (available in English),clicking here.  

5 trends that will dictate jewelry and accessories fashion in 2025

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5 trends that will dictate jewelry and accessories fashion in 2025

The year 2025 begins bringing new trends that promise to stand out in the jewelry and accessories market. According to Lorena Rabelo, founder of Lure Joias, five main trends will shape the sector this year:

1 – We will see a return of maximalist jewelry. Large, eye-catching pieces with lots of color, layers of precious stones and exuberant designs.

2– With consumers increasingly seeking unique productsPersonalized jewelry with initials will make a strong comeback to the market.

“Handcrafted jewelry with meticulous design and precious stones makes it more exclusive, and that’s what consumers are looking for, something that no one else has, that has a meaning behind it,” says Lorena.

3– Sustainability will continue to be one of the biggest trends in 2025, with jewelry made from recycled materials and gemstones from sources.

4– Geometric lines and cleaner designs, combining with bolder pieces or a futuristic aesthetic.

That is also what Donata Meireles points out. Recently, the influencer and fashion consultant commented on her blog that the 2025 trend is filled with boldness, irreverence, and a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist.

5– Vibrant Colors and Alternative Gemstones. The combination of these colored stones with metals of different colors will create more accessible and innovative jewelry and accessories for young people.

The demand for new designs and varieties is driving market growth in Brazil, which, according to Mordor Intelligence, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.31% between 2024 and 2029, reaching US$ 5.34 billion by the end of the period. Faced with so many trends and demand, new designers and specialized courses have emerged.

“Today, many people want to have the autonomy to create their own jewelry, whether for personal use or to start a business, but they have difficulty drawing or putting their ideas on paper. In view of this, I envisioned a course with an exclusive technique that teaches people how to become designers, even without any knowledge of drawing. We use templates that work as drawing molds on a human scale and for stones, facilitating the creation of designs in a simple way. With these templates, all you have to do is trace around the mold and let your creativity flow, resulting in unique pieces”, explains the CEO of Lure.

According to Lorena, 2025 in general will be marked by mixes of textures and metals, all with a lot of style and individuality of the pieces as a preference when choosing when purchasing.

Brazil in the US’s sights: trade impacts and challenges in international relations

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Brazil in the US’s sights: trade impacts and challenges in international relations

The United States' trade policy, strongly guided by the "America First" rhetoric, continues to influence the global landscape and may pose challenges for Brazil. Although the country is not the main strategic target of American actions, the potential impact of protectionist measures, such as tariff increases, raises concerns among experts.

According to Marcelo Vitali, director of How2Go, the profile of Brazilian exports to the US is different from other trading partners, such as China. "Our trade with the United States is characterized by higher value-added products, which is positive for Brazil. Unlike commodities like soy or corn, we send products that represent an advancement in our production chain. Still, the rhetoric of 'Made in the USA' and possible trade barriers could affect us," says Vitali.

Another sensitive element in bilateral relations is the advancement of the BRICS agenda, which seeks to reduce dependence on the dollar in commercial transactions through the creation of a own currency or alternative clearing systems. This strategy has caused friction with the US and could intensify tensions, especially in light of criticisms from former President Donald Trump, who has already threatened to impose significant tariffs on countries supporting the initiative.

In this scenario, Brazil faces the challenge of balancing its diplomatic and commercial relations with the USA while simultaneously seeking to strengthen strategic partnerships inside and outside the BRICS. Market diversification and investment in high value-added sectors are essential to mitigate the impacts of American protectionist policies and to enhance the country's economic relevance on the global stage.

Personalization at scale and automation will be highlights in digital marketing in 2025

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Personalization at scale and automation will be highlights in digital marketing in 2025

For companies that want to grow and be seen in an increasingly competitive and digitalized market, digital marketing services are essential, as they allow brands to connect directly with their audiences, reach new markets, and optimize results based on concrete data.

Furthermore, these digital services help companies of all sizes, but especially SMEs, which are the largest in the country, to build a strong and consistent presence, which is essential for building customer loyalty and standing out in the online environment.

Marcus Calixto, CEO of Beelieve Group, a company specializing in digital marketing for SMEs, believes that the year 2025 will continue to be driven by personalization at scale, combined with intelligent automation.

The online consumer values three fundamental pillars: convenience, trust, and personalization. He seeks a quick, transparent, and secure shopping experience, as well as offers and recommendations that align with his needs. Efficient service, from pre-sales to post-sales, is also a decisive differentiator.”, explains the executive.

Recently, Beelieve began implementing a new methodology in its services called Blue Star. The method is composed of three very important pillars within the digital realm: Operational Squads, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Integrated Technology.

In the case of artificial intelligence, it will be even more integrated into strategies, allowing for the prediction of behaviors and the creation of hyper-targeted campaigns. To further strengthen the personalization of the service for the end consumer and potential clients”, highlights Calixto.

The expert emphasizes that when making an online purchase, the end consumer prioritizes trust and information, and one of the first steps is to research the company's social networks.

“It looks for signs of reliability, such as updated pages, interactions with the public and positive reviews. Therefore, it is essential that companies keep their social networks and digital platforms optimized and constantly updated”, guides the CEO of Beelieve.

Calixto also points out other highlights of digital marketing that SMEs and digital professionals need to pay attention to.

“Strategies that restore a sense of community and belonging, such as online forums and exclusive communities, can gain new strength with more modern platforms. More established products, such as email marketing, will continue to be a great tool if used as a way to promote greater personalization and interactivity. In addition, simple content formats, such as newsletters and blogs, can regain prominence as the public seeks more informative content that is less focused on direct sales.”, concludes the specialist.

Expert recommends using robots in customer service in 2025

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Expert recommends using robots in customer service in 2025

According to a Deloitte survey, Brazilian entrepreneurs plan to maintain or increase investment and returns in modernization to meet the demands of the new, demanding customer. In this sense, robots have become allies of faster processes, increasing the team's productivity and optimizing the time of all involved. In addition to improving the consumer experience, they are the bet for 2025.

Robots are indispensable for business

Digital transformation has brought new paradigms to all sectors, transforming consumer behavior. Now, they areon-lineand look for quick services on virtual platforms, whether to buy something, evaluatereviewsor even get in touch with the brand.

According to Carlos H. Mencaci,CEO From Total IP, the company needs to be prepared for these interactions. By using robots, it is possible to accelerate results in a completely personalized way. "We teach and the executive builds their"botsvery easily. "Any employee can adjust the settings and install new features," he says. Thus, it is possible to generate even more autonomy in the processes and have real-time monitoring, with metrics in reports anddashboards intuitive.

In this way, the enterprise is able to truly assimilate growth, as there is a constant evaluation of results. All of this is backed by the security of having specialized support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thus, it is never left unprotected and the operation never pauses.

3 types of robots to accelerate results

There are various robot models, each with its own specifications, including Total IP, which can develop new exclusive projects according to the client's needs. Therefore, Mencaci has separated some options. Confira: 

Advanced Reception:Provides various information during the pre-service phase, before human interaction.It is capable of solving repetitive operations such as

  • Direct the call to the departments;
  • Inform card balance;
  • Schedule of a doctor's appointment;
  • 2nd copy of invoice;
  • Change card password and much more.

Ativo: Automatic dialing of simultaneous calls to the database, allowing interactions via voice commands. Your goal is to enhance effective contacts and even direct them to the support queue, such as:

  • Confirmation of appointments and medical examinations;
  • Registration update;
  • Contact the right person;
  • Presentation of a product and/or service;
  • Debt negotiation and more.

Search:It functions as a menu at the end of the call, requesting the customer's feedback. It is an effective strategy to analyze operational performance; its main applications are:

  • Satisfaction survey for NPS (Net Promoter Score)
  • Quality research regarding a product and/or service provided;
  • Internal research among companies and their employees;
  • Indicator reports forfeedbacks and much more.

Finally, the dialogues are humanized, with male and female voices, and have several other configuration options. "Automating repetitive tasks is the best strategy for the company, regardless of the sector, because it ensures positive results," he concludes.

Prices of Electronics in Brazilian E-commerce Fall 3.6% in 2024

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Prices of Electronics in Brazilian E-commerce Fall 3.6% in 2024

The electronics sector in Brazilian e-commerce experienced a significant drop in prices in 2024, according to the latest Fipe/Buscapé Price Index. The report, released on Tuesday (21), indicates an annual decrease of 3.6% in product values, despite a challenging economic scenario.

The price drop occurred despite the strong appreciation of the dollar, which accumulated a 23.7% increase during the period, trading at R$ 6.18. This factor is particularly relevant to the sector, as exchange rates have a direct impact on the pricing of electronics.

Among the categories with the largest reductions are cell phones (-5.4%), small appliances (-4.3%), and video and audio items (-5.1%). The appliances, which had been showing a trend of decreasing increases, recorded a 2.5% decline in December 2024.

A notable case was that of air conditioning units. After a significant annual increase of 25.7% in January 2024, due to an imbalance between supply and demand, the prices of these products experienced a sharp decline throughout the year, reaching a 3.1% reduction in December – the first annual decline recorded in the 24-month series.

Sérgio Crispim, researcher at Fipe, warns of possible changes in the scenario. "What we have observed in the sector, both globally and in Brazil, is a continuous decline in prices. However, the annual reduction rate slowed significantly in 2024 due to exchange rate influence. If this trend persists, there is a possibility of a positive variation even in the first half of 2025," he analyzes.

It is important to note that, despite the annual decline, the index showed a slight temporary increase in the last month of 2024, with a monthly rise of 0.22%. This movement is attributed to the higher demand during the Christmas period and to a possible compensation for the reductions observed in November, during Black Friday.

The accumulated variation for November and December 2024 was -0.9%, resulting in the reversal of the annual decline observed in previous months. This pattern of price increase in December had already been observed in the years 2022 and 2023.

The report suggests that, although the electronics sector in Brazilian e-commerce experienced a price decline in 2024, the outlook for 2025 remains uncertain. Continuous exchange rate pressure and other economic factors may influence price trends in the near future, making constant market monitoring essential.

Deadline for regularizing debts in Simples Nacional ends on January 31, 2025

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Deadline for regularizing debts in Simples Nacional ends on January 31, 2025

Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs), Microenterprises (MEs), and Small Business Companies (EPPs) have until January 31, 2025, to regularize their debts with the Federal Revenue Service and ensure their continued participation in the Simples Nacional regime. The measure is essential to prevent the exclusion of more than 1.8 million companies notified in October, due to debts totaling R$ 26.7 billion.

According to the IRS, anyone who fails to settle their outstanding debts will be excluded from Simples Nacional as of February 1, 2025, losing benefits such as the reduced and simplified tax burden.

To regularize the situation, companies can access the Simples Nacional portal, the e-CAC, or the PGFN's Regularize system. The Revenue Service offers special installment conditions, such as discounts of up to 100% on interest, fines, and legal charges, as well as installment plans of up to 133 times with a reduced down payment. The first installment must be paid by the deadline.

According to Filipe Bandeira, lawyer and accountant at Fonteles & Associados, the regularization also involves the State and Municipal Tax Authorities, depending on the company's activity. "It is essential for companies to consult an accountant to identify debts or pending issues that may prevent continued participation in the Simples Nacional. Additionally, companies that are not yet in the regime but wish to join must also regularize their debts by January 31," explains the specialist.

Companies that do not settle their debts will face exclusion from Simples Nacional; loss of tax benefits; difficulty in issuing invoices and renewing contracts and loss of competitiveness, especially in sectors that depend on permits and public contracts.

Sebrae reinforces that keeping taxes up to date also guarantees access to social security benefits, such as retirement and maternity pay, participation in public tenders and credit lines.

With a simple and digital process, the IRS seeks to encourage the financial sustainability of businesses and ensure that entrepreneurs take advantage of this opportunity to maintain their competitiveness in the market.

Conta Simples generates 370 thousand hours and R$38 million in savings for SMEs in 2024

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Conta Simples generates 370 thousand hours and R$38 million in savings for SMEs in 2024

A Simple Account, Brazil's leading corporate expense management platform, ends the year with plenty of reasons to celebrate.Throughout 2024, the SMEs connected to the fintech achieved significant efficiency in their daily operations. The time saved by financial teams using the platform to manage their expenses was estimated at over 369,000 hours annually, which corresponds to approximately 180 working days and an annual savings impact of R$38 million. "These tangible gains reflect our goal of simplifying financial processes, increasing efficiency, and allowing company employees to focus on more strategic and less operational activities," emphasizes Rodrigo Tognini, CEO of Conta Simples.

To generate a significant impact, throughout 2024, the fintech scaled its product from a core banking system focused on corporate cards to offering a comprehensive expense management solution. Today, 95% of your more than 38,000 clients are already engaged with at least one feature offered, and 70% use two or more features every month, focused on organization, control, or monitoring of their expenses.

Among the main uses of these cards by SMEs are expenses for advertising, software, and corporate travel, which shows the diversification of the needs of the companies served. The control of these expenses was also better structured, with types of expenses (MCC orMerchant Category Code) and the spending limit (budget) as the functions most used by companies.

Furthermore, the tracking of this expense journey has also evolved, with over 100,000 receipts attached by more than 700 companies. Only one of the fintech's clients attached more than 18,000 invoices throughout the year.This confidence of SMEs in the platform resulted in reaching the historic milestone of R$ 50 billion transacted via cards, PIX, TEDs, boletos, or credit over its five years of existence.

“The numbers show how Conta Simples has been successful in simplifying the routine of SMEs in Brazil, helping to transform management, control and visibility challenges into opportunities for financial efficiency, in addition to bringing more financial autonomy to teams,” comments Tognini.

Focus on innovation, new products and people

The year 2024 was also marked by developments that reaffirmed the purpose of Conta Simples in contributing to Brazilian companies, bringing more simplicity, less bureaucracy and transforming the relationship between SMEs and startups with financial institutions.

An example is the announcement of the expansion of B2B credit offerings, driven by the license for a Direct Credit Society (SCD) granted by the Central Bank at the end of 2023. The initiative was created to support startups and SMEs in managing cash flow, working capital, and growth plans. In the same month, the Simple Account launched new flexible credit card models, tailored to the specific needs of each business."In 2024, we saw our credit card portfolio grow six times more compared to 2023," comments Tognini.

One of the recent launches that helped steer the company's direction was "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL), a solution that helped the fintech offer more advantageous payment conditions, creating the same experience as a credit card, but with the option for companies to use the received limit in transactions with PIX, TED, and boletos.

Behind these innovations is an expanding team that added 112 new employees in 2024 and ended the year with 261 people. To strengthen this entire structure, support the expansion, and enhance market presence, Conta Simples brought in Daniel Moreira (former Itaú Unibanco and Arco Educação), who took on the role of New Business Director, and Conrado Tourinho as their new CMO (former Gympass, Coca-Cola, and Netflix).

“Our success was only possible thanks to the strength of our team. The arrival of talent provided us not only with the expertise of leaders with years of experience in the market, but also with a new lease of life for our challenges together with those who are just starting out in the job market,” reveals Tognini.

International recognition 

Conta Simples was also recognized as one of the 100 most promising fintechs in the world by CB Insights, in the “Expense Management” category, being one of only two Brazilian companies on the list.

Furthermore, the investment of more than R$200 million received in January placed the company on the list of the five largest investments in fintechs of the year, according to“Investment & M&A Report: Fintechs 2024”, and it was just the beginning of a year full of achievements and progress that solidified its position as a reference in the corporate expense management market.

For Tognini, the 2024 results reaffirm that Conta Simples is on the right track: growing sustainably, generating value for its clients and employees, and establishing itself as a reference in the expense management segment. "The goals for 2025 are ambitious, but the learning and achievements of 2024 make it clear that we are prepared to continue transforming and simplifying the way companies manage their finances," he concludes.

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