Sam Jalaei, Managing Partner and Head of Corporate M&A at Magnusson Denmark led the team in advising the pan-European venture capital fund BlackWood Ventures on its funding round for its UK-based portfolio company, Yonder, a unique credit fintech company that focuses on rewards rather than traditional credit building.
Yonder distinguishes itself by providing a unique alternative to traditional credit cards, which tend to prioritize credit score building or promote innovative lending models like “buy now, pay later.” The London-based company, founded in 2022, offers a rewards credit card that allows users to earn points on everyday spending, which can be redeemed for experiences such as dining, entertainment, and other curated lifestyle activities.
Following Magnusson Denmark’s support in BlackWood’s investment in Yonder, the fintech company has successfully raised £23.4 million. This funding will enable Yonder to expand its team, enhance its rewards offerings, and accelerate its growth beyond the UK. The investment will also drive key initiatives, including the launch of a free membership tier, partnerships with hundreds of independent businesses, numerous product upgrades, and the introduction of Yonder Flights—a feature that allows users to redeem points for flights with any airline, globally. We are proud to have played a role in this exciting journey, assisting BlackWood Ventures as Yonder continues to stand out in the market.
Magnusson Denmark’s Managing Partner, Sam Jalaei, commented on the deal,
“Today marks a significant achievement for all parties involved. I am immensely proud of our team’s ability to expertly navigate the complexities of this cross-border M&A transaction with such professionalism and composure. This deal is a true testament to the outstanding capabilities of the Magnusson M&A team. It has been both an honor and a pleasure to collaborate with the skilled and dynamic team at BlackWood Ventures.”
Launched in 2023, BlackWood Ventures is a technology-driven venture capital fund based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The fund has invested in outstanding startups across Europe and beyond, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and support the most promising early-stage companies. With over 100 connections to universities, accelerators, and incubators across Europe, BlackWood Ventures reviews more than 300 startups each month.
The team from Magnusson Denmark consisted of Managing Partner and Head of Corporate M&A Sam Jalaei, Partner Tom Stener Froberg and Junior Associates, Simon Fraenkel and Mohammad J. Hosseinzadeh. The team proudly assisted BlackWood Ventures’ fund team throughout all customary elements of a local startup investment.
Contact
Sam Jalaei
Managing Partner / Head of Corporate & M&A / Head of Capital Markets and Head of Middle East Desk
Corporate and M&A, Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Commercial, Dispute Resolution
Send me an email +45 82 51 51 00 +45 27 74 05 04Tom Stener Froberg
Partner / Head of Employment
Employment, Commercial, Corporate and M&A, EU and Competition, Public procurement, Transport
Send me an email +45 82 51 51 00 +45 40 43 18 40Simon Fraenkel
Junior Associate
Corporate and M&A, Banking and Finance, Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment
Send me an email +45 82 51 51 00 +45 22 13 93 62