Cleverbridge vs Klarna

Cleverbridge Completes First Live AI Agent-Initiated Payment in France with Visa and Revolut

Cleverbridge announces completion of first live AI agent-initiated payment in France with Visa and Revolut, along with new research on B2B software buying and a partnership with DigitalRoute for usage-based monetization.

New Cleverbridge Research Reveals Execution Gap as B2B Software Buying Moves Digital

New research: What does it really cost to sell software? Read the benchmark report. Cleverbridge research reveals execution gap as B2B software buying moves digital.

AI Speeds Software Discovery but Self-Service Checkout Lags

B2B software buyers are leveraging AI chatbots to accelerate discovery and shortlisting, yet the post-decision purchase process remains bogged down by slow sales-led journeys, internal approvals, and lengthy vendor negotiations. According to G2's 2026 Buyer Behavior Report, over 80% of buyers used AI for software recommendations, with 80% of AI users purchasing from their initial shortlist. However, Cleverbridge's research reveals that nearly 75% of purchases face significant delays or abandonment due to internal approvals and vendor back-and-forth. While 84% of buyers prefer a self-service digital path, only 17% of sellers have implemented one. Delays stem from waiting for quotes, security reviews, and budget approvals. Buyers express willingness to handle routine transactions, including those over $25,000, through self-service, indicating a clear gap between buyer expectations and seller capabilities.

• Over 80% of B2B software buyers used AI chatbots for software recommendations in the past two years (G2).
• 80% of AI users bought from their initial shortlist in at least three of five purchases, versus 65% of non-AI users (G2).
• Nearly three-quarters of software purchases are delayed or abandoned due to internal approvals or vendor back-and-forth (Cleverbridge).

6-K Financial Filing Analysis for Klarna (2026-08-18)

On August 18, 2026, Klarna Group plc submitted a Form 6-K filing furnishing its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 (Q2/H1 2026). The filing incorporates by reference key earnings materials into its Form S-8 registration statements, including its earnings release (Exhibit 99.2), unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (Exhibit 99.4), and supplementary financial metrics (Exhibit 99.5), alongside an investor presentation and press release.

• Klarna Group plc reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, via a Form 6-K filed on August 18, 2026.
• Exhibits 99.2 (Earnings Release), 99.4 (Interim Financial Statements), and 99.5 (Supplementary Metrics) are formally incorporated by reference into Form S-8 (No. 333-290150).
• The filing was authorized and signed by Chief Financial Officer Niclas Neglen on August 18, 2026.

ElevenLabs CEO discusses margins, IPO timing, AI disclosure

ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski discusses the company's $600 million ARR, enterprise growth, and reported $22 billion valuation. He addresses AI commoditization, competition with customers like Decagon, and the need for AI disclosure in customer service. The company focuses on voice AI for enterprise and creators, with clients including Klarna, Deutsche Telekom, Cisco, and Adobe. Staniszewski remains non-committal on IPO timing, citing 2028 as a possible target.

• ElevenLabs is pacing at $600 million in annual recurring revenue.
• The company is reportedly valued at $22 billion.
• 55% of revenue comes from enterprise clients.

Klarna's Olivia Butter on Consumer Research, AI, and Trust

Olivia Butter, Head of Global Brand Direction and Strategy at Klarna, discusses the limits of consumer research, the evolution of Klarna from a payments brand to an 'everyday money partner', and the role of AI in marketing. She emphasizes that consumers cannot always articulate what they want, so marketers must use psychology and leadership to present novel solutions. She also outlines Klarna's new global brand campaign 'Shower Thoughts' and its strategy of being culturally relevant to build trust, contrasting with traditional financial institutions. Butter shares insights on team leadership, the importance of consistent brand presence, and her views on the distinction between marketing and brand.

• Klarna is launching a new global brand campaign called 'Shower Thoughts'.
• Klarna has evolved from a 'buy now, pay later' service into a comprehensive money app.
• Olivia Butter believes consumer research should not be used to expect consumers to know what they want.