Modern times require modern payment solutions, and Leanpay, a Catalyst Romania Fund II company, is leading the way in digital installment payments. Founded by Miša Živić, Janko Medja, and Tilen Zugwitz, Leanpay was created to offer transparent, simple, and fast installment payments for retail companies and their customers, eliminating time-consuming paperwork and bank visits.

Recently, Forbes interviewed co-founder Janko Medja about the advantages of Leanpay for retailers and customers. As he explained, “Leanpay is the most used payment method in installments in stores. It is available in almost all stores in Slovenia and is extremely easy to use. Online, I click ‘Pay with Leanpay,’ in-store I tell the seller or scan a QR code, and I complete the process on my smartphone.”

Leanpay works instantly. Once a customer enters a few personal details, the system automatically checks creditworthiness using public and private data, as well as Leanpay’s own scoring system. Customers receive immediate approval, and merchants get paid in full. Medja emphasized, “No paperwork, no bank visits, no waiting. Every day we work to enable the easiest and safest financing for the end customer while ensuring easier sales processes for stores, fewer abandoned carts, higher average purchase value, and immediate payment of the full amount without credit risk.”

The company has also embraced AI through its digital assistant, Lea, which was launched in 2024 to improve customer support and reduce response times. Medja noted, “More than 60 percent of questions are solved by Lea, which means much faster responses, greater efficiency, and greater customer satisfaction. In the future, we see AI helping even more in retail and risk management.”

Leanpay also helps retailers boost sales and customer experience. Integration with platforms like Shopify, as well as local POS systems, allows merchants to offer instant installment payments seamlessly. Medja explained, “Merchants gain much more than a modern payment solution. They gain a strategic partner who contributes to sales growth, conversion optimization, and a better user experience. We provide campaigns, analytics, sales team training, and technical integration.”

Security and compliance are at the core of Leanpay’s operations. Fully licensed by the Slovenian Ministry of Economy, Leanpay follows GDPR and national consumer protection laws, ensuring that personal data is handled safely and transparently.

Now in its seventh year on the Slovenian market, Leanpay is proud to serve over 100,000 satisfied users and continue expanding across Central and Eastern Europe. Medja highlighted, “Our vision is to improve the user experience, introduce new technologies, and become an even more reliable payment solution in Slovenia and the wider region. As fintech innovation grows, we aim to combine security, convenience, and ethical lending to make digital payments easier for everyone.”

Leanpay’s journey shows how a Catalyst-backed company can combine technology, innovation, and responsible financial practices to reshape the digital payments landscape.

Leanpay is not just a payment solution, but a growth partner for vehicle dealers. In partnership with AutoBrief, an all-in-one dealership management platform, Leanpay has launched a targeted video ad campaign designed to make car buying easier for customers and more efficient for dealers.

The campaign highlights the Leanpay logo and easy installment options directly within the dealer’s ecosystem, encourages buyers to select financing at the point of purchase, and helps dealers increase completed sales through an integrated payment solution.

Early results are encouraging. More buyers are engaging with financing offers, driving a steady increase in purchases powered by Leanpay. This initiative demonstrates how Catalyst portfolio companies combine innovation and practical solutions to support business growth and improve customer experiences.