Fintech startup Joust raises $2.6 million seed round for the nation’s first banking platform for freelancers, entrepreneurs and the self-employed workers

U.S.-based neobank Joust Labs, the first and the only bank platform serving the independent professional, the freelancer, and the small business founder, announced today that it has closed a $2.6 million seed round of funding for its financial services platform designed for freelancers and entrepreneurs, many of whom face challenges managing their finances due to the irregularity of working with multiple clients or partners.

Founded in 2017 by Lamine Zarrad and George Kurtyka, Joust is the nation’s first all-inclusive banking platform for independent professionals. It serves freelancers, contractors, and self-employed workers in all 50 states. Joust helps its users handle invoices and payments and provides protection against late or missed payments. The round was led by PTB Ventures and also included Accion Venture Lab, the seed-stage investment initiative of global nonprofit Accion; Financial Venture Studio; and Techstars. The funds will support Joust as it expands its platform to serve the growing freelance workforce segment.

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