Puentes joins from fintech start-ups ChargeAfter, headquartered in NYC, and GreenSky, headquartered in Atlanta, where he primarily focused in the eCommerce space. He will be responsible for leveraging his existing local network to grow a team that will ramp up U.S. operations, focused on acquiring new eCommerce customers and helping to propel these businesses’ growth.
Puentes is also set to drive the Atlanta office headcount up from 7 to 50 employees in the coming months. The Atlanta office is set to open near Atlanta’s BeltLine, and will also be hiring for customer support, marketing and underwriting roles alongside positions in Business Development.
Wayflyer’s expansion into the U.S. comes off the back of its recent $76m all equity Series A raise and partnership with Adobe Commerce. Currently 75% of Wayflyer’s customer base operate in the U.S. and funds from the Series A round will be used for on-the-ground U.S. expansion.
Jay Puentes, Wayflyer US Director of Sales comments:
“With over 2 billion people globally making purchases online, the eCommerce industry continues to see double digit growth year over year. Yet, despite exponential growth, eCommerce companies continue to have inherently difficult working capital challenges, limiting their opportunities for growth. Wayflyer is uniquely positioned to solve these issues and help eCommerce entrepreneurs unlock their potential. In the past three weeks alone, the Wayflyer U.S. team has doubled from 7 to 15, and I look forward to leveraging the extensive local network I've built over the last decade to oversee expansion in the area.”
Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner comments:
“Wayflyer is an exciting addition to Georgia’s global fintech ecosystem. Georgia has an incredibly strong tech talent pool and our e-commerce portfolio is thriving. I’m confident these factors will help Wayflyer continue to grow their U.S. operations.”
Katie Kirkpatrick, Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO comments:
“Wayflyer is a welcome addition to metro Atlanta’s robust fintech sector, as well as our diverse international business community. Working with FinTech Atlanta and our network of economic development partners, we look forward to supporting Wayflyer’s growth in our region.”
Dr. Eloisa Klementich, Invest Atlanta President and CEO Comments:
"With leading universities, a diverse technology talent base and the most-traveled airport in the Western hemisphere, Atlanta continues to attract international companies looking to expand their U.S. presence. We look forward to supporting Wayflyer as they grow their workforce and footprint here in one of the largest and fastest-growing fintech centers in the country."
