Aro Raises US$2.5 Million Pre-Seed Round to Expand AI Credit Guidance Platform

Aro, the fintech startup that created an artificial intelligence agent designed to guide consumers through the credit journey, has officially exited stealth mode after securing US$2.5 million in a pre-seed funding round announced on Monday, April 13.

The new capital will support product development, team expansion, and the scaling of its credit operation as the company enters a new growth phase.

Funding Round Led by Regional and Global Investors

The round was led by ONEVC and 17Sigma from Argentina, with additional participation from Norte Ventures, U.S.-based Gilgamesh, and Grão VC. The company did not disclose its valuation.

Aro was co-founded by Pedro Milanez, the first employee at Nubank and co-founder of proptech Lastro, alongside Yuri Mannes, former Vice President of Innovation at BR Media Group.

According to Milanez, the market is creating new opportunities for fintech companies focused on user experience rather than only product sales.

“There has been an explosion of financial services, but the service and support layer has not yet been developed,” said Milanez, CEO of Aro.

Aro’s Mission: Improve Credit Decisions With AI

Founded in August 2024, Aro uses artificial intelligence and behavioral data to understand each customer’s financial situation and direct them toward better credit solutions.

Its product is primarily aimed at consumers in Brazil’s C and D income segments, groups that often face more challenges accessing financial guidance and suitable credit products.

The company’s model seeks to simplify complex credit decisions while helping users improve outcomes over time.

How the New Capital Will Be Used

Part of the funding will be allocated to hiring new talent and strengthening Aro’s technology infrastructure.

The startup also plans to build a proprietary dataset focused on the main pain points users face when navigating credit products. This information is expected to improve the company’s analytical models and recommendation engine.

Another portion of the investment will go toward scaling Aro’s credit operations.

Existing Partnerships and Lending Operation

Aro already works with five partners, directing users to credit solutions while supporting them throughout the process, including debt renegotiation when needed.

In addition, the company operates its own small-ticket unsecured personal loan product, offering amounts of up to US$40. These loans are funded with Aro’s own resources while leveraging Celcoin’s banking license.

Growth Since MVP Launch

Since launching its minimum viable product in November 2025, more than 100,000 people have used the platform.

During that period, Aro has originated more than US$400,000 in credit volume, helping validate its operating model and demand.

With that traction, the fintech expects to reach US$1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) during the first half of the year.

Expansion Plans for 2026

Looking ahead, Aro plans to add 15 new credit partners before the end of the year, broadening the options available to users.

Its proprietary lending line will continue to serve primarily as a tool for generating data and improving understanding of customer financial behavior, rather than acting as the company’s main short-term growth engine.

Milanez also noted that the latest funding round strengthens Aro’s position within the venture capital ecosystem, as the company intends to pursue another round later this year focused on attracting strategic investors specialized in credit markets.