WILMINGTON, NC, July 18, 2024—APPROVE, a local fintech startup pioneering in the B2B equipment financing and payments space, is thrilled to announce a significant relocation for the company’s headquarters. For APPROVE, home is now the top floor of the notable Third and Grace building in downtown Wilmington. This move into the 12,289 square foot space underscores the company’s remarkable growth, and its ongoing commitment to bringing innovative, problem-solving products and services to the B2B equipment market.

The company was founded in 2014 as KWIPPED, under CEO Robert Preville, as a tech-enabled, online equipment rental marketplace. The inspired introduction of APPROVE in 2020 marked a pivotal moment, driving an impressive trajectory of growth. APPROVE has since established itself as a leading name in the industry, offering tailored equipment financing solutions that leverage cutting-edge technology, a versatile network of lenders and personalized service.

In 2017, APPROVE began its operations at 228 N. Front Street with roughly 9 employees as KWIPPED. With the boom of APPROVE, the company moved its headquarters in 2020 to 379 N. Front Street in the Cotton Exchange, growing to 20 employees. The summer of 2023 marked a significant milestone in company history when it was granted Series A funding of $3 million, which enabled further scaling of both product and workforce. By the end of 2023, the company consisted of 24 employees and with the initiative to further their reach in the industry by growing the team, began to anticipate the need to identify a larger space. APPROVE officially made the office transition on July 5^th, 2024, sitting at 50 employees across 7 departments. CEO, Preville states, “While our expanded office space serves a functional need, it is also a representation of the hard work, innovative ideas and valuable fintech products our team has created. I thank our employees for their dedication and relentless creativity.”

According to APPROVE’s Chief Marketing Officer, Robin Salter, “Remaining downtown was a major priority for us as we looked to expand. The excitement and energy of our company’s growth completely aligns with the excitement and energy of the evolution of downtown Wilmington. APPROVE has a highly positive and creative culture and being downtown contributes significantly to that culture. We also want to thank Wilmington Downtown, Inc. for their constant support and essential role in helping us find and secure our new headquarters.”

To commemorate this move, APPROVE will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the company’s new Third and Grace location sponsored by Wilmington Downtown, Inc with community leaders in attendance including Mayor Bill Saffo and members of the City Council. Local media have an open invitation. Business leaders and individuals involved in economic development are invited upon request – contact Robin Salter at rsalter@approvepayments.com or 910.350.3203.

To keep up with APPROVE’s journey and impact on Wilmington and the B2B equipment space alike (including new roles to be added) follow along at the company’s, website and LinkedIn page.

Contact: Robin Salter; rsalter@approvepayments.com; 910.350.3203