The implementation of Supply Pay has resulted in notable success for eBridge.

Introducing Supply Pay: Transforming Global Trade Finance

Overview
Supply Pay, the latest venture co-founded by William Steele alongside Jack Sawyer and Jorge Ayala, is revolutionizing the trade finance industry by making it accessible to retail investors. Traditionally reserved for banks, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals, trade finance assets are now available to a broader audience through Supply Pay’s innovative platform. This initiative allows retail investors to invest in global trade receivables, providing an alternative asset class with short-term horizons, stable returns, and low correlation to traditional markets like stocks, bonds, and real estate.

By leveraging cutting-edge software and technology, Supply Pay addresses key challenges in the trade ecosystem, including negative cash flow cycles for U.S. importers and prolonged payment cycles for international exporters. The platform enhances efficiency, reduces risks, and creates new opportunities in trade finance, democratizing access for investors and improving liquidity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in global commerce.

Founder’s Vision
“Building Supply Pay has been an absolutely fascinating journey,” remarks William Steele, COO and Co-Founder. “Our unique location in the borderplex region provides seamless access to both sides of the cross-border supply chain. This advantage has been instrumental in our early success as we refine and expand our platform. Our mission is to democratize trade finance for investors and SMEs worldwide. While we’ve started with U.S.-Mexico trade, we aim to grow into the world’s leading global trade finance company.”

Milestones and Impact
In its initial six months, Supply Pay has facilitated over $1,000,000 in trade transactions, primarily supporting Mexican agricultural producers exporting to the U.S. This accomplishment underscores the platform’s transformative role in simplifying and enhancing international trade processes.

Key innovations include automated payment systems and real-time transaction tracking, which reduce the complexities of cross-border trade, improve transparency, and strengthen trust between suppliers and buyers. By fostering these relationships, Supply Pay has established itself as a critical player in enhancing global trade finance operations.

Community and Ecosystem Support
Supply Pay’s growth has been strongly supported by collaborations with local organizations such as the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and the eBridge Center. These partnerships have provided the company with mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities that have been pivotal in navigating the evolving trade finance landscape.

“Supply Pay exemplifies the innovative spirit cultivated at the eBridge Center,” notes Cori Pena, President & CEO of BCIC. “Their achievements highlight the power of community-driven support and the entrepreneurial ecosystem we are building in Brownsville. We are incredibly proud of their success.”

Jorge Ayala, Co-Founder of Supply Pay, further emphasizes the value of these partnerships: “The rise of nearshoring has created significant opportunities. Thanks to the guidance and resources provided by BCIC and eBridge, we are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and establish a strong presence in the market.”

Future Developments
Looking forward, Supply Pay plans to integrate blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies to enhance security, transparency, and operational efficiency further. These advancements will solidify its position as a leader in the fintech industry and ensure continued growth.

In late July, Supply Pay will embark on a $2,000,000 equity fundraising round, a critical step in scaling its platform and expanding its market reach. This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and its vision of democratizing trade finance on a global scale.

Ecosystem Reflections
“The success of Supply Pay demonstrates the value of the resources and mentorship available at the eBridge Center,” observes Nathan Burkhart, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for BCIC. “Their growth is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit in Brownsville and the support programs that drive innovation and economic development in our community.”

Linda Ufland Romo, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Commercialization for UTRGV ECC, echoes these sentiments: “Supply Pay is a shining example of what can be achieved in the Rio Grande Valley with the right ecosystem support. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited about their future.”

Conclusion
With its innovative approach, robust community support, and ambitious plans for technological advancement, Supply Pay is redefining global trade finance. By democratizing access to trade assets and fostering economic efficiency, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on the fintech industry and the global trade ecosystem.