Klarna has opened a new technology hub in Warsaw, reflecting the city’s growing reputation as a centre of technology innovation.
Klarna says it is aiming to hire over 100 engineers by 2025 in Poland, tapping into a deep tech and AI talent pool.
“Poland is Europe’s next tech powerhouse”, says Sebastian Siemiatkowski, co-founder and CEO of Klarna. “Warsaw’s exceptional engineering talent, thriving startup scene, and strategic location make it the perfect choice for our new tech hub."
He says the Warsaw hub will play a pivotal role in the company’s broader strategy to lead AI adoption.
CEO Siemiatkowski has previously hailed the impact of AI, revealing: "Our AI assistant now performs the work of 700 employees, reducing the average resolution time from 11 minutes to just two, while maintaining the same customer satisfaction scores as human agents."
The company has trimmed its workforce through natural attrition from 5000 to 3800 over the last year and with nine out of 10 Klarna employees already using AI in their daily work, Siemiatkowski is expecting more dramatic reductions, with the ultimate aim of halving the workforce.
The opening of the new tech hub coincides with Klarna reporting its scond profitable quarter in succession, with the company achieving net income of SEK 216 million in Q3, up 57% YoY.
Says Siemiatkowski: “We're back in familiar territory: profit and growth, just like the old days. With our exciting new collaborations with Worldpay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Adyen, we're closer than ever to making Klarna available at every checkout. We're gearing up for a strong holiday season, and our AI-powered products will help consumers save time, money and reduce financial worry.”
The BNPL ffirm's foray into traditional banking territory is also gaining traction. Klarna balance, a newly launched product tapping into retail banks’ core business in everyday spending and saving, has attracted 1.6 million users in just three months. Klarna cashback, meanwhile has driven nearly $5 million in rewards, putting money back into customers’ Klarna balance accounts. The cashback offers have also boosted merchant sales by up to 30%, supporting GMV growth and affiliate partnerships.