StoneCo Ltd. is a prominent Brazilian financial technology company dedicated to empowering merchants of all sizes to conduct commerce seamlessly across in-store, online, and mobile channels. Founded in 2012 by André Street and Eduardo Pontes, the company emerged in response to the liberalization of the Brazilian financial services industry, aiming to challenge the existing duopoly and provide innovative solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). StoneCo has established itself as a leading provider of an integrated ecosystem of financial services, including payment processing, digital banking, credit facilities, and software solutions. The company's mission is to support Brazilian entrepreneurs by offering a comprehensive suite of tools that enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and growth. This customer-centric approach is a cornerstone of StoneCo's strategy, focusing on delivering not just services, but a partnership to its clients.
The company's offerings are built on a robust, cloud-based technology platform that allows for flexibility and scalability. This infrastructure supports a wide range of services, from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and e-commerce gateways to sophisticated software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and order management. A key differentiator for StoneCo is its hyper-local distribution model, which includes 'Stone Hubs' across Brazil. These hubs provide localized sales, service, and support, ensuring a close relationship with merchants and a deep understanding of their needs. Through strategic acquisitions, such as Linx, a leading retail software provider, StoneCo has significantly expanded its software capabilities, further integrating financial services with management tools. This positions the company as a comprehensive partner for businesses navigating the increasing digitization of the Brazilian economy. With a strong focus on innovation and customer success, StoneCo continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of Brazil's fintech landscape.