Exclusive: Badge raises $17 million to chase the next era of digital wallets

Fortune

by Allie Garfinkle

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Badge, a startup focused on developing the next generation of digital wallets, has raised $17.1 million in funding, led by TTV Capital and including participation from Stripe. This investment reflects growing confidence in the potential of digital wallets to evolve beyond mere storage for money into dynamic platforms integrated deeply into smartphone ecosystems like iOS and Android. Eric Senn, Badge's CEO and cofounder, highlights that digital wallets are becoming a new frontier for brand engagement, similar to social media platforms. He points out that more people use Apple and Google Wallet today than major apps like TikTok, emphasizing the importance of this space for businesses to develop strategies. Unlike traditional app downloads, which consumers increasingly avoid, wallets are pre-installed on phones, offering an easier way for brands to interact with customers. Badge aims to make digital wallets sticky by focusing on revenue-driving features such as loyalty programs, gift cards, and ticketing systems. Senn acknowledges the challenge of addressing "app fatigue" and ensuring that wallets don't become overwhelmed with irrelevant content, likening it to the need to prevent spam in email or SMS. He predicts a future where digital wallet spam is inevitable but believes businesses can still thrive by innovating within this space. The article underscores how the shift from physical to digital wallets represents a significant business opportunity. As consumer behavior evolves, the wallet's role as a central platform for transactions and services positions it as a key area for innovation and investment in the tech-driven economy.

Verticals

businessfinance

Originally published on Fortune on 2/19/2026