Fintech Startup Wayflyer Selects Mecklenburg County for U.S. Headquarters

Wayflyer, a leading financing platform for consumer brands, will locate its new U.S. headquarters in Mecklenburg County.  

Wayflyer, based in Ireland, chose Charlotte to expand its U.S. presence after a comprehensive market evaluation, said Aidan Corbett, chief executive officer and company co-founder.  

“Charlotte’s thriving finance ecosystem, rich talent pool and strong university connections made it the ideal location for our U.S. hub,” Corbett said. “Having a dedicated team on the ground allows us to better serve our U.S. customers and support their growth journeys in real time.”  

“Wayflyer’s announcement demonstrates that Mecklenburg County remains a strong anchor for fintech and international business,” said Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell. “We welcome Wayflyer, along with the many opportunities this expansion will create for our workforce and local economy.”  

Wayflyer has already invested more than $60 million into businesses headquartered in North Carolina. The company expects to create approximately 20 new roles in Charlotte this year across sales, customer success and underwriting.  

“Charlotte is proud to welcome Wayflyer as they expand their U.S. presence,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “Wayflyer’s commitment to empowering consumer brands aligns perfectly with Charlotte’s entrepreneurial spirit. Their investment and job creation will have a meaningful impact on our thriving startup ecosystem, and we’re excited to see their continued growth here.”  

Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte partnered with the Irish American Business Alliance North Carolina on the project.  

“Wayflyer’s decision to establish its North American headquarters in Charlotte is a strong vote of confidence in North Carolina’s thriving market for financial technology,” said R. John Young, chair of the IABA North Carolina and honorary consul for North Carolina. “This move not only reflects Charlotte’s growing reputation as a hub for global innovation but also strengthens the bridge between Ireland and North Carolina. We look forward to leveraging this momentum to bring even more high-impact Irish companies to the state.”

Additional partners on the project are the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), Charlotte Center City Partners, South Park Partners, UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.

Since its launch in 2020, Wayflyer has deployed over $5 billion in working capital to 5,000 consumer brands across 11 countries. This underserved market segment has helped consumer brands optimize cash flow, invest in marketing and seize growth opportunities.  

With offices already in New York City, this continued U.S. expansion strengthens Wayflyer’s presence in one of its fastest-growing markets, enabling the company to work more closely with American businesses.

This announcement comes on the heels of significant momentum for Wayflyer, which was recently named one of CNBC’s Top Fintech Companies for 2025 and recognized as one of Deloitte’s fastest-growing startups in 2024.

Foreign direct investment is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Charlotte, with nine companies announcing new or expanding presence in Mecklenburg County over the past 18 months, including Siemens, AVL Manufacturing and Daimler Truck Financial Services. The Charlotte region is home to more than 1,000 foreign-owned companies.