Enter WARREN, a Belgian wealth-tech startup on a mission to change how businesses handle financial wellness. With a fresh €3 million pre-seed funding round, WARREN plans to redefine employee benefits by helping workers build long-term financial security, not just collect paychecks.
Financial stress is quietly draining workplaces across the globe — driving down productivity and pushing employees to seek better support elsewhere. Recent studies reveal that 78% of employees feel anxious about their finances, while 60% believe their companies should take financial well-being seriously. Shockingly, 42% admit they’d switch jobs for better financial support.
The funding round was led by Motive Ventures, with strong backing from Entourage, Syndicate One, Pitchdrive, 1105, and a group of experienced angel investors. While the company didn’t disclose its exact valuation, the capital injection signals strong confidence in WARREN’s ambitious vision.
WARREN’s co-founder and CEO, Cedric De Vleeschauwer, shared exclusively: “This investment fuels three priorities — product development, team expansion, and customer acquisition. We’re doubling down on refining our AI coach, adding financial products, and ramping up partnerships. And honestly, we’re just getting started.”
Reimagining Employee Benefits Through Wealth Empowerment
Founded in 2024, WARREN brings together a powerhouse team — De Vleeschauwer (ex-Alan, Showpad), Jos Polfliet (ex-Metamaze), David Du Pré (formerly Alan, Showpad), Tijs Deryckere (ex-KBC), and Pieterjan Behaeghe (ex-Alan, Silverfin). Their shared mission? Empower employees to take charge of their finances and reduce one of the biggest sources of workplace stress — money problems.
“We’re tackling a major pain point: financial insecurity,” De Vleeschauwer explained. “Almost 80% of employees worry about their finances. This stress chips away at productivity, morale, and mental health. Raising salaries alone won’t solve this — we need smarter solutions.”
For WARREN, that solution is what they call “wealth enablement” — giving employees the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build sustainable wealth. For workers, it means gaining control over their future. For companies, it leads to happier teams, better retention, and a competitive hiring edge.
Smart Tools for Building Real Financial Security
WARREN’s platform is built around three powerful pillars:
- Transparent Financial Planning
- AI-Powered Coaching and Education
- On-Demand Access to Human Financial Advisors
Employees get a clear picture of where they stand financially and receive personalized advice in real time. The AI-driven platform helps boost financial literacy, guide decision-making, and reduce stress. But it doesn’t stop there — users can connect directly with human advisors for expert guidance, something usually reserved for the wealthy.
De Vleeschauwer summed it up: “Wealth enablement is the future of employee benefits. It’s not just about paying salaries anymore. It’s about actively supporting people to grow their wealth, build confidence, and create security. Our blend of AI and human expertise makes professional wealth advice accessible to everyone.”
Why Financial Wellness is the Next Frontier for Businesses
When employees are financially stressed, businesses pay the price — lower morale, poor performance, and higher turnover. WARREN’s solution aims to flip this dynamic by offering a benefit that’s easy to roll out and instantly impactful.
“Our technology helps employers drive financial literacy and offer teams real tools for wealth-building,” explained co-founder and CCO, David Du Pré. “It’s about giving employees more than a salary — it’s showing you care about their future. That’s powerful for retention and culture.”
With WARREN, companies gain a unique way to support their workforce while creating a more engaged and loyal team. Financial security becomes a strategic advantage, not just a personal goal.
WARREN’s Ambitious Roadmap: Redefining Employee Benefits in Europe
Looking ahead, De Vleeschauwer is clear about where WARREN is headed: “In five years, we want wealth enablement to be considered the most essential employee benefit in Europe.”
Their plans include launching a direct-to-consumer (B2C) platform, expanding into two more European countries beyond Belgium, and unlocking dormant capital. By helping retail investors access opportunities like private equity and real estate, WARREN hopes to turn everyday earners into empowered wealth builders.
“Our ultimate goal is simple — make wealth building accessible to everyone, not just the few,” De Vleeschauwer added. “This is about changing the game for how people approach their financial futures.”
