Payments solutions provider Clearent has taken a minority stake in CleanCloud, a global software-as-a-service (SaaS) business.

Clearent Software Holdings (CSH), a wholly owned subsidiary of St. Louis-based Clearent, announced its latest move toward providing the highest quality, best-priced and most user-friendly range of solutions to customers of all sizes, from small, family-owned stores to enterprise cleaners.

CleanCloud, a global SaaS business servicing dry cleaners and laundromats, primarily serves small, independent, multi-store businesses but also serves larger chains outside the U.S. The CleanCloud app is available via monthly subscription fee to customers on iOS and Android devices. The app includes a CRM function to improve the end-user experience by allowing the end-user to place laundry orders via their mobile device. CleanCloud credits the app as the key reason the company has increased revenues tenfold since 2015.

The tools and online reach provided by CleanCloud allow smaller operators to compete with the industry giants, including well-funded on-demand disruptors with significant marketing budgets and, often, highly developed infrastructure. CleanCloud regularly rolls out new features, ensuring users have the most advanced software solution at their disposal. As a result, users can see a significant increase in their year-on-year turnover, on average.

Clearent Software Holdings was established as a subsidiary to Clearent to encompass a number of independent software vendors so that it can leverage Clearent’s strengths as a payment processor as well as the collective resources of associated SaaS solution providers.

This latest transaction bolsters Clearent Software Holdings’ portfolio of independent software vendors in the dry-cleaning industry and helps further its goal to become the leading player in the US laundry software market. CleanCloud will operate alongside SPOT Business Systems, benefiting each other by sharing best practices and lead generation, while continuing to operate as independent companies.

“Aligning with CleanCloud has taken Clearent Software Holdings’ efforts in the dry-cleaning industry to the next level,” said Dan Geraty, CEO of Clearent. “As a result of our investment in CleanCloud, not only have we firmly established an international presence in this exciting, growing industry, but we also have enhanced our ability to provide the right service, at the right time and at the best possible price to dry-cleaning companies of all sizes across the enterprise spectrum.”

John Buni, co-founder and CEO of CleanCloud, said: “It’s great to team up with Clearent as we continue our drive to sign up users across the United States. The stores using our software are generational businesses, with great stories and heritage. What we are doing is applying a technology platform which helps people to sell, manage, report on and grow their businesses.”