How did Sebastian Siemiatkowski develop the idea for Klarna while working at a factoring firm?

While working at a factoring firm in 2004, Sebastian noticed that small e-commerce companies needed better payment solutions. As a sales representative calling businesses, he found established companies weren't interested in switching services, but emerging online retailers were eager for solutions that could save them money. Through conversations with these entrepreneurs, Sebastian realized there was an opportunity in the payment space. Despite planning to return to his studies, he presented his idea at a university incubator that promoted student entrepreneurship. This concept eventually evolved into Klarna's buy now, pay later model, transforming from a simple payment service for small e-commerce companies into a global financial technology platform.