Cheddar Up is a Denver-based fintech company that provides a digital platform for collecting group payments and information. It was created to simplify the process of managing dues, donations, registrations, merchandise sales, and forms for organizations such as PTAs, schools, nonprofits, and community groups. The platform enables users to create custom-branded collection pages, accept payments online or in person, and track everything in real time. With a user-first design and no app or account required for payers, Cheddar Up has become a trusted solution for over 100,000 groups across North America.
Cheddar Up was founded in 2012 by Nichole Montoya and Molly DiCarlo. The idea was born from a personal experience when Montoya had to raid her daughter’s piggy bank for a $4 school pajama day fee. Realizing the inefficiencies in group payment collection, she teamed up with DiCarlo to build a solution. After a year of prototyping and securing a spot at 500 Startups, Cheddar Up launched and quickly gained traction. Since then, the platform has processed over $750 million in group payments and continues to grow steadily.
Cheddar Up is a venture-backed private company. It has raised approximately $2.69 million across multiple funding rounds, including seed and later-stage VC investments. Key investors include Kickstart, Royal Street Ventures, Foundry Group, and Stout Street Capital. While its exact valuation is not publicly disclosed, the company is generating revenue and has maintained a lean team of around 25 employees as of 2025.
Cheddar Up offers a robust suite of tools for group organizers:
Recent innovations include:
Cheddar Up fosters a culture rooted in authenticity, innovation, and customer-centricity. The team is composed of professionals who are also active volunteers—PTA presidents, HOA treasurers, and nonprofit board members—ensuring the platform is built with real-world needs in mind. Core values include:
Respect & Authenticity.
The company operates remotely and emphasizes flexibility, listening, and continuous improvement.
Cheddar Up serves a diverse user base, including:
The platform is used for everything from collecting troop dues and spirit wear orders to managing summer camps and fundraising events. Cheddar Up’s community is highly engaged, and many of its features are developed in response to user feedback. The company celebrates its users as creative, inspiring, and essential to its growth.
