Trade Ledger scores £13.5 million in Series A — a hefty boost for SME lenders
In a move that’s already generating buzz across banking circles, Trade Ledger, the tech platform turning the messy world of SME financing into a streamlined, data‑driven playground, has pulled together a whopping £13.5 million to finish its Series A funding. The deal, led by Point72 Ventures and padded by a cadre of seasoned investors, is setting the stage for the company to double‑down on growth and get more businesses off the “no‑credit” blacklist.
Who’s throwing the money in?
- Point72 Ventures – the headline investor, steering the equity portion.
- Foundation Capital – already played in the debt tranche and now backing the next phase.
- Court Lorenzini – DocuSign’s founder, helping Round B with his strategic eye.
- And a host of other early‑stage investors who’re keeping the momentum alive.
Hambro Perks – a long‑time backer that’s thrilled to see the company scale.
With the capital influx, Trade Ledger is gearing up to expand its sales, marketing, and customer‑delivery squads, an essential leap if the firm is to “trip‑ple” its customer count by the end of next year.
Why this matters to the millions of SMEs out there
Trade Ledger’s platform allows banks and alternative lenders to see, in one glance, everything they need to decide on a loan for a small or medium‑sized business. The result? Faster, smarter credit decisions that don’t inflate risk. The company is also opening doors to “embedded finance” — so businesses could, for instance, get a loan while shopping on a partner’s website, all handled behind the scenes.
Since its founding four years ago, the firm has attracted a roster of major bank clients and alt‑finance players. Revenue grew twelve‑fold in 2020 alone, underscoring just how explosive the market for SME credit is.
What the CEOs and investors are chanting
Martin McCann, CEO stated, “We’re on the cusp of turning the SME credit gap — roughly £1.2 trillion worldwide — into a walking, talking reality. The new funds let us serve more businesses faster and with fewer headaches.”
Alex Tarhini, Operating Partner at Point72 Ventures added, “Trade Ledger is part of a tech wave reshaping the financial services landscape. Their data‑driven lending and flexible platform are a game‑changer for any lender that wants to tap into the engine of the global economy: SMEs.”
George Davies, Partner at Hambro Perks echoed the enthusiasm, “We’re thrilled to back the team that’s already building a world‑class product. Their growth trajectory is unmistakable, and we’re in it for the long haul.”
Board power‑ups
To further cement its leadership, Alex Tarhini will join Trade Ledger’s board, alongside Court Lorenzini, George Davies, and the founders. Foundation Capital’s Angus Davis remains on board as an observer, giving the company a watchful eye on the market’s shifting currents.
Bottom line: the future of SME lending is bright
With a sweet blend of data, automation, and instant access, Trade Ledger is poised to keep the lending engine humming for the business champions that keep economies moving. The next chapter? A surge in customers, a quicker repayment process, and, in short, a healthier, more inclusive credit ecosystem for small players worldwide.
