A fundamentally better way of borrowing
Funding Circle is a leading global SME loan platform. By combining cutting-edge technology, sophisticated data analytics and dedicated customer service, we help SMEs access finance that allows them to grow and expand. We’re also opening up a whole new asset class to investors, to whom we provide stable returns and a range of investment options.
50-60%(1)
of economic value is generated by SMEs
70%(1)
of employment is provided by SMEs
99%(1)
of all firms are SMEs
23%(1)
projected increase in SME revenue from 2017–2021
(1) Source: OECD.
What makes Funding Circle unique
Leading platform in underserved market
Funding Circle operates in a segment where SMEs have been underserved and dissatisfied with traditional lenders
Sophisticated technology and data
Sophisticated technology, data and analytics drive superior customer experience and competitive advantage
Superior value proposition
Superior value proposition for both borrowers and investors drives strong repeat rates
Strong growth opportunities
Compelling growth opportunities with an improving financial profile
Virtuous network effects
Virtuous network effects driven by scale and an attractive underlying business model
Founder-led entrepreneurial culture
Founder-led and experienced management team with entrepreneurial culture
In order to fit out a new cafe and kitchen, Michaela from Arapina accessed finance through Funding Circle in 2017.
What we offer
An industry-leading borrower service
Speed and simplicity:
Our simple online application is faster and easier than traditional lending channels, meaning SMEs can access the capital they need in days rather than months. It typically takes around ten minutes to complete the application process, and only a small number of additional documents are required. We generally make credit decisions within 24 hours in the UK, and within one to three days in the US.
Competitive market-driven pricing:
Our online platform lending model provides competitive and transparent pricing for borrowers – starting at 1.9% a year for an A+ rated six-month loan in the UK.
Outstanding customer experience and ease of use:
We’re continually focused on delivering excellent customer service. Our aim is to enhance the user experience and make the application process as efficient as possible.
80–90 NPS
Net promoter score in UK and US in 2018
35%
of all originations were repeat borrowers in 2018
85%
of our borrowers said they would approach us first should they need additional financing in the future
Attractive stable returns for investors
We attract a diverse and sustainable investor base:
The diversity of our investor base is testimony to the appeal of our value proposition. We've attracted retail and accredited investors, asset management companies, insurance companies, government-backed entities and funds - both public and private. Since 2016, 40% of lending through our platform has come from investors lending in multiple Funding Circle geographies, reinforcing our scale and providing a deep and stable source of funding.
Reputation for delivering attractive returns:
Our ability to attract such investors is partly due to our reputation for delivering attractive returns and stable bad debt rates. Our credit assessment process combines technology with advanced data analytics and proprietary risk models. And our specialist Collections, Servicing and Recoveries team works closely with borrowers who run into difficulty, which results in industry-leading collections across all of our geographies. Our strong investment track record has led to high retention rates. In 2018, 74% of lending came from existing investors.
Regular stress testing:
We regularly stress test our loans to assess the potential impact of adverse economic conditions on our loanbook. Covering various recessionary scenarios, our tests suggest that even in a major economic downturn, our investors would still make positive returns.
Getting the loan was not at all complicated and much faster than I had expected. Our Account Manager was very polite and competent at any given time.
Gebel Bakery has been a producer of high-quality baked goods for over 70 years. With a loan from Funding Circle, Ruth Gebel expanded the retail space of the flagship store, opening a little café inside the bakery and almost immediately saw her revenue increase by 25%.
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At Funding Circle, people and culture are considered fundamental to the success of our business.
Our people