Funding U operates a lending platform that uses AI analytics and its proprietary SMaRT scoring software to underwrite $3,000–$10,000 'last gap' loans for high-performing, underrepresented college students without relying on co-signer FICO. The company pairs lending with credit education and career networking to support borrower outcomes. Funding U reports having originated $6.1M in loans to 690 students to date, nearly 40% of whom are first-generation college students. The firm says its model evaluates academic success, employability and earnings potential rather than parental income or credit scores. Funding U plans to scale operations and expand its services to reach more than 1,500 career-focused students at four-year U.S. colleges. The company was founded in 2016 in Georgia and has operated nationally since 2018.

Total raised

$14M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Debt Financing

Latest activity

Oct 2020