Participated · Debt Financing · Oct 2025

FAKTUS operates an AI-powered banking and credit platform purpose-built for Europe’s construction SMEs, a segment that typically waits an average of 85 days for payment. Its product suite includes real-time project cash-flow accounts, instant invoice financing with automated validation, material advances, and retention bonds backed by an investment-grade guarantor. The technology parses contracts, tracks schedules, and compresses underwriting from weeks to roughly two hours, enabling rapid liquidity for builders. To date, the company has financed more than 470 worksites and supported over €100 million in project volume, ranging from schools and hospitals to landmark sites such as Roland Garros and the French Senate. Client growth has accelerated 300 percent in the last six months, supported by 13 regional agents and partnerships with over 20 federations and insurers including Atradius and Coface. Looking ahead, FAKTUS plans to finance €500 million of worksites within 18 months, complete nationwide coverage in France, and expand into the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Portugal by 2026. The firm ultimately aims to serve more than 800,000 construction SMEs across Europe.

Participated · Debt Financing · May 2024

Iwoca provides loans to self-employed people and SMEs, offering credit lines of up to €500,000. For smaller amounts (up to €25,000) it automates the credit assessment and can approve and pay out loans the same day, while larger applications are subject to additional individual review with a target decision and payout within two working days. The company also enables other firms to offer credit to their business customers and partners with banks such as Commerzbank. The recent increase in refinancing capacity to €350 million for Germany reflects its focus on scaling lending in that market. The article does not provide revenue, user metrics, or founding-year information.

Led · Equity · Feb 2022

ThinCats focuses on funding mid-sized UK businesses, combining advanced data analytics with traditional credit assessment and a nationwide network of finance specialists. Its core offering spans term loans and revolving credit facilities tailored to individual SME needs, recently expanded through its new Agile Capital product that blends term loans with working-capital lines. In its financial year ending 30 July 2024 the lender originated a record £378 million of SME loans and is currently the top non-bank lender for UK M&A transactions. ThinCats has deployed £440 million from a £700 million private warehouse established in September 2023 and aims to scale its total loan book to £2 billion in the coming years. The firm continues to broaden its product set, recently hiring industry veteran Chris Pacey to lead the Agile Capital initiative. This growth strategy is supported by a diversified funding base, now strengthened through a mezzanine commitment from CPP Investments.