UK Fintech Lenkie Secures £49M to Fund SMEs Supplier Payments

Lenkie, a UK-based fintech startup specializing in cash flow management, has raised £49 million in funding to scale its platform and enhance financial tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The latest round, which includes both equity and debt financing, highlights increasing investor interest in alternative financing solutions for businesses.

Founded in 2021 by Sanjeev Jeyakumar and Nnaemeka Obodoekwe, Lenkie provides SMEs with access to flexible financing by paying suppliers directly at the start of transactions. The company has already facilitated over £70 million in funding for underserved businesses and supported payments to 2,000 suppliers across 40 countries.

"SMEs are the backbone of the economy, yet access to fast and flexible financing remains a challenge," said Jeyakumar. "By using data and technology, we can build trust in seconds and provide capital when it’s most impactful. Our transaction-based funding model aligns with how modern businesses operate and grow."

Lenkie’s model moves beyond traditional lending by offering transaction-based financing instead of fixed-term loans. This approach ensures businesses receive the right amount of funding based on their real-time needs, improving efficiency and reducing financial strain.

With this funding, Lenkie plans to expand its footprint across the UK and explore opportunities in new markets. The company is also investing in AI-driven analytics to enhance its predictive financial tools, helping businesses anticipate and mitigate cash flow challenges before they arise.

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