November 27, 2025
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Funding options Alternatives

Explore diverse funding options alternatives to boost your business and stay ahead of competitors. Learn about the best strategies suited for your financial goals.
Jesse Spence
Finance content writer / Market researcher

This guide lists five UK focused alternatives to Funding options, so buyers can compare speed, eligibility, products, and pricing before applying. Data was generated on 2025-11-21T11:00:00Z; always confirm current terms with the provider.

Quick Compare:

#CompanyWhat it isFunding rangeSpeedRates
1LendingCrowdPeer-to-peer lender serving UK businesses.from 75,000 to 500,000 typicallyfrom 6 months to 5 yearsRates vary by credit risk, ranging from 5.95% to 12.25%.
2IwocaOnline lender for UK small businesses.1,000 to 500,000 typicallyDecision within minutes; funding often within 24 hoursInterest is risk-based; terms vary widely.
3Nucleus Commercial FinanceDirect finance provider for UK SMEs.UnknownUsually within a few days subject to due diligence.Rates depend on product and business risk profile.
4CapifyProvider of small business loans and merchant cash advances in the UK.from 5,000 to 1,000,000 typicallySame-day funding availableHigher risk quick loans might have elevated rates.
5FleximizeDigital lender in the UK, specialized in flexible business finance options.up to 500,000 typicallyFast decision and funding processRates adjusted to business and loan type.

1. LendingCrowd

LendingCrowd focuses on peer-to-peer business loans. These are suitable for established SMEs seeking flexible terms and competitive rates. The platform offers adjustable financing options with varying loan durations and risk-based rates that can be brokered for faster access.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: £75,000
  • Max amount: £500,000
  • APR min: 5.95%
  • APR max: 12.25%
  • Loan durations: 6 months to 5 years

Funding range note: from 75,000 to 500,000 typically

Speed: from 6 months to 5 years

Interest rate notes: Rates vary by credit risk, ranging from 5.95% to 12.25%.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: 24
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: subject to credit risk band

Personal guarantee: May require personal guarantee based on risk assessment.

Homeowner advantage: Being a homeowner could enhance credit options.

Services and sectors

  • Products: term_loan
  • Industries: SMEs, Established businesses

Best for

  • Established businesses
  • SMEs seeking competitive rates

Pros

  • Competitive rates
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Requires good credit
  • High minimum loan amount

Sources: https://www.lendingcrowd.com/ https://www.alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk/funders/lendingcrowd/

2. Iwoca

Iwoca specialises in fast, flexible financing for small businesses with minimal trading history. These offerings include quick decision loans and flexible repayment options suitable for start-ups or growing companies. The platform provides brokered access to various product types with potential collateral support and competitive rates.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: £1,000
  • Max amount: £500,000
  • APR min: Unknown
  • APR max: Unknown
  • Loan durations: 1 day to 24 months

Funding range note: 1,000 to 500,000 typically

Speed: Decision within minutes; funding often within 24 hours

Interest rate notes: Interest is risk-based; terms vary widely.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: 6
  • Min monthly turnover: £10,000
  • Credit flexibility: Flexible credit assessment

Personal guarantee: Commonly required for larger loans.

Homeowner advantage: Homeowner status may influence loan terms.

Services and sectors

  • Products: short_term_loan, revenue_based_loan
  • Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Services

Best for

  • Startups
  • Fast funding needs

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Higher cost for quick loans
  • Potential personal guarantee requirement

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/finance-options/limited-company-loan https://www.iwoca.co.uk/small-business-loans/short-term-business-loans

3. Nucleus Commercial Finance

Nucleus Commercial Finance offers a range of tailored finance solutions. Its focus includes flexible loans and debt structures for various business needs, often leading to timely approval and customisable terms. Access is available through broker networks and direct applications with a focus on structured offerings.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: Unknown
  • Max amount: Unknown
  • APR min: Unknown
  • APR max: Unknown
  • Loan durations: Flexible

Funding range note: Unknown

Speed: Usually within a few days subject to due diligence.

Interest rate notes: Rates depend on product and business risk profile.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: 12
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: Varied according to finance type

Personal guarantee: May be required, subject to risk

Homeowner advantage: Not a significant factor.

Services and sectors

  • Products: business_loans, merchant_cash_advance
  • Industries: Various

Best for

  • Businesses needing tailored finance
  • Structured finance solutions

Pros

  • Tailored finance products
  • Supportive of various business types

Cons

  • Might require comprehensive financials
  • Longer approval for complex cases

Sources: https://nucleuscommercialfinance.com/types-of-funding/nucleus-business-loans/

4. Capify

Capify specialises in quick, unsecured loans and merchant cash advances. It caters to businesses seeking short-term funding solutions, often with fast approval and flexible repayment options. Its offerings are suitable for those needing swift access without heavy collateral.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: £5,000
  • Max amount: £1,000,000
  • APR min: Unknown
  • APR max: Unknown
  • Loan durations: 3 months to 5 years

Funding range note: from 5,000 to 1,000,000 typically

Speed: Same-day funding available

Interest rate notes: Higher risk quick loans might have elevated rates.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: Unknown
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: Flexible, quick assessment

Personal guarantee: Typically unsecured; PG not common.

Homeowner advantage: Not required for loan approval.

Services and sectors

  • Products: small_business_loans, merchant_cash_advance
  • Industries: Various, Small businesses

Best for

  • Short-term business needs
  • Unsecured loans

Pros

  • Quick funding
  • No personal guarantee

Cons

  • Potentially high rates
  • Short-term focus

Sources: https://www.capify.co.uk/

5. Fleximize

Fleximize offers a range of business loans and invoice financing solutions. Its focus is on growing companies needing adaptable, quick-access funding, with options for flexible repayment periods and collateral choices. The platform connects clients with funders through broker networks or direct application.

Loan and pricing details

  • Min amount: Unknown
  • Max amount: £500,000
  • APR min: Unknown
  • APR max: Unknown
  • Loan durations: 3 to 60 months

Funding range note: up to 500,000 typically

Speed: Fast decision and funding process

Interest rate notes: Rates adjusted to business and loan type.

Eligibility

  • Min trading months: Unknown
  • Min monthly turnover: Unknown
  • Credit flexibility: Considerate of varied credit situations

Personal guarantee: Often flexible; depends on loan amount.

Homeowner advantage: Minimal impact on terms.

Services and sectors

  • Products: business_loans, invoice_finance
  • Industries: Various

Best for

  • Growing businesses
  • Flexible financing needs

Pros

  • Flexible solutions
  • Personal service

Cons

  • May require PG for larger sums
  • Not ideal for start-ups

Sources: https://fleximize.com/business-loans/invoice-finance

Final notes

When comparing providers, match loan size, timeline, and sector fit first, then confirm current rates and fees with the finance provider. If one option declines your application, a broker or multi lender panel may still place the deal. Consider whether your needs are best met by a traditional bank, a brokered panel or a specialist provider. Each option offers different advantages depending on your circumstances. For more guidance, visit Funding Agent to compare your best options.

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