Top 20 Startup Lenders UK
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Startup lending encompasses a range of financial products designed to help newly formed businesses access the capital they need without an established trading history. Unlike traditional bank loans that often require extensive credit records or collateral, many startup lenders offer unsecured loans and flexible business loan solutions—enabling founders to invest in equipment, marketing, or personnel early on.
- Funding Agent
- Quantum Funding
- Fiduciam
- Ultimate Finance
- Clifton Private Finance
- The Funding Store
- British Business Bank
- Investec Asset Finance
- HSBC Asset Finance
- NatWest Asset Finance
- Barclays Asset Finance
- Aldermore Asset Finance
- Octopus Asset Finance
- Judo Bank UK
- Allica Bank
- iwoca
- Kriya, Formerly Known As MarketFinance
- Liberis
- RateSetter Corporate
- Close Brothers Asset Finance
Funding Agent
Funding Agent is one of the leading startup lenders in the UK, founded in 2024 and based in Sheffield. This boutique financier specialises in asset finance for high-growth ventures, offering hire purchase, leasing, and refinancing with same-day decisions. As transparent startup lenders, they stand out with no hidden fees, data-driven credit assessments, and dedicated support tailored to emerging businesses nationwide.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Ultra-fast underwriting cycle (same-day decisions).
- Dedicated to startups and scale-ups, with a data-driven approach to credit assessment.
- Transparent fee structure—no hidden arrangement fees.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Hire Purchase (HP), Leasing, Refinance, Vendor Finance, and Working Capital Top-Up.
Industries Catered For: Technology, Manufacturing, Transport, and Renewable Energy.
Quantum Funding
Quantum Funding ranks among the top startup lenders in the UK, established in 2017 with partnerships spanning over 250 finance brokers. Lending more than £150 million to 15,000 SMEs, they offer hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease, and asset refinance. As dedicated startup lenders, they provide same-day decisions and specialised restructuring for businesses facing financial difficulty, ensuring flexible, data-driven solutions.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Same-day average underwriting decisions.
- Specialist support for customers in financial difficulty, offering tailored restructuring.
- Deep broker network ensures access to niche lenders.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, and Asset Refinance.
Industries Catered For: Construction, Manufacturing), Agriculture, Healthcare, and Transport.
Fiduciam
Fiduciam stands out as a respected startup lenders choice in the UK, founded in 2014 with offices in London, Manchester, and Madrid. As a non-bank lender, they deliver short-term, asset-backed credit facilities including bridging loans, development finance, and secured business loans. Positioned among startup lenders, Fiduciam supports property developers and manufacturing firms with bespoke, agile financing solutions to scale operations.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Non-bank lender offering short-term, asset-backed credit facilities to SMEs.
- Accredited under UK government pandemic loan schemes; reputation for bespoke development finance.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Bridging Loans, Development Finance, Commercial Mortgages, Secured Business Loans.
Industries Catered For: Property developers, Manufacturing, Automotive, and Retail.
Ultimate Finance
Ultimate Finance is a top startup lenders in the UK, operating since 2001 and rebranded in 2017. With over £10 billion lent, they specialise in invoice finance alongside hire purchase, finance lease, and operating lease solutions. As trusted startup lenders, boasting an “Excellent” Trustpilot rating, they offer expertise in releasing working capital and scaling manufacturing, logistics, and retail operations.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Solution-led funding with expertise in invoice finance alongside asset lending.
- Rated “Excellent” by introducers and clients on Trustpilot.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Invoice Finance, Asset Refinance.
Industries Catered For: Logistics & Transport, Manufacturing, Retail, and Services.
Clifton Private Finance
Clifton Private Finance is a leading startup lenders choice in the UK, founded in 2011 as a specialist brokerage. They source deals from £25,000 to £25 million, offering finance lease, hire purchase, and invoice factoring. As startup lenders, they access a vast lender panel, providing niche financing for prestige vehicles, luxury assets, healthcare, and agriculture with tailored, competitive funding solutions.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Broader access to dozens of lenders (from £25,000 to £25 million deals).
- No asset age limit; able to source finance for niche or luxury equipment.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Finance Lease, HP, Invoice Factoring, Operating Lease, Asset Refinance, Sale & HP, Sale & Lease.
Industries Catered For: Prestige Vehicles, Luxury Assets, Agriculture, Construction, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, Retail & Hospitality.
The Funding Store
The Funding Store ranks among the top startup lenders in the UK, established in 2013 as part of the BCRS expansion. With access to over 100 lenders, they streamline asset acquisition through finance lease, hire purchase, and vendor finance. As dedicated startup lenders, delivering competitive rates and rapid decisions, supporting retail, transport, manufacturing, and agricultural startups to acquire essential equipment efficiently.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Streamlined online application; average decision in 72 hours.
- Competitive rates via the exclusive broker-lender panel.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Asset Refurb Finance, Finance Lease, HP, Operating Lease, Vendor Finance.
Industries Catered For: Retail, Manufacturing, Transport, Construction, Agriculture.
British Business Bank – The Startup Loans Company
British Business Bank – The Start Up Loans Company leads government-backed startup lenders in the UK, launched in 2012. They’ve provided over £1 billion in unsecured loans up to £25,000, featuring a fixed 6% APR and nationwide mentorship support. They empower UK-underrepresented founders across all sectors, offering personal guarantee-free funding and guidance that helps new businesses thrive.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Government-backed 100% personal-guarantee loans (no business security required).
- Fixed interest rate of 6% APR, mentoring included.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Unsecured Start-Up Loans (up to £25,000), primarily for working capital and minor equipment.
Industries Catered For: All sectors, with emphasis on underrepresented founders (e.g., women, minorities).
Investec Asset Finance
Investec Asset Finance ranks among elite startup lenders in the UK, operating under Investec Group since 2008. Leveraging UK-based banking expertise, they craft bespoke lease, hire purchase, and sale & leaseback structures. Recognised as forward-thinking global startup lenders, they serve high-growth technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy startups, delivering flexible financing and strategic advisory to drive rapid scale and innovation.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Flexible middle-market asset finance, combining Investec’s banking expertise.
- Bespoke structuring for high-growth startups and scale-ups.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Asset Finance Lease, Hire Purchase, Refinance, Vendor Finance, Operating Lease, Sale & Leaseback.
Industries Catered For: Technology, Healthcare, Transport, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy.
HSBC Asset Finance
HSBC Asset Finance is a leading startup lenders in the UK, backed by a global banking group since the 1990s. Their specialist team offers hire purchase, finance lease, and sale & leaseback solutions. As respected startup lenders, they deliver competitive rates and structured financing to technology, healthcare, aviation, and construction startups, leveraging international reach and extensive resources for scalable growth.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Global reach with competitive rates; priority given to clients with existing HSBC banking relationships.
- Expertise in structured finance for larger ticket items.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Sale & HP, Sale & Leaseback, Refinance.
Industries Catered For: Real Estate, Aviation, Marine, Construction, Manufacturing, IT.
NatWest Asset Finance
NatWest Asset Finance is a leading startup lenders provider in the UK, evolving services since the early 2000s. With innovative hire purchase, operating lease, and asset-based lending, they support emerging businesses through a user-friendly digital platform. As startup lenders, they extend trusted preferential rates to NatWest customers, aiding agricultural technology, construction, transport, and healthcare startups to secure vital equipment efficiently.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Comprehensive digital platform for application and tracking.
- Affordable rates for existing NatWest business banking customers.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Sale & HP, Sale & Lease, Refinance, Asset-Based Lending.
Industries Catered For: Transport, Construction, Agriculture, Healthcare, Technology.
Barclays Asset Finance
Barclays Asset Finance is a top startup lenders provider in the UK, established in 1999 with a dedicated team of over 250 specialists. Offering hire purchase, finance lease, and sale & leaseback, they cater to printing, healthcare, transport, and construction startups. Their sector-focused advisory and digital origination streamline financing, empowering entrepreneurs to acquire essential equipment rapidly.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Strong digital origination; competitive rates for Barclays business banking clients.
- Access to sector-specific advisory teams (e.g., transport, healthcare, printing).
Types of Asset Finance Offered: HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Vendor Finance, Refinance, Sale & Leaseback.
Industries Catered For: Printing & Packaging, Healthcare, Transport & Logistics, Construction, Agriculture, IT.
Aldermore Asset Finance
Aldermore Asset Finance is among the leading startup lenders in the UK, launched in 2009 as part of a challenger bank. Their asset finance division delivers hire purchase, finance lease, and refinance solutions. As startup lenders, they accept limited trading history and provide one-to-one support, enabling hospitality, manufacturing, and renewable energy startups to secure vital equipment and expand operations swiftly.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Flexible lending criteria for startups, including those with limited trading history.
- Dedicated relationship managers providing 1:1 support.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Refurb & Refinance.
Industries Catered For: Hospitality, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Healthcare.
Octopus Asset Finance
Octopus Asset Finance is a respected startup lenders provider in the UK, established in 2000 under the Octopus Group. Their renowned tech-enabled platforms deliver hire purchase, finance lease, and green energy financing for solar and EV charger projects. They champion renewable energy and AgriTech ventures, closing deals in days and driving sustainable growth with industry-leading tailored financing solutions across diverse industries.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Green financing options for renewable energy equipment.
- Speedy decisions via tech-enabled underwriting.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Green Energy Financing (solar, heat pumps), Refinance.
Industries Catered For: Renewable Energy, E-vehicles, AgriTech, Manufacturing, Transport.
Judo Bank UK
Judo Bank UK is a trusted startup lenders choice in the UK, founded in 2020 as an SME-focused arm of an Australian challenger bank. Their innovative asset finance offerings include a lease, hire purchase and invoice finance. They provide dedicated account managers who support nationwide healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality startups to fund essential equipment and scale operations efficiently.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Relationship-led lending—dedicated account managers for each client.
- Quicker decisions than traditional banks (within 7 days in many cases).
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Asset Finance Lease, HP, Chartered refinances, Invoice Finance.
Industries Catered For: Healthcare, Accommodation & Food Services, Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail, Transport & Storage.
Allica Bank
Allica Bank is recognised among startup lenders in the UK, established in 2018 after the Charter Court rebrand. Their asset finance team offers hire purchase, operating lease, and sale & leaseback to underserved SMEs. They deliver fast nationwide digital onboarding, combining fixed and floating rates for agriculture, hospitality, and motor trade startups, enabling rapid access to capital for growth and expansion.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Focus on underserved SMEs; fast digital onboarding.
- Combination of fixed and floating rate options.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Sale & Leaseback, Refinance.
Industries Catered For: Agriculture, Hospitality, Construction, Manufacturing, Motor trade.
iwoca
iwoca is celebrated as a fintech startup lenders in the UK, founded in 2011 with an API-driven platform. They provide short-term asset loans up to £500,000 and partner-based hire purchase via a referral panel. They deliver near-instant decisions and no personal guarantee up to certain limits, empowering e-commerce, retail, and hospitality startups to invest seamlessly in vital equipment quickly and efficiently.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- API-driven platform; decisions in minutes for small asset loans (up to £500,000).
- No personal guarantee up to certain limits.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Short-term Asset Loans, Invoice Finance, Revolving Credit, HP (via referral panel).
Industries Catered For: E-commerce, Retail, Hospitality, Transport, and Construction.
Kriya, Formerly Known As MarketFinance
Kriya stands out as a renowned startup lenders platform in the UK, launched in 2011 as MarketInvoice. Their invoice finance marketplace connects UK SMEs to institutional investors, offering transparent auctions and term business loans. As recognised startup lenders, they help professional services, manufacturing, and technology startups convert invoices to cash swiftly, financing equipment purchases and enabling rapid and efficient scaling.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Invoice financing marketplace connecting SMEs to institutional investors.
- Transparent auction model, enabling quick access to cash.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Invoice Finance, Invoice Discounting, Business Loans (term loans).
Industries Catered For: Professional Services, Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution, Technology, and Retail.
Liberis
Liberis is distinguished among flexible startup lenders in the UK, founded in 2007 focusing on revenue-based financing. They provide advances against future card and debit transactions, aligning repayments with sales cycles. Renowned as adaptive startup lenders, they support retail, hospitality, and online services startups, enabling inventory and equipment purchases without fixed repayments, and fostering cash flow resilience during variable trading periods.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Repayment tied to monthly turnover—no fixed repayments during slow periods.
- Non-dilutive; no business equity given up.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Revenue-Based Financing (advances against future card/debit transactions), suited to inventory and equipment purchases.
Industries Catered For: Retail & E-commerce, Hospitality, Online Services, Technology.
RateSetter Corporate (now part of Metro Bank)
RateSetter Corporate, now part of Metro Bank, is counted among UK-based innovative startup lenders in the UK, launching a corporate arm in 2019. Leveraging a peer-to-peer ethos, they offer asset finance, hire purchase, and invoice finance with competitive marketplace rates. As trusted startup lenders, they support manufacturing, transport, and renewable energy startups nationwide, delivering bespoke finance solutions that fuel expansion efficiently.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Peer-to-peer ethos applied to larger loans; competitive rates via the marketplace.
- Corporate arm provides bespoke asset and invoice finance to SMEs.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: Asset Finance (HP, Leasing), Invoice Finance, Business Loans.
Industries Catered For: Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution, Transport, Construction, Renewable Energy.
Close Brothers Asset Finance
Close Brothers Asset Finance is a leading startup lenders in the UK, with roots dating to 1878 and a dedicated asset finance division since 1995. Specialising in hire purchase, finance lease, and sale & leaseback, they cater to construction, manufacturing, and healthcare startups. They promise half-day decisions nationwide and flexible terms, enabling rapid access to essential equipment for emerging businesses.
Unique Selling Proposition:
- Half-day decision promise for straightforward deals; flexible lending criteria.
- Strong expertise in equipment rental sector.
Types of Asset Finance Offered: HP, Finance Lease, Refinance, Sale & Leaseback, Vendor Finance.
Industries Catered For: Construction & Plant Hire, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Hospitality, Transport, IT.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Selecting the right startup lender hinges on matching your business’s sector, ticket size, and growth trajectory with a lender’s expertise, underwriting speed, and flexibility.
For asset-heavy startup plans, lenders like Quantum Funding, Ultimate Finance, and Octopus Asset Finance shine with fast, tailored solutions.
To proceed:
- Review each lender’s website and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare accurate financials (cash flow forecasts, asset valuations).
- Reach out to shortlisted lenders or brokers (e.g., Clifton Private Finance) for initial calls.
- Compare term sheets carefully—look beyond headline rates to fees, covenants, and flexibility.
Armed with these insights—backed by real-life case studies and transparent USPs—you can move forward confidently to secure the asset finance your UK startup needs to scale.
