Juice Secures £25M to Transform SME Lending in the UK

Juice funding is making headlines as the UK fintech startup Juice secures £25 million to transform SME lending. The investment, led by Aern Capital and Falco Capital with a credit line from Paragon Bank, is designed to address the £22 billion funding gap facing UK SMEs. Over 55% of UK companies are moving away from high street banks, seeking alternatives like Juice funding for more flexible, transparent, and founder-focused capital solutions.

Juice was founded in 2019 to offer a new approach to SME finance, with trust at its core. Unlike traditional lenders, Juice blends real-time financial data, predictive analytics, and flexible credit lines. This means SMEs can access tailored capital exactly when and how they need it, without dilution or hidden fees. The platform’s non-dilutive credit lines of up to £1 million are paired with actionable insights, giving founders both the funds and the knowledge to grow their businesses sustainably.

CEO Katherine Chan describes the recent Juice funding round as a “critical step” for the company. She says, “Our mission is to give SME founders not just capital, but the actionable insights and flexibility they need to grow their businesses sustainably. Thanks to our partners at Paragon Bank, Aern Capital, and Falco Capital, we’re positioned to improve the way UK SMEs access finance-providing speed, transparency, and genuine founder-focused solutions. With this funding, Juice has an exciting future ahead of it, as it takes one step closer to becoming one of the largest SME funders in the UK, empowering thousands of founders with the capital and confidence to achieve their ambitions”.

The significance of Juice funding extends beyond just capital. The new investment will unlock growth opportunities for thousands of high-growth UK businesses that face liquidity constraints. This is expected to drive job creation, fuel innovation, and help the UK economy grow. The company is now on track to reach a £100 million loan book and £25 million annual turnover by 2028, expanding its reach from digital SMEs to the broader SME market.

Juice’s funding model is unique because it allows founders to draw, repay, and re-access funds over a 24-month period. This revolving credit line gives businesses the flexibility to manage cash flow and respond quickly to market opportunities. The use of AI and real-time data enables fast risk assessment and funding approval, often in under 24 hours, compared to the 4–6 weeks typically required by banks.

Investors are impressed by Juice’s approach. Stephen Routledge at Aern Capital said, “Its approach to providing an alternative method of securing growth capital and non-dilutive investment is extremely unique and I believe it could be a major benefit to fast-growing businesses.” Richard Anderson of Falco Capital added, “A Juice loan fills this gap, adding real-time data analytics and control of online payment systems to traditional credit analysis techniques. The deal with Paragon is only the start and we look forward to continuing to support the company on its own growth journey”.

Juice funding also includes access to the company’s Growth Hub, offering founders strategic guidance, peer support, and educational resources. This community-driven approach helps founders make smarter funding decisions and scale effectively.

The impact of Juice funding is already evident. The company has achieved 945% growth over three years and was recognised among the UK’s fastest-growing tech firms in the 2024 Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50. Similar fintech lending models in Europe have helped SMEs achieve significant asset and employment growth, and Juice aims to replicate this success in the UK.

With its innovative, founder-first model and the latest Juice funding, the company is well-positioned to become a leader in UK SME finance, helping businesses thrive without sacrificing ownership or control.