Articles by Press Release
Levo Funding Appoints Jenny Merris as New CEO
April 22, 2024
April 22 – We are delighted to share the exciting news that the Board of Directors of Levo Funding unanimously voted to appoint Jenny Merris as its new CEO. With an extensive background spanning over 18 years in the legal and financial services/FinTech sector, Jenny is a seasoned executive known for her exceptional expertise and leadership.
Throughout her career, Jenny has demonstrated a remarkable ability to provide strategic counsel to executive management teams, aiding in the formulation and implementation of corporate objectives and policies. Her strategic executive counseling has been invaluable in driving business development initiatives, fostering growth, and effectively managing company-wide risk.
While announcing the promotion, the Board of Directors stated that Jenny’s “leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to our values make [her] qualified for this role. [The] appointment is significant for Levo Funding, and we anticipate growth under [her] guidance.”
Jenny’s proficiency in legal matters has been instrumental in enabling seamless business operations. Her oversight of litigation and meticulous management of legal strategies have safeguarded organizational interests and facilitated swift resolutions. Further, her keen eye for detail and proactive approach to risk mitigation ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks while optimizing operational efficiency. Furthermore, Jenny’s leadership extends beyond legal matters. She has successfully led adjacent departments, implementing best practices across cross-functional teams and at the enterprise level.
As Jenny embarks on this new journey as CEO of Levo Funding, we are confident that her unparalleled expertise, strategic vision, and leadership acumen will propel the company to new heights of success. Please join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to Jenny on this well-deserved appointment.
About Levo Funding
For more information about Levo Funding, please visit levofunding.com. Stay updated on their latest developments and news by following them on Linkedin.
Contact
(619) 908-1372
info@levofunding.com
Capify Announces New Growth Phase with Global Marketing Director Appointment
April 2, 2024Leading online SME lender, Capify, has appointed Ash Yazdani to oversee its marketing and customer experience functions in both the UK and Australia.
Yazdani joins from Stockholm-based Hoist Finance, where he spent four years as Global Head of Marketing, Product and Customer Experience.
Having worked previously for two of the largest global media networks WPP and Dentsu Aegis, Yazdani made the move into financial services with Think Money Group, before joining Hoist.
“To be joining Capify at this stage of its growth journey is a massively exciting opportunity,” said Yazdani.
“This is a hugely ambitious business, with an innovative vision to improve access to SME finance for under-supplied areas of the UK and Australian economy. My experience in reaching new segments, developing propositions that meet their needs, and delivering seamless end-to-end customer experience will help us on our mission to do that”.
Capify was launched in the UK and Australia in 2008, against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, when many small and medium-sized businesses were struggling to access funding from banks. Last year it was named the UK Credit Awards SME Lender of the Year (up to £1m). Founded initially in the United States in 2002, it was one of the world’s first online alternative financing companies for SMEs.
Yazdani’s appointment is the latest in a series of high-profile hires made by the alternative lender. Earlier this year, Mike Morris moved from Funding Circle to lead Capify’s advisor and introducer network in the UK.
John Rozenbroek, COO/CFO at Capify, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Ash to our growing team. In these volatile trading times, the funding needs of business changes fast. Having someone with Ash’s experience will enable us to ensure that SMEs know about – and understand – our funding options.”
“As we scale, he will also help ensure our customer touch points are efficiently optimised to continue to deliver an excellent customer experience. His appointment underlines our commitment to our UK and Australian SME market and represents a further milestone in Capify’s continued growth.”
About Capify
Capify is an online lender that provides flexible financing solutions to SMEs seeking working capital to sustain or grow their business. Originally started in the US over twenty years ago, the fintech businesses have been serving the SME market in the UK and Australia for over 15 years. In that time, it has provided finance to thousands of businesses, ensuring the vibrant and vital SME community can meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
For more details about Capify, visit:
http://www.capify.co.uk
http://www.capify.com.au
Media enquiries
Sam Gallagher, Director
LendSaaS Partners with Actum Processing to Pioneer Real-Time Payments in MCA Sector
March 28, 2024In an industry-first initiative, LendSaaS, the premier Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) origination and servicing platform, is thrilled to announce its integrated partnership with Actum Processing, a leader in ACH and real-time payment processing.
Innovative Integration for Instant Merchant Funding
LendSaaS has integrated Actum’s cutting-edge RTP technology, positioning itself as the first platform in the MCA space to offer instant funding solutions to lenders. This transformative feature enables MCA lenders on the LendSaaS platform to instantly transfer funds to their merchants 24/7/365, streamlining the funding process and significantly reducing the transaction costs associated with traditional wire transfers.
Revolutionizing MCA Funding
With the integration of Actum’s RTP capabilities, LendSaaS is setting a new standard in the MCA industry. Lenders can now enjoy the dual benefits of immediate fund disbursement and cost savings, providing their merchants with unparalleled financial support and operational efficiency.
Commitment to Excellence
Both LendSaaS and Actum are committed to leveraging technology to enhance the lending experience. This partnership reflects their dedication to innovation, security, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that MCA lenders and their clients receive the best service possible.
About LendSaaS
LendSaaS is a leading software solution in the MCA industry, known for its comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline and optimize the lending process. From origination to servicing, LendSaaS provides lenders with the technology they need to succeed in a competitive market.
About Actum
Actum is at the forefront of payment processing solutions, offering secure and efficient ACH and RTP services. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Actum empowers businesses across various sectors to maximize their payment strategies.
Contact LendSaaS and Actum processing to learn more about this partnership and the benefits of real-time payments in the MCA sector.
LendSaaS / sales@lendsaas.com / (888) 369-5376
Actum Processing / sales@actumprocessing.com / (800) 975-5640
Capify Announces New Appointment to Lead Broker Division
March 7, 2024Leading online SME lender, Capify, has appointed Mike Morris to lead its broker business in the UK.
Mike joins Capify after five years with Funding Circle, most recently as Head of Business Development, where he was responsible for leading the lender’s broker network.
With nearly 20 years experience in the finance industry, including time at Close Brothers retail finance, Mike will focus on the growth and expansion of Capify’s introducer relationships and its marketplace offering.
“I’m hugely excited to join Capify to build out its broker programme and exponentially grow this channel for one of the first online SME lenders in the UK market,” said Mike.
“Capify occupies a vital place in the funding landscape – offering much-needed fast, flexible and responsible solutions for businesses. We’re focused on ensuring that introducers understand our offering and how we can help their clients. Our growth will then be realised by launching new products that go up and down the credit spectrum, providing the best possible service to enable the brokers, and ultimately the clients they represent, to get the funds they need to thrive in the current climate. Our goal is to have an offering for all types of businesses so we can be a one-stop shop for brokers and their clients. I look forward to Capify announcing these new offerings in the near future.”
Capify was launched in the UK in 2008, against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, when many small and medium-sized businesses were struggling to access funding from banks. Last year it was named the UK Credit Awards SME Lender of the Year (up to £1m). The company was founded initially in the United States in 2002 making it one of the world’s first online alternative financing companies for SMEs globally.
John Rozenbroek, COO/CFO at Capify, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Mike to the Capify team. Brokers play an integral role in helping businesses understand the complex funding landscape and the types of finance that are best suited to their needs. His appointment underlines our commitment to introducers and marks an exciting new stage in Capify’s continued growth.”
ABOUT CAPIFY
Capify is an online lender that provides flexible financing solutions to SMEs seeking working capital to sustain or grow their business. Alongside its sister company, Capify Australia, the fintech businesses have been serving their respective markets for over 15 years. In that time, it has provided finance to thousands of businesses, ensuring the UK’s vibrant and vital SME community can meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
For more details about Capify, visit: http://www.capify.co.uk
Capify Contact:
Ash Yazdani, Marketing Director
ayazdani@capify.co.uk
Media enquiries
Sam Gallagher, Director
sam.gallagher@1473media.com
CFG Merchant Solutions Upsizes Corporate Note to $30.0 Million
March 6, 2024NEW YORK, NY. March 6, 2024 – CFG Merchant Solutions, LLC (“CFGMS” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled specialty finance and alternative funding provider, announced the upsize to $30.0 million of its investment-grade corporate note. The transaction was assigned a BBB rating by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization.
Since its founding in 2015, CFGMS has a proven track record of asset performance and profitability, and has funded more than $1.3 billion to over 31,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across diverse industries throughout the U.S. The Company plans to use the proceeds from the issuance to support continued growth of the business.
Our business has experienced considerable growth as banks and other funders have pulled back on credit over the past year,” said Andrew Coon, Chief Executive Officer of CFGMS. “This additional capital will help us continue our momentum in serving SMBs across the U.S.”
Bill Gallagher, President of CFGMS, added, “At CFGMS, we believe our unique platform is differentiated from other funders across the space. We are pleased that institutional investors share this view and continue to support us. This flexible capital will be very valuable as we seek to gain further market share.”
Brean Capital, LLC served as the Company’s exclusive financial advisor and sole placement agent in connection with the transaction.
About CFG Merchant Solutions
CFG Merchant Solutions (“CFGMS”) is an independent, technology-enabled alternative funding platform focused on providing capital access to small and mid-sized businesses that have historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions and may have experienced challenges obtaining timely financing. The Company utilizes its historical transactional data, proprietary underwriting, predictive analytics, and electronic payment technologies and platforms to assess risk, and provide access to flexible and timely capital.
For additional information about the Company, visit: https://cfgmerchantsolutions.com/.
Contact:
Name: Richard Polgar
Title: Chief Financial Officer
rpolgar@cfgms.com
A New Commercial Financing Expo Is Coming to Las Vegas This Fall
March 4, 2024
Coming to Las Vegas in 2024, an inaugural commercial financing expo powered by deBanked in collaboration with the Small Business Finance Association will be held in the Fall. The conference will bring together the leading lenders, funders, and brokers from across the spectrum of commercial finance, leasing, mortgage, and revenue-based capital products. The event will replace deBanked’s annual CONNECT event that has typically taken place in San Diego.
“We’ve had our eye on Las Vegas for a long time and resolved last September that we’d aim to go there next,” said deBanked founder Sean Murray. “We’ve built up years of experience through running the annual Broker Fair conference in New York City and this event will have everything from across the commercial finance and small business finance industries.”
“deBanked is a powerful industry leader and we look forward to working with them to produce a high level event where the commercial finance industry can learn and network together,” said SBFA Executive Director Steve Denis.
The deBanked team has produced nearly two dozen events since 2017. Additional information will be made available soon. For inquiries, email events@debanked.com or call 917-722-0808.
Northteq’s Aurora Platform Powers ElmBlue Capital’s Equipment Finance Launch
February 12, 2024[MINNEAPOLIS, MN, February 12, 2024] – Northteq, LLC, a leading provider of Salesforce loan origination solutions, is thrilled to support the launch of ElmBlue Capital, an emerging lender in the equipment finance market. Co-founded by industry veterans Greg Bourdon, Paul Reny, and Jake Broom, ElmBlue Capital is leveraging Northteq’s Aurora platform to streamline operations and deliver an automated digital lending experience to its customers and vendors.
“We knew we wanted the power and flexibility of Salesforce, and Northteq’s Aurora platform was the perfect match to quickly operationalize our vision,” said Greg Bourdon, co-founder of ElmBlue Capital. “Aurora allowed us to select the features we need now while laying a solid foundation for our future operations to grow.”
The integration of Aurora is a central component of ElmBlue’s business strategy, providing the scalability and flexibility that is critical to compete in the rapidly evolving equipment finance industry. Aurora’s automation and seamless third-party integrations provide real-time data access for vendors, streamlining processes while enhancing transparency and speed in operations.
“We are placing an emphasis on providing resources and financial tools for our partners that expand beyond the scope of what currently exists in the equipment finance space today,” Paul Reny, co-founder of ElmBlue added. “Our focus on automating our workflows and leveraging technology from the onset will ensure our level of service remains consistently high, regardless of capacity or market conditions.”
ElmBlue’s strong operational foundation not only allows them to compete with industry veterans, but also sets them apart through key differentiators such as:
- Fully Automated: ElmBlue launched with Northteq’s out-of-the-box, fully automated loan origination platform, Aurora. This turnkey solution, designed for deployment in weeks, not months, takes deals to signed documents in minutes, streamlining front-end operations while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Agile and Future-ready: Aurora’s agile, open architecture and ability to seamlessly integrate with Salesforce AppExchange partners will enable ElmBlue to rapidly adapt to market and customer needs. This ensures that their business model is scalable and poised for future growth, keeping them at the forefront of industry advancements.
- Improved Vendor and Customer Relations: Aurora’s real-time data access and streamlined processes create an unparalleled user experience, helping ElmBlue build transparency and trust with its vendor partners and borrowers.
“Partnering with Northteq has been instrumental in actualizing our vision for ElmBlue,” Jake Broom, co-founder of ElmBlue noted. “Our strategic emphasis on establishing a scalable and efficient operation from inception has positioned us for sustained success in the long run.”
To learn more about ElmBlue Capital’s financing capabilities or to become a vendor partner, visit elmblue.com.
To learn more about the Aurora system and the automation tools Northteq used to support ElmBlue Capital’s business launch, visit northteq.com.
About Northteq
Northteq, LLC is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based fintech company that has helped over 175 lenders provide their customers, vendors, and employees with intuitive, thoughtfully designed lending solutions. Aurora, Northteq’s flagship product, is an automated, Salesforce powered loan origination system and partner portal. They also offer turnkey Salesforce apps created through key partnerships with fintech industry leaders including Middesk, PayNet, FICO, Equifax, Experian, D&B, TimeValue, LexisNexis, Nintex, Ocrolus, Plaid, and many more.
Northteq is now primarily owned by Arthur Ventures, a respected Minneapolis-based early growth capital firm known for leading investments in B2B software companies. This partnership positions Northteq for continued growth and innovation. Since 2013, Arthur Ventures has partnered with over 50 companies across the United States and Canada. For more information, please visit northteq.com.
About ElmBlue Capital
ElmBlue Capital is a fintech-focused equipment financing lender. Committed to transparency, integrity, and partnership, ElmBlue Capital aims to build long-term relationships, supporting clients and vendors in the trucking and transportation, manufacturing, food processing, packaging, and construction industries. To learn more, visit: elmblue.com.
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Dedicated Financial GBC Announces Office Relocation and Appoints Jay Keckhafer as President
February 9, 2024Shoreview, Minnesota – February 9, 2024 – Dedicated Financial GBC, a leader in the financial services industry, is proud to announce two significant milestones in its growth. The company has recently relocated its office from Roseville to Shoreview, Minnesota, and concurrently, Jay Keckhafer has been appointed as the new President of Dedicated Financial GBC, effective January 2024.
The decision to move to a spacious 15,000+ square foot building from the previous 3,000 square foot location is in response to Dedicated Financial GBC’s remarkable growth. The company has tripled in size, necessitating a larger facility to accommodate expanding teams and enhance capabilities in first-party servicing, third-party collections, litigation management, bankruptcy servicing, account scoring, and asset management services.
Founder and CEO, Shawn Smith, emphasized the strategic nature of the relocation, stating, “This move supports our expanding team and aligns with our commitment to meeting the rising demands of our clients. We are excited about the enhanced workspace that will not only increase productivity but also prioritize the well-being of our dedicated team members.”
The new office space is designed with employee engagement in mind, featuring sit-stand desks, larger common spaces, additional meeting rooms, offices, and amenities. Dedicated is also actively undertaking initiatives to brand the interior of the office, contributing to the development of a robust and vibrant company culture.
Most notably, Dedicated Financial GBC is excited to announce the appointment of Jay Keckhafer as its new President. With over two decades of experience, Jay brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having served as the Executive Director of Operations and Legal Outsourcing for the past six years. His extensive career includes notable roles such as Director of Collection Operations at OPTIO Solutions, LLC, and Director of Collections at AscensionPoint Recovery Services.
As president, Jay will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Dedicated Financial GBC, leveraging his skills in business analysis, operations management, financial analysis, and business strategy. His leadership is expected to drive the company’s growth and success in the financial services industry.
Shawn Smith, founder and CEO, expressed his excitement about Jay’s appointment, stating, “We are grateful to have Jay Keckhafer as the President of Dedicated Financial GBC. His background in operations, legal outsourcing, and business operations makes him the perfect leader to guide Dedicated to new heights. We look forward to the innovative strategies and insights he will bring to our team and the leadership he will bring in support of our mission to use business to make the greatest impact on people in need locally and globally.”
Dedicated Financial GBC remains committed to providing unmatched financial services to its clients. The office relocation and Jay Keckhafer’s appointment as President mark a monumental moment in the company’s journey as it expands its capabilities and solidifies its position as a leader in the industry.
About Dedicated Financial GBC:
Dedicated Financial GBC shatters the stereotype of a financial services portfolio management company by providing innovative financial and asset solutions to commercial funders. As a single resource, Dedicated offers a complete range of services to the financial sector, including portfolio servicing, first-party solutions, collections, equipment remarketing, voluntary and involuntary repossessions, litigation and bankruptcy management, account scoring, and consulting. Dedicated Financial GBC’s values are grace, growth, significance, and excellence. They drive their mission of using business to change the world on a local and global scale and drive their team toward success for their clients. For more information, please visit dedicatedgbc.com.
