Announcements
Fundera Passes $500M in Loans Funded to 8,500+ Small Businesses
November 1, 2017(New York, NY–Nov 1, 2017) – Fundera, the trusted advisor and online marketplace for small business financing, today announced that it has surpassed the $500 million mark in loans funded to over 8,500 small businesses on its platform.
Fundera’s platform allows small business owners to apply to a curated network of 25-30 lenders in the industry with one easy common application. Small business owners come to Fundera for all of their financing needs, from credit cards to SBA loans and everything in between.
“It’s about more than just saving time and money for the small business owner,” said Jared Hecht, CEO and cofounder of Fundera. “At Fundera we’re truly able to become a partner in these businesses’ financial decisions. Our goal is to use our resources and technology to educate small business owners on their credit eligibility, improve their creditworthiness over time, and help them graduate into better and better financing products.”
Fundera replaces small business loan brokers with software and algorithms, making the process faster and easier to navigate. The average loan size on Fundera’s platform is about $60,000, and although no single industry accounts for more than 10% of Fundera’s customer base, the most popular industries include ecommerce and retail.
Since launching in 2014, Fundera has raised over $20M in equity financing.
StreetShares Reports $6.2M Loss For Fiscal Year 2017
October 31, 2017StreetShares, the veteran-run small business lender, continued to post sizable losses, according to their June 30th fiscal year-end financial statements. The company had a $6,193,154 loss on only $2,168,067 in revenue. While StreetShares has generated significant buzz for their particular focus on military-owned small businesses, the lender only made 751 loans in the 12-month period and there is no requirement that the businesses they lend to actually be military-owned.
The company spent more on payroll and payroll taxes alone ($3,258,960) than they earned in revenue. They had 32 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee as of June 30th.
“As an early stage, venture-funded company that is not yet profitable, we rely heavily on capital investments to fund our operations,” the company wrote in their annual report. “Based on our current financial situation, it is likely we will require additional capital within the next twelve months beyond our currently anticipated amounts to fund the operations of the Company.”
The chart plotting their loan performances by grade below is from their annual report:
Their loan amounts typically range from $2,000 to $150,000 and require weekly payments for anywhere from 3 months to 3 years.
Even though the company spent nearly triple on marketing in this fiscal year ($1,727,478) versus the previous year ($579,331), revenue only doubled.
StreetShares plans to raise additional capital towards the end of this year through a Series B Round.
CommonBond Closes $248 Million Securitization, Secures Inaugural S&P Rating of AA
October 27, 2017NEW YORK (October 27, 2017) – CommonBond, a leading financial technology company that helps students and graduates pay for higher education, today announces the close of a $248 million securitization of refinanced student loans. The offering’s most senior notes achieved AA ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and DBRS – Aa2, AA, and AA (high), respectively – the company’s highest ratings to date.
The transaction was CommonBond’s fifth and largest to date. Investors submitted $1 billion in orders, making the deal more than four times oversubscribed. Goldman Sachs served as structuring agent, co-lead manager, book-runner, and co-sponsor. Barclays and Citi also served as co-lead managers and book-runners on the transaction, while Guggenheim Securities served as co-manager.
“Investor demand for CommonBond paper has never been greater,” said David Klein, CommonBond CEO and co-founder. “The strong market reception is a reflection of our pristine credit quality, continued ratings progression, and track record of consistent results.” Klein added, “As a programmatic issuer, we look forward to continuing to bring consistently high performing bonds to the market, providing investors with world-class capital deployment options.”
The transaction was the first of CommonBond’s to be rated by S&P, who assigned AA ratings to the transaction, alongside similar ratings from Moody’s and DBRS. Moody’s and DBRS also recently upgraded CommonBond’s ratings on previous deals in recognition of the company’s strong credit performance.
The securitization marks a significant period of growth for CommonBond, which earlier this year introduced student loans for current undergraduate and graduate students nationwide, to complement its established student loan refinance product. CommonBond is the only financial technology company to offer a full suite of student loan solutions, including new student loans to current students and refinanced student loans to graduates. The company has funded over $1 billion in student loans, and continues to grow its enterprise platform, CommonBond for Business™ – which enables employers to contribute a monthly payment to employees’ student loans, in addition to offering an evaluation tool for employees to determine their best repayment options.
About CommonBond
CommonBond is a financial technology company on a mission to give students and graduates more transparent, simple, and affordable ways to pay for higher education. The company offers refinance loans to college graduates, new loans to current students, and a suite of student loan repayment benefits to employees through its CommonBond for Business™ program. By designing a better student loan experience that combines advanced technology with competitive rates and award-winning customer service, CommonBond has funded over $1 billion in loans for its tens of thousands of members. CommonBond is also the first and only finance company with a “one-for-one” social mission: for every loan it funds, CommonBond also funds the education of a child in need, through its partnership with Pencils of Promise. For more information, visit www.commonbond.co.
Katherine Fisher to testify before House Small Business Subcommittee
October 24, 2017
Hanover, Maryland, October 23, 2017 – Katherine “Kate” Fisher, a partner in the Maryland office of Hudson Cook, LLP, is scheduled to speak at a hearing before the Congressional House Committee on Small Business in Washington, D.C., on October 26, 2017.
The Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access will meet for a hearing on “Financing Through Fintech: Online Lending’s Role in Improving Small Business Capital Access.” The hearing will provide the subcommittee with an opportunity to examine recent trends in how small businesses obtain capital, the different business models in the industry and how online lending fits into the overall lending landscape. Fisher is one of several witnesses who will testify before the subcommittee.
Fisher’s practice focuses on consumer financial services and small business financing. She represents banks, finance companies, private equity and investment bank investors, merchant cash advance companies, and small business lenders establishing new programs and products. She also conducts due diligence and compliance reviews of consumer lending and business financing portfolios.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2017, in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing will be published live on the committee’s website on Thursday.
About Hudson Cook, LLP
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Hudson Cook, LLP focuses its practice on banking, consumer and commercial financial services, and privacy law, both state and federal, from its 13 offices across the country. With more than 60 attorneys, the firm offers legal services to local, national and international clients, providing practical and innovative solutions to their legal issues. For more information, visit www.hudsoncook.com.
OAREX Secures $10,000,000 in Funding, Strengthens Digital Media Presence
October 24, 2017
CLEVELAND, OH – OAREX Capital Markets, Inc. (“OAREX”), a leading non-bank financing institution providing financing for digital media companies, today announced that it has closed on a $10,000,000 line of credit from a group of lenders, led by Arena Investors, LP, a New York-based global investment firm.
OAREX accelerates programmatic advertising revenue for digital publishers such as websites, app developers, ad networks and supply-side platforms. Accelerated cash flow allows media companies to scale their content promotion and user acquisition campaigns, and pay supply side partners and vendors sooner.
“This transaction significantly improves our ability to fund publishers,” Hanna Kassis, founder & CEO said. “It will allow us to continue to provide liquidity in a timely and efficient manner, allowing clients to better match their income with expenses to scale rapidly,” said Kassis.
Since inception, OAREX has helped accelerate programmatic advertising revenue for hundreds of websites and apps, and has purchased millions of dollars in outstanding receivables. “We tailor our service to our clients’ individual needs, making sure they’re positioned for growth,” Kassis said.
Capital & Credit as a Service
OAREX offers a non-loan product, making it appealing to many new digital media companies that are not interested in assuming debt and providing personal guarantees. OAREX accomplishes this by financing publishers’ advertising receivables, providing immediate liquidity for growth. Clients can sign up for one-time funding, or a monthly facility between 6 and 12 months. OAREX funds clients on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on their needs and cash flow.
“We are not a lender,” Kassis said, “we are a capital partner with the aim of helping clients grow.” OAREX takes a hands-on approach to servicing its clients, despite newly developed back-end technology that allows OAREX to verify receivables instantly. “We believe human interaction is critical to our providing the best service, even in the digital age,” said Kassis. As a value-add, OAREX offers a database to clients of all payment, collection and credit data on ad networks, ad exchanges and other intermediaries in the digital media ecosystem. “If this information can help our clients, then it can only help us by sharing it with them,” said Kassis.
About OAREX Capital Markets, Inc.
OAREX Capital Markets, Inc. (www.oarex.com) provides fast, flexible funding for companies in the digital media ecosystem earning revenue from advertising, affiliates and marketplaces such as the App Store. Established in 2013, OAREX is an acronym for the “Online Advertising Revenue Exchange”, and is located in the heart of Cleveland’s historical Tremont neighborhood. For more information, please contact Hanna Kassis or Taylor Haddix at (855) 466-2739.
About Arena Investors, LP
Arena Investors, LP (www.arenaco.com) is a global investment firm and merchant capital provider that invests across the entire credit spectrum in areas where conventional sources of capital are scarce. Arena focuses on corporate private credit, real estate private credit, commercial & industrial assets, structured finance, consumer assets as well as structured private investments in public securities.
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Online Small Business Lending Provides Benefits to Small Business Owners, Finds New Survey
October 23, 2017
Washington, D.C., October, 23, 2017 – Four leading trade associations – Electronic Transactions Association, Innovative Lending Platform Association, the Marketplace Lending Association, and the Small Business Finance Association – commissioned a comprehensive survey of U.S. small business owners from Edelman Intelligence. The survey conducted by Edelman Intelligence found that a large majority (70%) of small business owners believe there are more credit options today when compared to five years ago, and 97% of those feel that the growing number of financing options is a good thing.
Small businesses owners need quick and streamlined access to credit to grow their businesses and the American economy. Online small business lenders are financial firms that provide credit to small business owners through automated, technology-enabled platforms. They regularly work with traditional lenders to deliver loans. By leveraging the ubiquity, speed and convenience of the Internet, online small business lenders use sophisticated software platforms to provide American small business owners with fast, easy and affordable credit.
Key findings of the study include:
- An overwhelming majority of small business owners reported more lending options available now than five years ago. 70 percent of small- and medium-sized business owners say there are more lending options now, and 97 percent of those believe that the increase in options is a positive thing for their businesses.
- Most small business owners reported using online small business lenders to help them expand their locations, make necessary hiring and equipment purchases, and help manage cash flow.
- Of the small business owners considering taking out a loan in the next 12 months, close to 40 percent say they will consider borrowing from an online lender.
- Online small business lenders have high levels of satisfaction and scored high marks for ease of use and business growth enablement. According to the study, 98 percent of small business owners who have used online lenders say they are likely to take out another loan with an online lender.
- For many small business owners, online small business lending platforms are a popular alternative to asking friends and family for a loan.
Media inquiries should be directed to:
ETA PRESS CONTACT:
Laura Hubbard, lhubbard@electran.org
ILPA PRESS CONTACT:
Jim Larkin, jlarkin@ondeck.com
203-526-7457
MLA PRESS CONTACT:
Nat Hoopes, nat.hoopes@marketplacelendingassociation.org
SBFA PRESS CONTACT:
Steve Denis, sdenis@sbfassociation.org
Platinum Rapid Funding Group Hires Dynamic New CFO
October 16, 2017
Uniondale, NY: Michael Kennedy, former CFO of BizFi, Mastercard Europe, and American Express Latin America, has joined Platinum Rapid Funding Group LLC. As CFO, Michael is a highly accomplished professional with over thirty years of industry experience, most recently serving as an effective strategist and visionary at BizFi.
Ali Mayar commented “we are so pleased to announce that Michael is officially on board, and we’re excited to continue on this road of growth and prosperity, now aided by his industry expertise. We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the leading company in our industry.”
Michael Kennedy enthusiastically stated “I am thrilled to join Platinum Rapid Funding at this exciting time in the Company’s evolution. As their CFO, I am impressed with the strong foundation that Ali and his team have built and I look forward to helping them to bigger and better things.”
About Platinum Rapid Funding Group
Platinum Rapid Funding Group is a Merchant Cash Advance company that provides working capital to businesses nationwide. Founded in 2012, Platinum’s mission is to help businesses succeed by providing service to merchants seeking rapid alternative financing. Platinum has seen exponential growth by utilizing a unique business model, harnessing manpower, technology and proprietary data, placing them at the top of the industry standard.
Broker Fair 2018 – The Inaugural Conference for Merchant Cash Advance and Business Loan Brokers
October 5, 2017
New York, NY – Foinse, LLC, in collaboration with deBanked, is excited to announce Broker Fair 2018, the inaugural conference for merchant cash advance (MCA) and business loan brokers. Broker Fair 2018 is being held at The William Vale in Brooklyn on May 14, 2018. It will be the largest gathering of MCA and business loan brokers in the country.
This exclusive one-day event in New York City’s most vibrant and creative corner will offer brokers, lenders, funders, and service providers opportunities to learn, connect, and grow their businesses.
Broker Fair founder and deBanked Chief Editor Sean Murray, said “Online business lenders, MCA providers, and independent brokers employ thousands of salespeople to connect business owners with sources of capital. There are numerous products, tools, and resources out there now but the landscape remains fractured. Through Broker Fair, I want to empower the salespeople, empower the brokers. They’re the ones on the frontlines with America’s small business owners. I’ve been covering this space for seven years and was actually an MCA broker myself prior to that. I know the industry. A lot of folks and companies want to be successful but I know that they also want to have a positive impact on their customers and the industry they’re a part of. I want to facilitate that and more at Broker Fair.”
The three central tenets of the conference will be education, inspiration, and opportunities.
Registration is already open at http://brokerfair.org/pages/register/
To become a sponsor or inquire about the benefits of sponsorship, contact info@brokerfair.org or call 917-722-0808. Event sponsors can be viewed at: https://brokerfair.org/sponsors/
About Foinse, LLC
Foinse, LLC is an events company and the owner of Broker Fair 2018. For more information, visit: https://brokerfair.org/
About deBanked
deBanked® is a registered trademark of Raharney Capital, LLC and is the name of a print and online publication that has covered alternative finance including merchant cash advance and online business lending since 2010. deBanked is a presenting partner of Broker Fair 2018. For more information, visit: https://debanked.com/
