Lenkie, a UK-based cashflow management startup, has raised £49 million in new funding to expand its Grow Now, Pay Later credit facility, which enables businesses to pay supplier invoices instantly while spreading repayments over 1 to 12 months. The round includes £4 million in equity and a £45 million debt facility, backed by a leading US private credit fund focused on international lending.
As UK banks scale back SME lending, an estimated £22 billion funding gap has emerged, leaving growing businesses struggling to access capital. Lenkie’s credit facility provides businesses with up to £1 million in flexible financing, ensuring they can invest in inventory, marketing, and operational expenses without disrupting cash flow. Unlike traditional loans, Lenkie pays suppliers directly, allowing businesses to access the resources they need without upfront capital constraints.
“The challenge for SMEs isn’t a lack of opportunities, it’s access to capital exactly when they need it,” said Sanjeev Jeyakumar, CEO and co-founder of Lenkie. “By leveraging real-time data and automated underwriting, we provide fast, flexible funding that aligns with business growth cycles and supplier commitments. Our goal is to remove friction from the borrowing experience and help businesses scale with confidence.”
Founded in 2021 by Jeyakumar, a former Citigroup credit trader, and Nnaemeka Obodoekwe, Lenkie has already facilitated over £70 million in supplier payments for more than 2,000 businesses across 40 countries. The company’s automated platform streamlines invoice processing, integrates with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks, and supports international payments to over 150 countries.
Businesses using Lenkie’s financing solution report improved supplier relationships, increased working capital efficiency, and faster growth. “Lenkie’s credit facility has been a game-changer,” said Ankit Monga, CEO of Mongas Kids Wear Limited. “Instant supplier payments and flexible repayment terms have allowed us to scale faster while maintaining strong vendor relationships.”
