
Best Online Business Funding Platforms for UK Companies
Jonathan Pike
For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank prices accurate as of 2026-01-02.
Quick Compare:
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent Funding Agent is a UK business finance broker that helps SMEs access funding from a panel of lenders. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 6 to 72 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Working Capital Loan, Business Expansion Loan
- Industries: Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Pros
- Competitive APR
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Eligibility criteria apply
Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk
2. Funding Circle
Funding Circle Funding Circle offers fast, affordable small business loans with a focus on helping UK SMEs grow. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £750,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 6 months to 6 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Term Loan, Unsecured Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- No early settlement fees
Cons
- Higher APR for unsecured loans
Sources: https://www.fundingcircle.co.uk/
3. iwoca
iwoca iwoca provides flexible funding options suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. It focuses on quick access to capital with a range of secured and unsecured loans, often with fast decisions and flexible repayment structures. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Short-term Loan, Working Capital Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Quick decisions
- Flexible repayments
Cons
- Higher APR possible
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/
4. Funding Options
Funding Options Funding Options is a platform connecting businesses with a variety of lenders for different funding needs. It offers access to both secured and unsecured options and helps users compare prices and terms efficiently. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Various
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide range of lenders
Cons
- Varied funding times
Sources: https://www.fundingoptions.com/
5. Capify
Capify Capify offers flexible funding solutions including merchant cash advances and short-term loans. It caters to businesses seeking quick capital with straightforward terms, often based on revenue or transaction volume. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £3,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 3 to 12 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Merchant Cash Advance, Small Business Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast funding
- High loan amounts
Cons
- Shorter loan durations
Sources: https://www.capify.co.uk/
6. Spotcap
Spotcap Spotcap offers flexible credit lines and short-term funding options for SMEs. It provides quick access to capital with a focus on simplicity and speed, suitable for businesses with varying cash flow needs. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £50,000
- Max Amount: £350,000
- Min APR: 12%
- Max APR: 24%
- Loan Duration: 6 to 12 months⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Credit Line
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast decision
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- Higher APR
Sources: https://www.spotcap.co.uk/
7. Liberis
Liberis Liberis provides revenue-based financing that allows businesses to repay based on their income streams. It offers a fast, flexible alternative to traditional loans, often structured around sales or revenue without requiring collateral. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Revenue-based Financing
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Flexible repayments
Cons
- Repayment linked to revenue
Sources: https://www.expertsure.com/uk/business-loans/alternative-business-loans/
8. Startup Loans
Startup Loans Startup Loans are government-backed personal loans aimed at new entrepreneurs and small businesses. They are typically quick to access and offer fixed repayment terms, mainly targeting early-stage ventures looking for initial capital. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Startup Loan
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Government-backed
Cons
- Limited to new businesses
Sources: https://www.expertsure.com/uk/business-loans/alternative-business-loans/
9. Simply Business
Simply Business Simply Business compares small business loan options with brokers and lenders to find suitable solutions quickly. It is ideal for businesses wanting transparency and varied choices for different needs. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 11.3%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Loan Duration: 1 to 5 years⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Comparison Services
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Wide range of options
Cons
- Varied APR
Sources: https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/funding/best-small-business-loans/
10. Fair Finance
Fair Finance Fair Finance offers affordable and transparent loan options mainly for underserved communities and small businesses. It aims to support those with limited access to standard banking options and provides flexible repayment structures. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £0
- Max Amount: £0
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Loan Duration: Unknown⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Personal Loans, Business Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Focus on underserved
Cons
- Limited coverage
Sources: https://www.expertsure.com/uk/business-loans/alternative-business-loans/
How to choose
When selecting a funding platform or provider, consider your specific needs and the type of finance required. For quick access and straightforward applications, online platforms and brokers are effective. For larger or secured loans, bank or specialised lenders may offer better terms. Evaluate factors like loan size, repayment flexibility, speed, fees, and eligibility criteria. Matching your business needs with the right provider ensures a suitable funding solution.
Conclusion
Matching the right provider depends on your funding purpose. Bank lenders are suitable for secured, larger loans and may offer better rates for substantial amounts. Brokers and online platforms like Funding Agent provide quick comparison and access to a range of options. Consider your business size, collateral, and urgency when choosing a provider. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit specific needs such as asset-backed loans or sector-specific funding. Always check current costs and terms before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best online business funding platforms for UK companies?
The best online business funding platforms in the UK include Funding Circle, iwoca, MarketFinance, Liberis, Capify, and LendingCrowd, among others.
Are online business funding platforms safe for UK companies?
Yes, reputable online funding platforms are regulated and use secure systems to protect your data. Always check for FCA authorisation and customer reviews.
How quickly can UK businesses get funding online?
Many online funding platforms can approve and disburse funds within 24 to 72 hours after application, depending on the platform and your paperwork.
How can UK businesses qualify for online funding platforms?
Qualification usually depends on your business credit score, time in operation, turnover, and submission of financial documents. Each platform has specific criteria.
What types of funding are available through online platforms?
Online platforms offer different funding types such as business loans, invoice financing, merchant cash advances, and peer-to-peer lending.
What are the costs associated with online business funding platforms?
Costs vary but may include interest rates, arrangement fees, and early repayment fees. It’s important to compare terms to find the most cost-effective option.

