Best Online Business Funding Platforms for UK Companies

Jonathan Pike
December 19, 2025
Awards
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:

1Funding AgentFunding Agent is a UK business finance broker that helps SMEs access funding from a panel of lenders.£10,000–£1,000,000; 5%–15% APR; 6 to 72 months
2Funding CircleFunding Circle offers fast, affordable small business loans with a focus on helping UK SMEs grow.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–14.9% APR; 6 months to 6 years
3iwocaiwoca offers flexible funding solutions tailored to small businesses, providing loans from £1,000 to £1 million.£1,000–£1,000,000; 6%–15% APR; 1 day to 24 months
4Funding OptionsFunding Options is a UK marketplace for business finance, helping businesses compare loan options from various lenders.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
5CapifyCapify provides small business loans and merchant cash advances, focusing on flexibility and quick access to funds.£5,000–£3,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 3 to 12 months
6SpotcapSpotcap offers business credit lines up to £350,000 with flexible terms and quick approval processes for SMEs in the UK.£50,000–£350,000; 12%–24% APR; 6 to 12 months
7LiberisLiberis provides revenue-based financing, allowing businesses to repay as they earn, with a focus on simplicity and transparency.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown
8Startup LoansStartup Loans offers government-backed personal loans for business purposes to help entrepreneurs get started.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; 1 to 5 years
9Simply BusinessSimply Business provides a straightforward comparison of small business loans, helping UK businesses find competitive loan options.£1,000–£500,000; 11.3%–14.9% APR; 1 to 5 years
10Fair FinanceFair Finance specializes in providing affordable and transparent loans to underserved communities and businesses.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Unknown

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.