Funding Tree
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| This article, Funding Tree, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
Reviewer tools: Inform author |
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| Type of business | Crowdfunding |
|---|---|
| Founded | London, UK, 2013 |
| Headquarters | London, UK |
| Key people | Dillen Iyavoo (CEO), Meb Ali (co-founder), George Anastasi (Chief Business Development Officer) |
| URL | www.fundingtree.co.uk |
Funding Tree is an FCA regulated[1] online crowdfunding platform headquartered in London UK. The website officially launched in August 2014[2], becoming the world’s first fully regulated loan and equity-based crowdfunding and peer-to-peer business lending platform[3][4]. The site enables people to invest in unlisted UK-registered businesses and offers those businesses an alternative to banks.
Model
Funding Tree is part of the alternative finance industry which is helping to supply SMEs with the monetary means to begin or develop business without the need for a bank. The industry is expected to top £1.74 billion[5] in 2014.
The platform’s dual model, loan and equity, enables a wide range of businesses[6] to apply for funding; from start-ups through to established businesses[7][8]. This is mainly because start-ups can only usually offer equity in return for investment, whereas more established businesses can pitch for loan investment because they have the ability to disclose historical financial data and forecasts to prove that they are capable of making repayments to investors (otherwise known as peer-to-peer business lending). Typically, a business pitches its funding requirements to Funding Tree, which, after some in-house due diligence, lists suitable businesses on the platform. Once pitches are ‘live’, registered investors of no specific investment pedigree can pool funding together to meet the business’s target amount.
Founding
Funding Tree was founded in January 2013 by three South London entrepreneurs George Anastasi, Meb Ali and Dillen Iyavoo[9]. The platform was created to enable businesses to raise capital via equity or loans.
Growth
As of December 2014, the business has secured funding for six businesses.[10]
Regulation
Funding Tree is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The FCA regulates financial firms which have to pass rigorous tests to gain approval.
References
- ^ http://startups.co.uk/new-fca-regulated-crowdfunding-platform-launches-for-uk-small-and-medium-businesses/
- ^ http://crowdfunding.einnews.com/article__detail/218977638?lcode=9UBsgQnTVu0q9LKLDMgwLw%253D%253D
- ^ http://www.business-money.com/announcements/world-s-first-debt-and-equity-crowdfunding-platform-launches-in-uk
- ^ http://www.thecsuite.co.uk/CEO/index.php/finance/58-funding-tree-equity-to-debt-454354
- ^ http://www.nesta.org.uk/publications/understanding-alternative-finance-uk-alternative-finance-industry-report-2014
- ^ http://www.bullfax.com/?q=node-funding-tree-support-small-community-based-businesses
- ^ http://www.alternativefinanceinfo.co.uk/success-stories/how-a-humble-farm-quickly-grew-an-investor-base-on-funding-tree
- ^ http://www.midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk/funding-tree-democratises-crowdfunding-support-small-businesses/
- ^ https://www.fundingtree.co.uk/meet-the-team
- ^ https://www.fundingtree.co.uk
External links
Category:Companies based in London, UK
Category:Financial services companies of the United Kingdom
Category:Internet properties established in 2013