UK-based SME lender Juice raises £25m in funding

Juice, which is a UK-based fintech alternative lending platform for digital founders, has raised £25 million in funding, with the investment coming from family offices Aern Capital and Falco Capital, while Paragon Bank provided a credit line.

Founded in 2019, Juice combines real-time financial data, predictive analytics, and flexible credit lines to offer SMEs tailored capital when they need it, without dilution or hidden fees.

Juice aims to “democratise” finance by providing SME founders with capital, at a time when there is a £22 billion funding gap for UK SMEs.

Juice’s funding round has put it on track to reach a £100 million loan book, with £25 million annual turnover by 2028.

Katherine Chan, chief executive officer, Juice

Katherine Chan, chief executive officer of Juice, said: “This funding round represents a critical step for Juice. Our mission is to give SME founders not just capital, but the actionable insights and flexibility they need to grow their businesses sustainably.

“Thanks to our partners at Paragon Bank, Aern Capital, and Falco Capital, we’re positioned to improve the way UK SMEs access finance – providing speed, transparency, and genuine founder-focused solutions.”

Juice’s first investor, Falco Capital, contributed to the raise alongside new investors Aern Capital, while a new partner banking relationship with Paragon Bank underpins the round.

Lewis Fitzsimons, managing director of Paragon Bank’s Structured Lending Division, added: “It’s been a pleasure to assist Juice Ventures with a committed facility to enable Katherine and her team to continue supporting SME businesses operating in the ecommerce and digital space.

“The work they do with SME businesses is vital to the British economy, so Paragon is excited to partner with Juice through the next phase of its growth.”

Juice intends to use the funding to support its growth plans, which include expanding its product from digital SMEs to the wider SME market, thereby enabling all businesses to benefit from the capital flexibility that their services offer.

Richard Anderson, managing director of Falco, said: “Growth capital for early-stage businesses has always been a challenge in the UK, with a more conservative venture capital industry than the US and a traditional lending market focused on asset security and personal guarantees.

“A Juice loan fills this gap, adding real-time data analytics and control of online payment systems to traditional credit analysis techniques. The deal with Paragon is only the start and we look forward to continuing to support the company on its own growth journey.”