This milestone allows Love Finance to lend directly from its own book, accelerating decision-making and widening access to essential capital for SMEs. Founded in 2016, fully bootstrapped and profitable, Love Finance has grown revenue over 900% in the last four years to £9.2 million in 2024 and doubled its team, while providing £300 million in funding to more than 7,000 SMEs across the UK.

 Each loan will be principally supported through Paragon Bank’s senior RCF and LGB Capital Markets’ junior MTN programme. Paragon’s Structured Lending division, which has a strong record of providing senior secured funding to help UK non-bank lending businesses scale their own loan activities, and LGB, known for delivering innovative financing solutions, underpin Love Finance’s lending, while the remainder is provided by the company itself, offering flexibility and control in shaping loans to SME needs.

 Jamie Pickering, Co-Head of Structured Lending at Paragon Bank, said: “Paragon’s Structured Lending division is designed to support high-growth businesses with bespoke funding solutions that enable them to scale at pace. Our latest partnership with Love Finance reflects this mission. By backing innovative lenders like Love Finance, we’re proud to be helping strengthen the resilience and creativity of the UK’s vibrant SME sector, which plays a vital role in driving economic prosperity and regional development,”

 Jack Smith, Founder and CEO of Love Finance, said: “Securing our first debt financing is a major milestone for Love Finance. With the support of Paragon Bank and LGB Capital Markets, we can scale our own book lending, reach more SMEs across the UK, and continue driving innovation in business finance. This funding brings us another step closer to our goal of being the UK’s most trusted and accessible SME lender.”

 Fergus Rendall, Director at LGB Capital Markets, said: "We’re delighted to be supporting Love Finance at such a pivotal stage in their growth. Their data-driven approach to SME lending, combined with a clear vision and strong execution, makes them a standout in the market. This funding structure, combining Paragon’s senior facility with our MTN programme, provides a scalable and robust platform for the next phase of expansion. We look forward to seeing the business continue to go from strength to strength."

 This debt facility reflects strong institutional confidence in Love Finance’s performance and growth strategy. It reinforces the company’s commitment to helping more SMEs across the UK access fast, flexible finance and grow their businesses. SMEs interested in tailored lending solutions can learn more on Love Finance’s website.

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.