Fundinghub is reshaping how South African SMEs access finance, giving them the ability to compare offers from 30+ lenders in under five minutes. In a market where survival often depends on getting money in 24–48 hours, this platform positions itself as a game-changer.
Business Funding
Instead of slogging through multiple applications at different banks, business owners complete one form and instantly see live quotes. That efficiency—and the leverage of comparing multiple offers side by side—has made Fundinghub a top choice for businesses under pressure to act fast.
Overview
Fundinghub is a business finance marketplace built for South African SMEs. Operated by Finch Technologies, the platform integrates banks, private lenders, and alternative financiers into a single ecosystem. It promises funding ranges from R10,000 up to R100 million across multiple product types. Turnaround can be as quick as 24 hours once documentation checks out. Best of all, Fundinghub’s service is completely free for applicants, since the platform is paid by its lending partners.
Key stats frequently promoted:
- 30+ lenders on the network.
- R318 million+ in unsecured loans facilitated since 2020.
- Over 27,000 SMEs served.
- 5-minute application, no credit score impact until you engage with a lender.
How Fundinghub Works
- Fill in a short online application (about 5 minutes).
- Fundinghub anonymises your data and scans lender criteria.
- Get matched with multiple offers or indicative quotes.
- Shortlist and choose lenders to engage further.
- Once you accept, lenders run their checks, and funds can be paid out within 24–48 hours.
- As your business grows, you can reapply to secure better terms.
This process makes Fundinghub less of a lender and more of a smart marketplace that levels the playing field for SMEs.
Features (and Who Benefits)
- Multi-lender matching: Instead of knocking on multiple doors, SMEs see live offers in one place.
- Product variety: From working capital to purchase order finance, the menu is wide.
- Privacy-first design: Lenders see your details only with consent.
- Free to use: No marketplace fee for businesses; lenders cover the costs.
Fundinghub suits established businesses with at least six months of trading history and R30,000+ monthly turnover.
Products on the Platform
- Unsecured working capital loans (3–24 months) – payroll, marketing, inventory.
- Secured property-backed loans – higher amounts, longer terms.
- Merchant Cash Advances (MCA) – repay as a portion of card takings.
- Invoice discounting – unlock cash tied in 60–90-day debtors.
- Purchase Order finance – fund government/corporate orders.
- Vehicle & equipment finance – buy or lease business-critical assets.
- Revolving lines of credit – flexible draw and repay model.
Pricing & Costs
Fundinghub doesn’t set rates—its lenders do. Expect a wide range:
- ~0.8% per month (7.6% APR equivalent) on secured or low-risk deals.
- Up to 30% per year for higher-risk or short-term unsecured products.
Merchant Cash Advances can be the most expensive in effective APR terms. Applicants pay no fee to Fundinghub; lenders may charge origination or documentation fees, so scrutiny is essential.
Eligibility & Documentation
- Turnover: at least R30,000 monthly.
- Trading history: minimum 6 months.
- Entities: registered businesses (including sole proprietors).
- Startups: not eligible.
- Typical documents: 6 months’ bank statements, CIPC docs, ID copies, financials for larger deals.
Speed & Timelines
- Application: 5 minutes.
- Approval: as fast as 24 hours if documents are clean.
- Disbursement: typically within 48 hours after acceptance.
Safety & Reputation
Fundinghub stresses privacy, with no credit checks until applicants consent. It’s a Finch Technologies brand, adding corporate backing.
Public ratings are mixed: while the website promotes 4.7/5 scores, Trustpilot averages closer to 3.1/5. This makes due diligence vital—don’t rely solely on marketing snapshots.
Advantages
- One application → multiple offers.
- Breadth of products from 30+ lenders.
- Free to applicants.
- No credit impact until you choose a lender.
- Quick turnaround, often within 48 hours.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for pre-revenue startups.
- Merchant Cash Advances may be expensive.
- Public reviews don’t always match site claims.
- Documentation still required; not 100% “instant money.”
Use Cases (Mini Playbooks)
- Retailer with dips in cash flow: A revolving line of credit bridges monthly lulls.
- Construction subcontractor: Invoice discounting smooths 60–90-day debtor delays.
- Café expansion: Equipment finance funds new machines matched to asset life.
- Supplier with government PO: PO finance covers working capital to deliver.
- Retailer with high card sales: MCA offers speed, but requires caution on repayment terms.
Alternatives & Comparisons
- Lula (formerly Lulalend): Direct SME lender, up to R5m, 24–48h payouts.
- Bridgement: Lines of credit and loans, transparent fee structure.
- Merchant Capital: Focus on MCAs tied to card turnover.
- Finfind: More of a research/discovery tool than a live quotes marketplace.
Choose Fundinghub when comparing multiple offers is a priority. Choose a direct lender if you already know what product and relationship you want.
FAQs
- Does applying affect my credit score?
No—Fundinghub only checks credit when you consent with a chosen lender. - What’s the minimum turnover required?
Usually R30k monthly. - How fast can funds arrive?
24–48 hours in straightforward cases. - Is Fundinghub free?
Yes—lenders cover costs, not applicants. - What amounts are available?
From R10k to R100m, depending on eligibility. - Which products are offered?
Unsecured loans, secured loans, MCAs, invoice discounting, PO finance, and more. - What interest rates can I expect?
Anywhere from ~0.8% monthly to 30% annually. - Who owns Fundinghub?
It’s part of Finch Technologies. - What documents do I need?
At least 6 months’ bank statements, plus extras for secured deals. - Are sole proprietors eligible?
Yes, if registered. - What about reviews?
Mixed—site shows 4.7/5, but Trustpilot is around 3.1/5. - Do they fund startups?
No, pre-revenue startups aren’t eligible. - What’s the biggest benefit?
Time-saving—one application opens multiple doors. - What’s the biggest risk?
Costly MCAs or hidden lender fees. - Can I reapply?
Yes—many SMEs revisit after revenue growth to secure better terms.
Final Verdict
Fundinghub is a solid choice for South African SMEs that need speed, choice, and leverage when sourcing finance. Its one-application model cuts out paperwork fatigue, and its breadth of lenders ensures competitive quotes. While startups without trading history won’t qualify, and some products (like MCAs) come with high costs, the platform shines as a first step for most established SMEs. With the right preparation—bank statements in order, clear funding purpose, and an eye for fees—Fundinghub can help unlock the right deal and keep cash flow moving.