Lenkie

Lenkie is a London-based financial technology company that provides a transaction-based cash flow management platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2020 by CEO Sanjeev Jeyakumar and CTO Nnaemeka Obodoekwe, the company aims to address the significant funding gap faced by UK SMEs as traditional banks pull back from business lending. Jeyakumar, a former credit trader at Citigroup, identified the need for a more agile financing model after witnessing the challenges small businesses faced in securing capital for growth. He structured over £2 billion in lending across emerging markets and later, while building a B2B marketplace, was exposed to thousands of entrepreneurs navigating scaling challenges. Obodoekwe holds a First Class Degree in Computer Science from the University of Johannesburg.

Lenkie's core offering is a "Grow Now, Pay Later" credit facility focused on payables financing. The platform pays suppliers directly on behalf of an SME, allowing the business to secure essential resources like stock, raw materials, and subcontractor services upfront. This addresses the common cash flow problem where businesses must spend money to fulfill orders before they receive payment from their customers. Clients can then repay Lenkie over a flexible period of up to 12 months. The business model is distinct from traditional loans or invoice financing; Lenkie provides a revolving line of credit where fees, starting at 1.5%, are charged as a percentage of the funds advanced, with no upfront arrangement fees. The platform leverages proprietary underwriting technology and real-time performance data to make rapid risk assessments and funding decisions, enhancing speed and financial inclusion for underserved businesses.

Since beginning operations in 2021, Lenkie has funded over £70 million to businesses, facilitating payments to more than 2,000 suppliers across 40 countries. The company targets a diverse range of industries, including construction, professional services, retail, and e-commerce. In March 2025, Lenkie announced a £49 million Series A funding round, comprising £4 million in equity and a £45 million debt facility, led by a US private credit fund. This capital is intended to enhance its data-driven underwriting models, expand partnerships, and explore new markets.

Keywords: SME financing, working capital, accounts payable financing, payables financing, business credit facility, cash flow management, Grow Now Pay Later, supplier payments, transaction-based funding, small business lending, fintech, alternative finance, embedded lending, revolving credit, purchase order financing, inventory financing, UK business funding, financial inclusion, data-driven underwriting