SA fintech bridging raised R330m as banks back AI-powered business loans

Bridgement's existing funding partner RMB, together with Standard Bank, has backed the company with R330m, signaling confidence in Bridgement's leading online business loan platform, which serves thousands of SMEs across South Africa. The funding from RMB and Standard Bank – South Africa's two major banks – signals growing institutional confidence in technology-enabled businesses.

South Africa's SME sector is the backbone of the economy, contributing approximately 40% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and employing approximately 60% of the workforce. And yet, it faces a funding gap that is currently estimated at between R350bn and R386bn.

Credit assessment traditionally relies on audited financials, available collateral and visibility of consistent cash flows. This can make it difficult to assess businesses that operate differently or where this information is not always readily available. As a result, many South African businesses are unable to meet one or all of these requirements, often lacking updated financials, fixed assets or projected monthly cash flows.

A key challenge in financing SMEs has been how to assess and approve business financing at the speed and scale without extensive reliance on traditional collateral. This is the problem that Bridgement solves, giving SMEs access to the credit they need using data already generated through the normal operation of their businesses. Data from bank accounts, accounting software like Xero and Sage, and other digital financial sources provides a more accurate and up-to-date picture of a business's creditworthiness. By securely analyzing this information, Bridgement's AI-powered platform creates a real-time view of SMEs' performance and cash flow, helping them make funding decisions within minutes of receiving applications.

Bridgement's proprietary AI-powered platform analyzes thousands of financial and operational data points in real-time, enabling faster and more accurate credit decisions than traditional lending processes. The technology is used throughout the customer journey, from fraud detection and risk assessment to customer support and ongoing portfolio monitoring. By understanding the nuances of different industries, business models and cash flow patterns, Bridgement is able to provide funding solutions tailored to each business while providing the fastest turnaround time in the market.

The platform also enables flexible repayment structures that are linked to how businesses actually earn revenue. Instead of forcing SMEs into a rigid monthly repayment schedule, Bridgment offers daily, weekly, bi-monthly or monthly repayment options that better match underlying cash flows and reduce repayment stress.

The funding from RMB and Standard Bank enables Bridgement to offer direct lending to SMEs and strengthen its position as a leading online business lender in South Africa. Apart from funding businesses directly, Bridgement partners with banks and corporates by licensing its technology, enabling them to better serve SME customers through next-generation embedded and AI-powered business loan solutions.

Since launching a decade ago, the company has funded thousands of small and medium-sized businesses and won awards for simplifying access to SME funding. Bridgment's platform was recognized as Xero App Partner of the Year in both 2023 and 2025, reflecting its leadership in helping SMEs securely share financial data and access funding faster. Bridgement has deployed over R2bn to South African SMEs in its online business loan, credit facility and invoice finance products, with funding of up to R10 million and repayment terms of up to 24 months.

key insights:

• R350bn-R386bn – estimated SME funding gap in South Africa, despite SMEs contributing 40% of GDP and 60% of employment.
• R330m – Funds raised from RMB and Standard Bank to expand Bridgement's direct SME lending capacity.
• R2bn+ – deployed by Bridgement to South African SMEs since 2016.
• Three cloud accounting platforms – Bridgement is the only SME lender in South Africa that integrates into Xero, Sage and QuickBooks.
• Up to R10m – available on repayment terms up to 24 months.

In his own words:

“This funding reflects the confidence that South Africa’s two largest banking groups have placed in our technology, our team and our approach to SME finance. We have already helped thousands of businesses access over R2bn of funding, and this support allows us to extend that impact to even more South African SMEs.

“SMEs don't need more paperwork. What they need is faster access to capital. By using AI to analyze live financial data rather than relying solely on traditional loan processes, we are helping more businesses access the funding they need to grow. The result is faster decisions, a better customer experience and the fastest turnaround times available for South African businesses.” – Daniel Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Bridgement

“RMB has been Bridgement's funding partner for many years and has seen the business consistently execute on its vision of greater financial inclusion within South Africa. Bridgement has demonstrated the ability to combine technology, data and credit expertise to deliver funding efficiently and at scale. We are pleased to extend our support through this new funding and look forward to supporting the company's next phase of growth.” – Zolela Albert, Leveraged Finance: Lead Transactor, RMB