L

Lendio

Marketplace for small business loans

Overview

Lendio is a financial technology company that operates a loan marketplace for small businesses in the United States. It provides an online platform where business owners fill a single application to access multiple financing options from banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders, including SBA loans, term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. Lenders pay Lendio a referral fee when a loan is funded, so the company earns money only when its customers secure financing. The platform simplifies the loan search by quickly connecting borrowers with a wide lender network and presenting tailored options, helping small businesses start, grow, or sustain operations. Lendio differentiates itself through its extensive lender network and a performance-based revenue model that aligns incentives with borrowers. The company's goal is to make it easier for small businesses to obtain affordable funding and support economic growth by streamlining the financing process.

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About Lendio

Simplify's Rating
Why Lendio is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & AnalyticsFintechFinancial Services

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Series E

Total Funding

$107M

Headquarters

Lehi, UT

Founded

2011

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Simplify's take

What believers are saying

  • Lili selected Lendio on June 22, 2026, expanding embedded lending distribution.
  • BOND.AI partnership on February 11, 2026 strengthens bank retention through transaction-level signals.
  • Lendio’s November 2026 SBA page claims 12,200 funded SBA loans and over $475 million.

What critics are saying

  • Just Cause Marketing v. Lendio entered trial posture on September 29, 2026, pressuring terms enforcement.
  • Labor litigation in Jackson et al. v. Lendio resurfaced in 2026, extending employer scrutiny.
  • If banks and platforms internalize lending tools, Lendio’s marketplace becomes commoditized and irrelevant.

What makes Lendio unique

  • Lendio’s June 2026 Lili deal embeds lending inside banking workflows, not standalone lead-gen.
  • Its platform spans 100+ lenders and 10+ products, including SBA, term, and credit lines.
  • September 2026 board addition Pam Parker signals a push toward enterprise SaaS discipline.

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Funding

Total Funding

$107M

Below

Industry Average

Funded Over

7 Rounds

Series E funding typically includes additional rounds after Series D if the company needs more capital. The business is usually stable, and these rounds are typically used for further expansion or to address market challenges.
Series E Funding Comparison
Below Average

Industry standards

$100M
$245M
$250M
$1.3B
$1.5B

Benefits

  • 401(k) Company Match
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Gym Membership
  • Wellness Program
  • Discounted Cellular Plans
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Fertility Treatment Support
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

4%

2 year growth

3%
WebFactory Ltd
Nov 5th, 2026
Top 4 apps like Kabbage for small business loans and financing options.

Top 4 apps like Kabbage for small business loans and financing options. November 5, 2026 Bluevine, OnDeck, Fundbox, and Lendio are the top apps like Kabbage for small business loans, lines of credit, and fast working capital. They fit owners who want online applications, quick decisions, and flexible funding without waiting weeks at a bank. Kabbage from American Express has offered business lines of credit from $2,000 to $250,000, which makes this funding style useful for short-term cash needs [source: American Express]. TLDR: Bluevine is best for a flexible credit line, OnDeck is strong for term loans, Fundbox works well for smaller recurring cash gaps, and Lendio is best for comparing many lenders at once. For example, a shop that needs $40,000 for holiday stock may prefer Bluevine or OnDeck over a traditional bank loan. If the same shop has only 48 hours to solve a payroll gap, Fundbox may be the cleaner fit. Lendio helps when the owner wants several offers without filling out five separate forms. 1. Bluevine: best Kabbage alternative for a business Line of credit. Bluevine is often the closest match to Kabbage because it focuses on revolving credit. A business can draw funds, repay, and draw again as needed. That makes it useful for inventory, payroll, slow-paying customers, or surprise repairs. Bluevine is a good fit for owners who want control. They do not have to borrow the full approved amount. They can take only what is needed. That can reduce interest costs when cash needs are uneven. * Best for: Working capital and repeat cash needs * Loan type: Business line of credit * Speed: Often fast, with online approval steps * Main drawback: Costs can be higher than bank financing The catch is that approval still depends on revenue, credit, and business history. Some owners may also dislike how much bank and cash flow data must be connected during the application. 2. OnDeck: Best for short-term business loans. OnDeck is a strong choice for owners who want a lump sum instead of a revolving credit line. It offers term loans and lines of credit, but its short-term loan product is the main draw for many small businesses. This option may suit a restaurant buying new kitchen equipment, a contractor paying for materials, or a retailer preparing for a seasonal rush. The owner gets the funds upfront and repays on a set schedule. * Best for: One-time projects and larger planned costs * Loan type: Term loans and lines of credit * Speed: Fast online process * Main drawback: Repayments can be frequent Honestly, it feels like some short-term loans punish owners who already have tight weekly cash flow. A fixed repayment plan can help with planning, but it can also sting during a slow month. 3. Fundbox: Best for smaller, fast cash gaps. Fundbox works well for businesses that need smaller amounts of money and quick access. It is popular with service firms, agencies, wholesalers, and companies waiting on unpaid invoices. The app-style experience is simple. A business owner can apply online, connect accounts, and request funds after approval. This can help when invoices are late but rent, wages, or supplier bills are due now. * Best for: Short-term cash flow gaps * Loan type: Line of credit * Speed: Very quick after approval * Main drawback: Not ideal for long-term borrowing Fundbox is not usually the best pick for a major expansion. It fits better when a business needs a bridge, not a full rebuild. If a company needs six figures for a new location, Bluevine, OnDeck, or Lendio may make more sense. 4. Lendio: best marketplace for Comparing loan offers. Lendio is different from the other apps because it is a loan marketplace. It connects small businesses with many lending partners. That makes it useful when an owner does not know which type of funding fits best. A business can apply once and review possible matches for term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, merchant cash advances, and invoice financing. This saves time. It also helps owners see how prices, terms, and requirements differ. * Best for: Comparing several financing options * Loan type: Multiple products through partner lenders * Speed: Varies by lender and loan type * Main drawback: More follow-up calls and emails may happen It drives many owners crazy that marketplace forms can trigger extra contact from lenders. Still, the tradeoff can be worth it if the business wants options beyond one app. How small businesses should choose. The best Kabbage alternative depends on why the money is needed. A business with repeat cash gaps may prefer Bluevine or Fundbox. A business with a single big purchase may choose OnDeck. A business that wants to compare several paths may start with Lendio. Owners should check four items before applying: total cost, repayment schedule, funding speed, and required documents. They should also avoid borrowing more than needed. Fast money can help, but expensive debt can make a weak month worse. Faq. What is the closest app to Kabbage? Bluevine is often the closest match because it offers a flexible business line of credit with an online application process. Which Kabbage alternative is best for bad credit? Lendio may be the best starting point because it works with many lenders. Some may accept lower credit scores, though rates can be higher. Which app is best for fast funding? Fundbox and Bluevine are strong choices for fast access after approval. Actual timing depends on the business profile and bank processing. Are these apps cheaper than bank loans? Usually, no. Online lenders are often faster and easier to use, but banks may offer lower rates for qualified borrowers. Which option is best for equipment purchases? OnDeck can work for equipment, especially when the owner wants a lump sum. Lendio may also help compare equipment financing offers.

Editorialge
Nov 1st, 2026
9 best business loan marketplaces for comparing offers.

9 best business loan marketplaces for comparing offers. One loan form, and suddenly your phone won't stop ringing with offers you can't compare. For most owners, Lendio is the best of the business loan marketplaces for comparing offers, and SBA Lender Match is the best free start for SBA loans. You can open Table of Contents show Below: a comparison chart, real flaws for all nine, and a cost cheat sheet. Quick comparison: business loan marketplaces for comparing offers. Here's the short version. None of these platforms lends you money directly except where noted, and all of them let you see options before a hard credit pull. | Platform | Cost to Use | Network Size | Best For | Biggest Flaw | | Lendio | Free | 75+ lenders | Most small businesses | Heavy follow-up calls | | SBA Lender Match | Free | 800+ SBA lenders | Cheapest SBA loans | No side-by-side offers | | Fundera (NerdWallet) | Free | Not published | Loans + cards in one place | Data shared with partners | | Nav | Free; paid plans are $39.99-$74.99/mo | Not published | Fixing credit first | Best tools sit behind a paywall | | SmartBiz | Free to apply | Bank partners + its own bank | SBA 7(a) up to $500K | Needs 2+ years in business | | LendingTree | Free | 300+ (all loan types) | Wide net, fast | Lead-selling complaints | | Biz2Credit | Free to apply | Own loans + partners | Established, higher-revenue firms | High revenue minimums | | Lendzi | Free | 60+ lenders | Hands-on loan officers | Rates and fees not disclosed | | Lantern by SoFi | Free | Smaller network | Quick prequalified quotes | Fewer offers | Key takeaway: run at least two platforms. One commercial marketplace and SBA Lender Match will cover most owners. How these platforms make money (and why your phone rings). Most business loan marketplaces for comparing offers are free because lenders pay them. Lendio earns referral fees from its lenders, and Fundera has been reported to earn a commission of roughly 2% to 5% on funded loans. Here's the catch: that model rewards a closed deal, not your cheapest deal. So expect a "funding specialist" call within hours, and expect pressure toward whatever closes fastest. * Soft pull: used to match you. It doesn't hurt your score. * Hard pull: usually happens when you formally apply with one lender. * Your data: often shared with partners. Read the consent box before you click. The 9 best business loan marketplaces for comparing offers. 1. Lendio - Best overall. Lendio connects you with 75+ lenders through one application that takes about 15 minutes. It covers SBA loans, term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, invoice financing and merchant cash advances. Picture this: you run a two-year-old landscaping business doing $15,000 a month. Lendio can show you a line of credit, an equipment loan and an SBA option in the same week. Few marketplaces match that breadth. Real flaws owners complain about: * Lots of marketing calls and emails after you apply. * Newer or low-revenue businesses may see mostly merchant cash advance offers, which cost far more. * Some borrowers report hard inquiries from lenders they never picked. Who Should Skip This: owners with strong credit and two-plus years of clean financials. A direct bank or credit union may beat any marketplace rate. 2. SBA Lender Match - Best free option for SBA loans. This is the government's own matching tool, and it's free. You answer a few questions in as little as five minutes, and SBA sends a summary of interested lenders about two business days later. More than 800 SBA-approved lenders take part across all 50 states. The best part? Nobody's earning a referral fee off you. These are banks, credit unions and CDFIs that already offering SBA-backed loans. Real flaws: * It's not a loan application. You still apply with each lender separately. * There's no guarantee anyone responds, and you won't see offers side by side. * It's not for disaster loans. Who Should Skip This: anyone who needs cash this week. SBA loans can take weeks. 3. Fundera by NerdWallet - Best for loans and credit cards together. NerdWallet bought Fundera in 2020, and it now operates under the NerdWallet brand. You can compare business loans, business credit cards and other products from one account without a hard pull to start. Real flaws: * It doesn't publish how many lenders see your file. * Your consent covers sharing data with NerdWallet and its partners. Who Should Skip This: owners who want to control exactly which lenders contact them. 4. Nav - Best if your credit needs work first. Nav is a credit dashboard with lender matching attached. The free plan shows basic business credit ranges and one personal Experian score, while paid plans run $39.99, $49.99, and $74.99 a month. Now, you might be wondering, why pay for a marketplace? You usually shouldn't. Nav's value is seeing what lenders see before you apply, so you don't collect rejections. Real flaws: * The deeper reports and lender discounts are paid features. * Applying for a loan or card through Nav can trigger a hard pull. Who Should Skip This: owners with strong credit who just need quotes. 5. SmartBiz - Best for small SBA 7(a) loans. SmartBiz focuses on SBA 7(a) loans, and its site lists amounts from $30,000 to $500,000. In 2025, it acquired Centrust Bank and became SmartBiz Bank, N.A., so it can now lend directly as well as route you to partner banks. Real flaws: * You need more than two years in business, and most products want fair-to-good credit. * SBA paperwork is still SBA paperwork. Approval isn't instant. Who Should Skip This: startups and anyone needing funds in days. 6. LendingTree - Best for casting a Wide net. LendingTree's network tops 300 lenders, but that count covers mortgages, auto and personal loans too. It's unclear how many fund business loans. On the flip side, the complaints are consistent. Users describe a flood of calls, texts and emails right after submitting a form. Real flaws: * Aggressive follow-up from partner lenders. * Lender requirements can be vague until you're deep in the process. Who Should Skip This: anyone who hates sales calls. 7. Biz2Credit - Best for Established, higher-revenue businesses. Biz2Credit is a hybrid. It lends directly and can also match you with partner lenders if its own products don't fit. Real flaws: * Many products want around $250,000 in annual revenue. * Fees can be hard to pin down until you get an offer. Who Should Skip This: newer businesses or anyone under $100,000 a year. 8. Lendzi - Best for hands-on loan officers. Lendzi, founded in 2020, works with 60+ lenders and gets strong reviews for its loan officers. Prequalification uses a soft credit check. Real flaws: * Rates and fees aren't posted on the site. * Only a handful of its lenders are named publicly. Who Should Skip This: owners who want rates in writing before talking to anyone. 9. Lantern by SoFi - Best for Quick prequalified quotes. SoFi runs this marketplace through SoFi Lending Corp., which doesn't make the business loans itself. SoFi gets paid if you take a product through it. Real flaws: * A smaller network means fewer offers than Lendio. * Partner details are thin. Who Should Skip This: owners who want the widest possible field of lenders. How to compare offers without getting burned. That brings Editorialge to the biggest mistake people make: comparing the payment instead of the total cost. Picture this: you take a $20,000 merchant cash advance with a 1.3 factor rate. You'll repay $26,000, so the cost is $6,000. If you pay it off in six months, that's far more expensive than "30%" sounds, because you paid it in half a year. Use this checklist on every offer: * Total repayment amount, in dollars. * Every fee: origination, draw, servicing and prepayment. * Payment frequency. Daily and weekly payments hit cash flow hard. * APR or estimated APR, where your state requires it. Several states now require lenders to show this math. California and New York require an APR-style disclosure, while states like Utah, Virginia, Florida and Georgia use total-cost disclosures instead. Rules and dollar limits vary, so check your state. Not sure which product fits? Start with this guide to business loan types, then see which business loans are expected to be popular in 2026. Before you apply anywhere, check your business loan eligibility and work on improving your approval chances. Frequently asked questions (faqs). Do business loan marketplaces hurt your credit score? Usually not at first. Most use a soft pull to match you, and a hard pull comes when you formally apply with a lender. Are business loan marketplaces free? Yes, for borrowers. Lenders pay the marketplace, and you pay the lender's rates and fees. Is a loan marketplace the same as a lender? No. A marketplace matches you with lenders. SmartBiz and Biz2Credit are exceptions that also lend directly. How fast can you get funded? Some online loans fund in a day or two. SBA loans often take weeks. What's the best business loan marketplace for bad credit? Lendio and Lendzi accept lower scores than most but expect higher rates. Nav can help you fix your credit first. Final thoughts. Don't trust a single quote. Run one commercial marketplace and SBA Lender Match side by side, then compare total repayment in dollars. Used that way, business loan marketplaces for comparing offers save you time without costing you money.

Financial IT
Jul 17th, 2025
Grasshopper Bank Taps Lendio To Power AI-Driven SBA Lending For A New Generation

Grasshopper Bank officially launched its SBA program on Lendio's Intelligent Lending platform in April 2025, and the first SBA deal through the new partnership closed in May.

PR Newswire
Jan 15th, 2025
Lending Index Score Holds Steady At 73 In Q1 2025 From Q4 2024, Depositor Loyalty Up Is For Grabs In Lendio Smb Lending Index

LEHI, Utah, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lendio's Q1 2025 SMB Lending Index reveals a surge in lender optimism as access to small business capital improves significantly. The percentage of lenders who rated access to capital as "Poor" dropped significantly from 29% in Q3 2024 to just 9%, while "Very Positive" responses nearly doubled, climbing from 8% to 18%

Lendio
Dec 20th, 2024
Warespace Partners with Lendio to Offer Financing Solutions to Entrepreneurial Tenants

Warespace partners with Lendio to offer financing solutions to Entrepreneurial tenants.

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