fundera

Fundera is an online platform that assists small business owners in obtaining financing and understanding funding options. It serves as a loan marketplace that enables applicants to submit a single set of business information to receive multiple loan offers from partner lenders, allowing for side-by-side comparisons of interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. In addition to loan matching, Fundera provides educational content, such as guides and calculators, to help founders navigate credit building, funding criteria, and the lending process.

History and ownership: Fundera was established in the early 2010s as a fintech venture focused on small-business financing. In 2019, the company was acquired by NerdWallet and its loan marketplace and educational resources were integrated into NerdWallet's broader finance platform.

Operations and model: The platform generated revenue primarily through referrals and lead generation from lenders and, in some cases, through partnerships offering white-labeled loan products. It targeted small businesses across industries, including startups, retail, and service sectors.

Impact and status: Since the acquisition, Fundera's resources have been maintained as part of NerdWallet's business finance offerings, providing a streamlined path for small-business owners to explore funding options beyond traditional banks.