Liberis and Sezzle Join Forces to Boost Small Business Funding in the US

New Partnership Aims to Address Capital Access Concerns for SMEs

In a significant move for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the United States, Liberis, a leading global embedded finance platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Sezzle, a prominent Buy Now, Pay Later service provider. This collaboration, revealed on August 28, 2024, introduces Sezzle Capital, a new funding initiative designed to offer SMEs access to capital without the need to surrender equity.

Addressing a Critical Need

The partnership comes at a crucial time for small businesses in the US. According to a recent survey by Goldman Sachs, an overwhelming 77% of small business owners express concerns about their ability to access capital. Sezzle Capital, powered by Liberis, aims to alleviate these concerns by providing flexible funding options to thousands of merchants across the country.

Key Features of the Partnership

1. Flexible Funding: SMEs can access capital for various business purposes, promoting growth and sustainability.
2. Equity Preservation: Businesses can secure funding without giving up ownership stakes.
3. Geographic Expansion: While initially focusing on the US market, there are plans to launch in Canada in the near future.

Leadership Perspectives

Rob Straathof, CEO of Liberis, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership: “As we expand across the United States and Canada, we choose to work with partners who are preferred and trusted by small businesses. Working with Sezzle allows us to serve both their early-stage and mature business customers, with fast and flexible funding through our platform.”

Charlie Youakim, CEO of Sezzle, highlighted the alignment with their mission: “At Sezzle, we’re committed to empowering the next generation of business owners through accessible funding opportunities for merchants of all sizes. Through our partnership, we’re thrilled to offer our merchants funding via Liberis—without the need to give up equity in their businesses.”

About the Companies

Liberis

• Founded in 2007
• Global embedded finance platform
• Mission: Provide accessible and responsible finance to small businesses
• Track record: Over $1 billion in funding provided across 70,000+ transactions
• Impact: Enabled the creation and preservation of over 100,000 jobs

Sezzle

• Fintech company focused on financial empowerment
• Offers interest-free installment plans online and in-store
• Aims to increase consumers’ purchasing power
• Promotes responsible spending and financial freedom

Looking Ahead

This partnership between Liberis and Sezzle represents a significant step forward in addressing the funding challenges faced by SMEs in the United States. As the initiative unfolds, it has the potential to reshape the landscape of small business financing, offering more accessible and flexible options for entrepreneurs and business owners.

For SMEs seeking to expand, invest in new equipment, or manage cash flow, the Sezzle Capital program, backed by Liberis’ expertise, could provide a valuable alternative to traditional funding sources. As the program develops and potentially expands into Canada, it will be worth watching its impact on the SMB sector and the broader economy.