The platform Kredo (first reported on by finews a year ago) aims to shake up the SME financing market and has closed a funding round worth several million francs, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

According to the company, the traditional bank financing model leaves room for improvement: limited competition, long waiting times and complex processes. Kredo also points to the gap that emerged following the disappearance of Credit Suisse (CS). The company seeks to offer a better solution with a straightforward approach based on cutting-edge technology and access to the first private debt fund in francs dedicated exclusively to SMEs. Companies are expected to receive their loans within just a few days.

«Setting Course for German-Speaking Switzerland and Ticino»

Several companies and business figures, particularly from German-speaking Switzerland, have invested in Kredo, the statement adds.

Following its strong success in Western Switzerland, the funding round marks the beginning of a new phase of rapid growth and paves the way for nationwide expansion. «With this capital raise, Kredo is going on the offensive: setting course for German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino,» commented Raeto Guler, partner and head of the German-speaking Swiss market.

Credit Tightening After Credit Suisse

According to the Western Swiss newspaper L’Agéfi, Kredo opened an office in Zurich two weeks ago with three employees. The company’s headquarters remain in Pully, where nine staff members are based. The proceeds from the funding round will be invested in further developing the platform and in marketing, while the loans are financed through the Luxembourg-based Kredo Debt Fund I.

According to CEO Lucas Wüst, a form of credit tightening has occurred following the disappearance of Credit Suisse. Foreign banks tend to focus on large-volume loans, while cantonal banks often require mortgage-backed collateral.

Half-Billion Target Delayed

According to the newspaper report, fintech Kredo has financed around 100 SMEs over the past two and a half years, with loan amounts ranging between 50,000 and 1 million francs.

A year ago, Kredo told finews that the Kredo Debt Fund was expected to grow to half a billion francs by the end of 2027. CEO Wüst now states that the company is slightly behind schedule in reaching this target. It will likely be 2028 — or perhaps even 2029 — before the goal is achieved.