In this episode of FinTalk, Ivan Jesus, Founder and CEO of Finalytics, sits down with Craig Moore, Founder of Beehive. Together, they explore peer-to-peer lending, SME finance and building a resilient fintech in the MENA region.
Key takeaways
SMEs need more routes to finance
Banks can find it uneconomical to make many smaller loans, and businesses without property or other fixed assets may struggle to secure funding. Beehive assesses businesses and, if they meet its credit standards, connects them with investors through a marketplace.
Trust depends on disciplined lending
Beehive has refined its credit models over time and uses more data as it becomes available. Craig says the company must balance support for SMEs with its duty to investors, and will not lend when a business does not meet its repayment standards.
Speed can protect an opportunity
SMEs may need finance to buy stock, hire staff or take on a contract, and waiting too long can mean losing the opportunity. Craig says Beehive can provide an in-principle decision within 24 to 48 hours when it has all the information it needs.
Build around a real problem
Craig advises entrepreneurs to understand the problem they are solving and what makes their offer suited to the region, rather than building a business around a feature. He also stresses the importance of paying customers, a clear direction and a strong team.
“No entrepreneur is an island.” Craig Moore
Why it matters for founders
For an owner-led SME, organised financial records and a clear plan for how funding will support the business can help lenders assess an application with confidence. Choosing finance that fits the business’s goals can help it pursue growth without losing sight of its ability to repay.
Our take
Lenders say yes faster to businesses that can show where their cash is going. A forward cash view and clean books turn a funding conversation from hope into evidence.
See it in practice: Cash flow visibility
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