Singapore-based fintech CrediLinq has secured $8.5 million in new funding to fuel its expansion into the United States market. The Series A investment round, led by Singapore-based venture capital firm Monk’s Hill Ventures, marks a significant milestone for the company’s growth strategy beyond Southeast Asia.
CrediLinq has built its reputation on providing embedded finance solutions that help software platforms offer financial products to their business customers. The company’s flagship product, SME Score, allows software platforms to extend credit and payment options to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through its API-based infrastructure.
“We see tremendous opportunity in the U.S. market,” said Deep Singh, founder and CEO of CrediLinq. “American SMEs often struggle with access to working capital, and our technology can help bridge that gap by enabling the software platforms they already use to offer financial services.”
The fresh capital will primarily support the company’s U.S. market entry planned for early 2025, with initial operations focused on New York and California. CrediLinq aims to target vertical-specific software platforms serving industries like healthcare, construction, and professional services, where businesses often face cash flow challenges.
According to recent data from the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey, approximately 40% of U.S. small businesses reported financial difficulties in the past year, with many citing challenges in securing adequate financing. This creates a significant market opportunity for embedded finance solutions that can streamline access to capital.
Beyond geographical expansion, CrediLinq plans to enhance its product suite with new offerings tailored to the U.S. market. These include expanded payment processing capabilities, invoicing solutions, and AI-powered credit scoring models designed specifically for American SMEs.
The company’s technology uses machine learning algorithms to analyze business data flowing through software platforms, enabling faster and more accurate credit decisions. This approach has proven successful in Southeast Asia, where CrediLinq claims to have facilitated over $75 million in financing for SMEs through its partner platforms since its founding in 2020.
Industry experts see embedded finance as a growing trend that could reshape how businesses access financial services. “The integration of financial services into non-financial platforms creates a seamless experience for users,” explains Sarah Johnson, financial technology analyst at Bloomberg. “This model can significantly reduce friction in the lending process while helping software companies boost revenue and customer retention.”
CrediLinq isn’t alone in targeting this opportunity. The embedded finance market has attracted significant investment in recent years, with global funding reaching $4.2 billion in 2023, according to data from PitchBook. Major players like Stripe, Plaid, and Marqeta have established strong positions in various segments of this emerging sector.
What sets CrediLinq apart, according to its investors, is its focus on serving SMEs through software platforms rather than directly competing with banks. “CrediLinq enables software companies to become financial service providers without taking on the regulatory burden themselves,” said Kuo-Yi Lim, managing partner at Monk’s Hill Ventures. “This approach creates a win-win situation for all parties involved.”
The funding round also included participation from existing investors East Ventures and SGInnovate, along with new strategic backers including Silicon Valley-based Fin Capital. The diverse investor base reflects growing interest in fintech solutions that bridge markets across Asia and North America.
For American software platforms, partnering with CrediLinq could provide a new revenue stream without the complexity of building financial infrastructure from scratch. The company’s embedded finance solutions can be integrated within weeks, allowing partners to quickly offer financing options to their business customers.
As CrediLinq prepares for its U.S. debut, Singh acknowledges the challenges ahead, including navigating a different regulatory landscape and competing with established players. “We’re entering the market with humility but also confidence in our technology and approach,” he said. “Our experience in Southeast Asia has taught us valuable lessons about adapting to local market needs.”
The company plans to build a U.S.-based team of approximately 30 employees by the end of 2025, focusing initially on business development, customer success, and regulatory compliance. CrediLinq also intends to form partnerships with local financial institutions to support its lending operations in the American market.
With embedded finance projected to become a $7 trillion global opportunity by 2030 according to estimates from Bain & Company, CrediLinq’s U.S. expansion represents both a significant growth opportunity and a test of the company’s ability to scale internationally. The success of this move could determine whether the Singapore-based fintech becomes a global player or remains primarily focused on Southeast Asian markets.
