UK Fintech Tide Secures $120M Funding Led by TPG, Valued at $1.5 Billion
UK-based fintech Tide has officially joined the unicorn club, raising $120 million in a funding round spearheaded by TPG. This latest investment values the eight-year-old startup at $1.5 billion. While the company has not disclosed the exact breakdown between primary and secondary funding, the round includes share sales by employees, early angel investors, and minority shareholders. TPG invested through its multi-sector impact fund, The Rise Fund, which focuses on mission-driven companies. Existing investor Apax Digital Funds also participated in the round.
Tide’s Global Reach: Over 1.6 Million Micro and Small Enterprises Served
Tide now serves more than 1.6 million micro and small enterprises worldwide, with over half of these customers based in India. The company refers to its clients as “members,” having onboarded more than 800,000 businesses in India alone since its market entry in December 2022. This surpasses its nearly 800,000 members in the UK, where Tide is already profitable and serves about 14% of the small and medium business market. In addition to the UK and India, Tide expanded into Germany in May 2024 and France in September 2025, tailoring its platform to local languages and market requirements.
Comprehensive Financial Solutions Tailored for Small Businesses
Tide’s unified business platform addresses the unique needs of micro and small enterprises by providing integrated tools for accounting, invoicing, business loans, asset finance, payroll, expense management, and company registration. The platform aims to reduce the administrative burden on small business owners, contractors, freelancers, and solopreneurs. In India, Tide supports entrepreneurs by facilitating access to formal credit through partnerships with approximately 25 lenders. It also integrates the government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and helps businesses navigate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.
India: A Strategic Growth Market with Vast Potential
India’s micro and small business segment comprises roughly 60 million enterprises employing over 250 million people, according to recent government data. Tide estimates that around four million new micro and small businesses launch annually in India, creating significant demand for tailored fintech solutions.
“There is a huge trend to formalization. So, our biggest enemy is cash, and not any competitors,” said Oliver Prill, CEO of Tide.
Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO of Tide India, highlighted strong demand emerging from tier-3 cities and smaller towns, signaling Tide’s reach beyond major urban centers.
Expansion and Innovation: Tide’s Roadmap Ahead
With the new funding, Tide plans to accelerate geographic expansion, enhance its product suite, and invest in agentic artificial intelligence to further streamline business management for its users. CEO Oliver Prill indicated that several major product launches are expected in the coming months, addressing current service gaps and improving the platform’s capabilities. Currently, Tide employs over 2,500 people across its global operations, underscoring its rapid growth and commitment to supporting small businesses worldwide.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Tide’s recent funding milestone and valuation underscore the growing importance of fintech platforms tailored for micro and small enterprises, particularly in emerging markets like India. The company’s strategic focus on localizing products and expanding credit access aligns well with the increasing formalization of small businesses globally.
- Opportunities: Rapid growth potential in underbanked markets, increased digital adoption among small businesses, and expansion into new geographies.
- Risks: Competitive fintech landscape, regulatory complexities across markets, and challenges in scaling AI-driven solutions effectively.
Impact: Tide’s expansion and funding boost position it as a leading fintech enabler for small enterprises, potentially transforming financial inclusion and business formalization in key markets.
