Trade Finance for Startups – What Actually Matters to Get Funded
Trade Finance for Startups – What Actually Matters to Get Funded
Most startup founders think they won’t qualify for trade finance because their company is “too new.” But the truth is, in trade finance, the age of your company often matters far less than the quality of the transaction itself.
Private lenders and trade credit funds don’t care if you’ve been incorporated for 2 months or 10 years. What they’re looking for is whether the deal is bankable. If it is — you can get funded.
So What Makes a Trade Deal Bankable?
A bankable deal isn’t about you having a perfect credit score or a long company history. It’s about whether the transaction checks these boxes:
- There’s a real buyer and seller — both verifiable
- The goods or services are well defined and priced
- There’s a signed contract, invoice, or purchase order
- There’s a repayment source — usually the end buyer
- There’s a clear timeline and delivery plan
If those elements are in place, private trade finance providers are often willing to fund the deal — even if you’re a new company with no previous trade history.
Examples of Startup-Friendly Trade Finance Deals
- A startup importing medical equipment for a confirmed government buyer
- A new agri-trading firm with a signed order from a supermarket chain
- A software vendor exporting services under a contract with milestone payments
What matters is that the deal can pay for itself. That’s what makes it fundable.
Have a Deal? We Can Help You Fund It.
Financely works with startups and SMEs who have transactions but no track record. If your deal is real, we help structure and introduce it to the right funding source — whether that’s through a DLC, SBLC, receivables finance, or structured credit.
Submit Your Deal Book a 1:1 CallWhat You Don't Need
- You don’t need audited financials
- You don’t need a 5-year history
- You don’t need to give away equity or take on long-term loans
Trade finance is transaction-based. The deal funds the deal. That’s what makes it accessible to early-stage companies — if you know how to present it.
How Financely Helps Startups Get Funded
- We review and strengthen your documentation
- We connect you to private trade credit providers, not banks
- We structure deals using DLCs, SBLCs, receivables, or contract finance
You don’t need a long history to get funded. You need a deal that makes sense. Financely helps you make it fundable — and gets it in front of lenders who say yes to startups.
Talk to Our TeamGet Started With Us
Submit Your Deal & Receive a Proposal Within 1-3 Working Days
Submit your deal using our secure intake form, and receive a quote within 1-3 business days. Existing clients can connect with their relationship manager through our secure web portal.
All submissions are
promptly reviewed, and all communications are conducted through the intake form or the client portal for a seamless and secure process.
Thank you for considering working with us. A nominal fee of US$500 is required upon completion of each form. This fee covers the time and effort we invest in reviewing your submission and crafting a thorough proposal. We receive numerous inquiries and prioritize those that carry this fee, ensuring serious applicants receive prompt attention.
Trade Finance
Tap into solutions like letters of credit, bank guarantees, and payment facilitation. We address the challenge of global transaction risk through structured strategies that foster cross-border growth. Complete the form to unlock streamlined funding aligned with your commercial objectives.
Submit a RequestProject Finance
Access non-recourse funding for infrastructure, renewable energy, or other capital-intensive ventures. We mitigate capital constraints by isolating project assets and focusing on risk management. Provide your details to receive a structure that drives growth and maximizes returns.
Submit a RequestAcquisitions
Secure financing for business or real estate acquisitions. We ease transaction hurdles by reviewing cash flow, synergy opportunities, and exit plans. Complete the form for a customized proposal that supports your strategic investment objectives.
Submit a RequestFor Banks
Financely assists banks facing Basel III pressures by distributing trade finance deals and providing collateral for letters of credit. We reduce capital burdens while preserving client relationships and fostering service expansion. Submit your request to optimize your trade finance offerings.
Submit a RequestOnce we receive your submission, our team will review your information to determine feasibility. If eligible, you will receive a proposal or term sheet within 1–3 business days. Visit our FAQ and Procedure pages for more information.
Disclaimer: Financely provides financing based on due diligence and feasibility. Approval is not guaranteed, and past performance does not predict future outcomes. All terms are subject to review. Financely primarily assists with structuring and distribution. Qualified parties carry out the project if the client approves the proposal.
