SMEs

The asset class’s growth, alongside spread compression and heightened competition have it approaching bubble status.

The deal will enable Teylor to expand its lending business across Europe while providing a template for future global ambitions.

At first glance, SME finance appears to offer crucial diversification for LPs, but it remains a demanding segment to lend into.

In Europe, ESG remains a key consideration for investors, while elsewhere the conversation has become more muted. Peter Arnold, head of European private markets at LBP Asset Management, examines the landscape.

Deals based on annual recurring revenues offer a way for lenders to tap into the early-stage growth market. Devon Martineaux and Andrew Miller of Valuation Research Corporation offer insights into how ARR deals work.

As SME owners face dilution, many turn to the venture debt market. David Bateman, managing partner of Claret Capital Partners, explains some of the latest trends.

With strong growth rates and limited competition, Central and Eastern Europe is a land of promise for lenders, say Marcin Leja, partner and CEO; Magdalena Śniegocka, principal; and Radoslav Tausinger, partner at CVI.

Amid challenging market conditions, smaller businesses have put growth plans on hold. But as things begin to stabilise, capital providers are confident of seeing increased demand.

What might the maturity wall bring? And will banks be back in force in the SME lending space by 2028?

Lending secured by assets on a company’s balance sheet is a growing form of finance.