Zilch, a London-based consumer payments platform, has secured more than $175 million in a new combination of debt and equity financing as it plots its next phase of growth. The round, led by KKCG with participation from BNF Capital and other strategic backers, also includes an expanded securitization facility arranged with Deutsche Bank. This fresh capital comes as the company positions itself as one of the fastest-growing fintech unicorns across the United Kingdom and EMEA, reinforcing its ambition to reshape how consumers pay and how merchants acquire customers.
Funding round strengthens capital structure
The $176.7 million raise deepens Zilch’s funding base at a time when many fintech peers face a tougher capital-raising environment. Management plans to deploy the proceeds to accelerate brand visibility through increased above-the-line marketing, further enhance its technology platform and evaluate targeted mergers and acquisitions. By blending equity with a larger credit facility, Zilch strengthens both its balance sheet and its capacity to scale lending and rewards capabilities globally.
Product innovation and new revenue streams
The fundraise follows the launch of Intelligent Commerce, an artificial intelligence powered solution that converts Zilch’s live customer engagement data into real-time insights for merchants. Positioned as a response to the emerging Agentic Commerce landscape, this product has quickly become one of the company’s fastest-growing revenue lines. In parallel, Zilch is preparing to roll out Zilch Pay in the first half of 2026, offering its customers a one click checkout experience designed to capture a greater share of everyday spending.
Customer traction and merchant partnerships
Since its launch in 2020, Zilch has built a user base of more than 5.3 million customers as it pursues its mission to eliminate high-cost credit. Many users now transact with the service nearly 60 times per year, with the most active customers using Zilch on an almost daily basis. The platform connects these consumers to thousands of retailers and brands, including Amazon, eBay, Tesco and Sports Direct, and has already processed more than 5 billion pounds in commerce volume.
Rewiring incentives in consumer credit
Zilch’s model is designed to reward customers for the retail value they generate while helping merchants lower their acquisition costs. By combining flexible payment options with personalized rewards and discounts, the company aims to give consumers more control over their finances instead of relying on traditional high-interest products. Executives argue that this approach, supported by credit, AI and data, is starting to rewire the economics of how commerce is financed and how loyalty is built.
Backers underline confidence in strategy
Chief executive and co-founder Philip Belamant said the raise confirms strong investor belief in Zilch’s team, strategy and execution, noting that the company has “rewired the relationship” between brands and their customers in just five years. Chief financial officer Hugh Courtney highlighted the ability to attract global investors at a selective moment in capital markets, pointing to future-proof innovation, diversified revenues and high engagement as drivers of the business. KKCG’s Karel Komarek Jr added that Zilch’s track record in using technology to challenge the traditional credit industry aligns with KKCG’s focus on creating sustainable value in established sectors.
With substantial new funding in place, Zilch is preparing to intensify marketing, roll out new products and explore selective acquisitions as it pushes to extend its footprint in consumer payments. The company’s growing customer base, expanding merchant network and AI-driven analytics capabilities provide a platform for further international expansion. As it moves into its next phase, Zilch is betting that a combination of flexible payments, data-driven insights and aligned incentives can help eliminate high-cost credit and reshape global commerce.