SAPI is a UK business finance lender specialising in embedded finance, revenue-based financing, and merchant cash advances. Formerly known as Optimico Limited and Automate Loan Limited, SAPI operates via SAPI Group Limited and SAPI Origination Limited. The provider offers funding solutions designed for digital businesses, allowing repayments to flex directly with daily sales rather than following rigid monthly bank schedules. If you are exploring funding options for your business, understanding how SAPI operates can help you determine whether revenue-linked finance aligns with your commercial goals.
h2>SAPI Business Finance Productsh2>SAPI focuses on embedded finance products that integrate payment-linked advances directly into commercial operations. Its primary funding products include revenue-based financing and Merchant Cash Advance solutions. Unlike traditional bank loans that rely on fixed monthly repayments, SAPI structures advances so that repayments are automatically collected as a fixed share of daily sales directly at source.
Through revenue-based finance, businesses receive an upfront capital sum. Repayment fluctuates in tandem with daily card or digital sales volume, meaning higher sales result in faster repayment, while slower trading periods naturally reduce the daily amount deducted. This flexible repayment structure makes embedded payment advances a practical option for companies with variable revenue streams or seasonal trading patterns.
h2>Eligibility Criteria and Deal Sizesh2>SAPI caters specifically to registered corporate entities in the UK. To qualify for funding through SAPI, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Entity structure: Must be a UK incorporated company. Sole traders are not eligible for SAPI business finance.
- Trading history: Your business must have been trading actively for at least 6 months.
- Revenue requirements: Your business must process at least £10,000 in quarterly revenue through digital payment platforms.
In terms of funding scale, SAPI offers deal sizes ranging from a minimum of £10,000 up to a maximum of £2,000,000. This scope accommodates small to medium enterprises seeking capital for inventory purchases, marketing campaigns, software development, or working capital expansion.
h2>Corporate and Regulatory Detailsh2>Understanding a lender's corporate registration provides clarity when reviewing finance options. SAPI operates under multiple corporate entities and regulatory registrations:
- Operating Names: SAPI, SAPI Group Limited, Optimico Limited, Automate Loan Limited.
- SAPI Group Limited: Companies House registration number 12014174 and FCA Firm Reference Number 1023135.
- SAPI Origination Limited: Companies House registration number 15934839 and FCA Firm Reference Number 1023196.
Both SAPI Group Limited and SAPI Origination Limited are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as Annex I firms for anti-money laundering (AML) supervision only. They are not authorised by the FCA for consumer credit activities, which aligns with their focus on business-to-business commercial lending for incorporated companies.
h2>Accessing Funding from SAPIh2>SAPI provides multiple routes for businesses to access its funding products. Borrowers can explore funding through direct application via SAPI's official website (https://sapi.com/), or access solutions through commercial brokers, intermediaries, digital marketplaces, partners, and vendor platforms. Because SAPI specialises in embedded finance, its products are frequently integrated into payment gateways and software vendors, making payment-linked advances accessible at the point of sale.
h2>Overview of SAPI Finance Optionsh2>The table below summarizes the key features and eligibility requirements for SAPI business funding:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider Type | Lender (Embedded Finance & MCA) |
| Products Offered | Merchant Cash Advance, Revenue-Based Finance |
| Minimum Deal Size | £10,000 |
| Maximum Deal Size | £2,000,000 |
| Trading History Required | At least 6 months |
| Minimum Revenue | £10,000 in quarterly digital payment volume |
| Eligible Business Types | UK incorporated companies (Sole traders not eligible) |
| Repayment Method | Automatic daily share collected directly at source |
| Access Channels | Broker, Direct, Intermediary, Marketplace, Partners, Vendor |
Choosing the right business lender requires careful evaluation of rates, terms, and repayment structures across the market. While SAPI offers specialised revenue-based financing for UK companies, exploring alternative providers ensures you secure the most competitive terms for your business circumstances.
At SME Money, we connect UK businesses with specialist brokers who search over 70 lenders to find the right funding without the bias of a single bank. Whether you are looking for a Merchant Cash Advance, revenue-based finance, or traditional business funding, working with a specialist broker helps you compare options transparently and make an informed financing decision.