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Redefining SME lending

Since its inception in 2017, DBT has built a unique growth-financing proposition for SMEs using its credit intelligence technology platform, which leverages real-time client data to expedite the tailoring and scaling of funding for borrowers.

DBT was founded in 2017 with the ambition of creating better growth opportunities for Sweden’s small and medium-sized companies. Leveraging its credit intelligence platform, DBT combines a technological and data-driven process with qualitative human analysis, to offer SMEs access to growth funding. In the last six years, DBT has lent more than SEK2 billion, with the data suggesting that DBT’s borrowers have outperformed other SMEs by 7x in terms of growth*.

Meeting the demand for innovation-oriented corporate loans

Seeking a financing package to help accelerate its lending to Swedish SMEs, DBT approached NatWest, who worked closely with them to understand their specific requirements before structuring a SEK 2.5 billion debt facility. NatWest’s senior note allows for flexible funding which can be drawn in line with new loan originations as DBT continues growing.

An entity controlled by Värde Partners, a leading global alternative investment firm specialising in credit and credit-related assets, will act as the mezzanine noteholder in the facility. The mezzanine note will also allow for flexible funding over the same revolving period, aligning the senior and mezzanine tranches and providing added support for DBT’s growth.

The funding agreement will enable DBT to continue meeting the strong demand for innovation-oriented corporate loans, demand which has increased in light of the current European energy issues, fuel price increase and inflation surge – all of which have impacted SMEs.

DBT and NatWest share commitment to remove barriers for enterprises

Alexis Kopylov, CEO and co-founder of DBT, said: “This is a milestone financing arrangement which enables us to support even more SMEs across Sweden. It comes at the best possible time, as the SME companies we support see increased need for flexible yet long-term financing in light of the current energy crisis, inflation surge and rising fuel prices. NatWest has been a great partner to work with, and we’re grateful for their continued support as a lender, sharing our commitment to close the SME funding gap.” 

Olmo Montesanti, Co-Head of Private Financing Sales Europe at NatWest, commented: “Access to credit is crucial to the success and growth of SMEs and their positive impact on the economy. Our backing of DBT demonstrates our commitment to remove barriers and support businesses to grow.”


*Source: DBT (based on DBT client data vs overall Swedish SME growth data (www.scb.se) October 2022).

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