Tide Secures $120 Million to Expand Global SME Banking Services

UK-based fintech company Tide Unicorn has officially reached unicorn status, attaining a valuation of approximately $1.5 billion after securing $120 million in new funding. The investment round, also referred to as Tide unicorn funding, was led by The Rise Fund, part of TPG according to TechCrunch. The achievement underscores the company’s rapid growth trajectory and its increasing influence in international markets, especially India, where Tide’s market share in India now exceeds 800,000 businesses.

Strengthening International Presence

Founded in the United Kingdom, fintech Tide Unicorn delivers a digital platform that integrates multiple services for small and micro enterprises. Its Tide product offerings include accounting, invoicing, payroll management, expense cards, business loans, and asset financing.
At present, Tide UK profitability and overall global support spans over 1.6 million micro and medium-sized enterprises across different geographies, reflecting its ambition to become a trusted global provider of business banking services and Tide global expansion.

In India, the company collaborates with approximately 25 lending institutions to offer credit solutions tailored for micro and small businesses. Tide product offerings also support compliance with goods and services tax requirements and provide seamless integration with India’s Unified Payments Interface, including Tide payments.

These features are especially relevant for small enterprises aiming to formalize their operations and access structured financial services. Beyond India, Tide has already set its sights on key European markets, including Germany and France, to expand its Tide global expansion.

Critical Insights and Highlights

• Platform provides end-to-end financial and administrative tools for SMEs through Tide product offerings.
• Operations in India grew rapidly, reflecting Tide’s market share in India
• Total global support spans over 1.6 million SMEs
• Expansion plans include Germany and France
• Partnerships with 25 lending institutions in India for tailored credit solutions
• Supports GST compliance and Tide payments for Indian SMEs

Strategic Investment and AI Focus

The new funding, also called Tide funding, will enable UK fintech Tide Unicorn to enhance its technology stack and broaden its service portfolio. The company has emphasized its intent to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence tools that can automate workflows, reduce manual administrative burdens, and improve overall business efficiency. This aligns with Tide UK profitability by improving operational efficiency while addressing multiple challenges faced by small businesses.

“There is a huge trend to formalization. So, our biggest enemy is cash, and not any competitors,” said Oliver Prill, CEO of Tide, in an interview.

“In India, there’s a debate, as the growth rate slowed a little bit, but it’s still a hugely impressive growth rate. You look at continental Europe or the U.K., the growth rate is a lot less.”

The scale of the opportunity in India is particularly significant. The country is home to more than 60 million micro and small enterprises, many of which remain underserved by traditional banking institutions. In other news, on 17 September, 2025, U.S. tech giants have committed to making multi-billion AI investments in the U.K.

Market Dynamics and Competition

UK fintech Tide Unicorn’s progress comes at a time when fintech adoption is accelerating across emerging and developed economies. In India, local startups and established financial service providers lead the market by offering digital-first solutions tailored to the needs of small and micro enterprises. Companies such as Razorpay, Khatabook, and Zoho are actively innovating to serve small enterprises. Lately, the UK has seen a lot of strategic investments with Google recently announcing a $6.8 Billion UK AI investment to open a data center.

Key Observations and Strategic Considerations

• Rapid fintech adoption in India and other markets
• Companies such as Razorpay, Khatabook, and Zoho actively innovate for SMEs
• Tide product offerings differentiate through integration of multiple financial services in one platform
• Simplifies operations for small business owners and reduces need for multiple providers

Regional Strategy and Growth Prospects

The rapid expansion of UK fintech Tide Unicorn in India demonstrates the importance of regionalized strategies in fintech. Tide has localized its Tide product offerings to meet Indian regulatory and operational requirements, supporting UPI and GST compliance, which is critical for small business operations.

Important Facts

• Regionalized strategies ensure relevance and compliance
• Tide product offerings adapted to local markets
• Collaboration with local lenders enhances scalability
• Expansion into Europe will require similar localization strategies as part of Tide global expansion

Looking Ahead

UK fintech Tide Unicorn’s attainment of unicorn status highlights the growing relevance of digital-first banking solutions designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises. For B2B decision-makers and business owners, the company’s trajectory illustrates how integrated Tide fintech platforms can simplify operations, expand access to credit, and enable compliance with local financial systems.