Zilch Secures Major Funding for Growth and Expansion
London-based consumer payments company Zilch has successfully raised over €150 million (approximately $175 million) in a new funding round aimed at accelerating its growth trajectory. The funding, which comprises both debt and equity, will primarily be allocated towards increasing brand visibility through enhanced marketing efforts, advancing product development, and exploring strategic mergers and acquisitions. The round was spearheaded by KKCG and saw participation from BNF Capital along with several other strategic investors, marking a significant milestone for the rapidly growing FinTech unicorn.
According to Philip Belamant, the CEO and co-founder of Zilch, the financial backing signifies robust confidence in the company’s strategic direction and operational execution. Belamant mentioned that in a short span of five years, Zilch has transformed the relationship between brands and consumers, offering innovative payment solutions that yield substantial benefits for both merchants and their customers. He emphasized that the funding will enable the company to sustain its rapid growth and continue developing its offerings. The recent introduction of new products has already contributed significantly to the company’s expansion, positioning Zilch favorably for future growth phases.
Rise of the FinTech Sector
The funding landscape for FinTech startups in Europe has seen a notable increase, with several companies securing substantial investments. Comparatively, Zilch‘s recent funding round stands out amid similar initiatives across the continent, including Navro‘s €36 million Series B and Payrails‘ €27.7 million Series A. The cumulative investment activity in the sector has exceeded €310 million in 2025, reflecting a sustained investor interest in the payments space.
As more UK-based FinTech companies attract investment, Zilch continues to exemplify the robust appetite for innovation within the region’s financial technology infrastructure. Belamant acknowledged that the strategic leadership and network of his co-founder, Sean O’Connor, played a pivotal role in achieving this funding success, especially in a challenging capital-raising environment.
Innovative Products and Customer Engagement
Founded in 2020, Zilch aims to eliminate high-cost credit by offering a novel payment experience that combines flexibility with valuable rewards. With over 5 million registered users, the platform connects consumers with numerous retailers, enhancing their shopping experience while providing tailored benefits. Customers frequently use Zilch, with some engaging with the platform nearly 60 times annually.
The recent funding will support the rollout of groundbreaking products like Intelligent Commerce, an AI-driven platform designed to convert live engagement data into actionable insights. Additionally, Zilch Pay, set to debut in the first half of 2026, aims to streamline the payment process with a seamless one-click checkout feature, further solidifying the company’s position in the competitive market.
In response to the funding success, Hugh Courtney, CFO of Zilch, remarked that attracting high-caliber investors amidst a cautious funding landscape underscores the business’s strength and growth potential. He expressed optimism about continuing to innovate and expand, focusing on eliminating costly credit options and reshaping the commercial landscape.
As Zilch continues to grow, it remains committed to enhancing its platform and delivering exceptional value to consumers and merchants alike. The company has already processed over €4.3 billion (£5 billion) in transactions, underscoring its significant impact on the FinTech ecosystem. The partnership with KKCG is expected to play a vital role in navigating the next chapter of Zilch‘s journey, driving sustainable growth and value creation in the financial technology sector.
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