Kriya Company Profile
Background
Overview
Kriya, formerly known as MarketFinance, is a UK-based fintech company specializing in providing digital credit and embedded finance solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Established in 2011, Kriya has been instrumental in advancing over £4 billion in business credit to UK SMEs through various financial products, including invoice finance, business loans, lines of credit, and embedded PayLater solutions.
Mission and Vision
Kriya's mission is to empower businesses by offering flexible and accessible financial solutions that enhance cash flow and support growth. The company's vision is to create a future where every business has seamless access to the capital it needs to thrive, fostering a more dynamic and resilient economy.
Industry Significance
Operating within the fintech sector, Kriya plays a pivotal role in bridging the financing gap for SMEs, a segment often underserved by traditional financial institutions. By leveraging technology to streamline financial processes, Kriya contributes to the modernization and inclusivity of the financial services industry.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Enhancing Cash Flow: Providing businesses with tools to manage cash flow effectively, ensuring operational continuity and growth.
- Expanding Product Offerings: Developing a diverse range of financial products to meet the evolving needs of SMEs.
- Market Expansion: Extending services beyond the UK to support SMEs in other regions, leveraging strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
Areas of Specialization
- Digital Credit Solutions: Offering innovative financing options that integrate seamlessly into business operations.
- Embedded Finance: Integrating financial services directly into business platforms to enhance user experience and accessibility.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Data Analytics: Employing advanced analytics to assess credit risk and tailor financial products.
- API Integrations: Utilizing APIs to embed financial services into various business platforms, facilitating smooth transactions.
Primary Markets Targeted
- SMEs: Focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises across various industries seeking flexible financing solutions.
- B2B E-commerce Platforms: Partnering with online marketplaces to offer integrated payment and credit solutions.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
Kriya has secured substantial funding through multiple rounds, totaling over £50 million in equity and £500 million in debt financing. Notable investors include Northzone, Barclays Bank, and Santander’s Fintech Fund (Mouro Capital).
Recent Funding Rounds
- Series D Funding (September 2025): Raised $320 million to advance its pipeline of gene therapies targeting chronic diseases with unmet needs.
- Convertible Debt Funding (January 2024): Secured $63.4 million to support operational expansion.
Notable Investors
- Viola Credit: Led the $63.4 million convertible debt funding round in January 2024.
- Northzone: Participated in the Series D funding round in September 2025.
Utilization of Capital
The funds have been allocated towards product development, market expansion, and strategic acquisitions to enhance Kriya's service offerings and operational capabilities.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
- KRIYA-825: A gene therapy developed for geographic atrophy, presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting in September 2025.
Stages of Development
- Preclinical Stage: KRIYA-825 is currently in the preclinical phase, with plans for clinical trials pending regulatory approvals.
Target Conditions
- Geographic Atrophy: A form of age-related macular degeneration leading to vision loss.
Anticipated Milestones
- Clinical Trials: Initiation of clinical trials for KRIYA-825, with timelines contingent upon regulatory approvals.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
- Embedded PayLater Solution: Allows businesses to offer flexible payment terms to their customers, enhancing sales and customer satisfaction.
Significant Scientific Methods
- Data Analytics: Utilized for credit risk assessment and product customization.
- API Integrations: Enables seamless embedding of financial services into business platforms.
Leadership Team
Anil Stocker – CEO & Co-founder
- Professional Background: Anil has been with Kriya since its inception in 2011, leading the company through significant growth and innovation.
- Key Contributions: Instrumental in securing funding, expanding product offerings, and establishing strategic partnerships.
Martina Trifonova – Chief Financial Officer
- Professional Background: Joined Kriya in 2015, with experience in finance and operations.
- Key Contributions: Led fundraising efforts and managed financial operations to support the company's growth.
Konstantin Pasechnikov – Chief Technology Officer
- Professional Background: Holds a PhD in computer science with over 19 years of experience in software development and product management.
- Key Contributions: Spearheads technological innovation and integration of financial services into business platforms.
Leadership Changes
Acquisition by Allica Bank (October 2025)
- Details: Kriya was acquired by Allica Bank, a leading UK digital bank focused on established businesses. This acquisition aims to enhance Kriya's lending capabilities and expand its embedded finance solutions.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
- Market Size and Growth Potential: The global fintech market is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing adoption of digital financial services by SMEs.
- Industry Trends: A shift towards embedded finance solutions and flexible payment options is evident, with businesses seeking integrated financial services to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Competitor Analysis
- Benitec Biopharma: Focuses on gene therapies for retinal diseases, presenting indirect competition in the biotech sector.
- AN2 Therapeutics: Specializes in gene therapies for neuromuscular disorders, operating in a different therapeutic area.
- Jaguar Gene Therapy: Develops gene therapies for various conditions, including ocular diseases, overlapping with Kriya's focus.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
- Barclays Bank: Partnered to deliver digital invoice finance to Barclays' banking customers.
- British Business Bank: Collaborated to channel COVID-19 loans to small businesses during the pandemic.
- Halfords Plc: Integrated Kriya's embedded finance solutions to offer trade credit to business buyers.
- Stripe: Integrated Kriya's PayLater solution into Stripe's checkout process for UK B2B merchants.
Operational Insights
Strategic Considerations
- Major Competitors: Kriya faces competition from both traditional financial institutions and emerging fintech companies offering similar services.
- Market Position: Kriya holds a strong position in the UK market, with plans for European expansion under Allica Bank's ownership.
- Competitive Advantages: Kriya's embedded finance solutions, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive product offerings differentiate it in the market.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Strategic Roadmap
- Product Development: Enhancing existing products and developing new financial solutions to meet evolving market needs.
- Market Expansion: Leveraging Allica Bank's infrastructure to expand services into European markets.
- Technological Innovation: Investing in technology to improve service delivery and customer experience.
Future Business Directions
- Embedded Finance Leadership: Positioning Kriya as a leader in embedded finance solutions for SMEs.
- Sustainable Growth: Focusing on sustainable business practices and long-term growth strategies.
Opportunities for Expansion
- European Markets: Utilizing Allica Bank's resources to enter and establish a presence in European markets.
- Product Diversification: Exploring new financial products and services to cater to a broader customer base.
Contact Information
- Official Website: kriya.co