Zepz, Quantexa & Lendable Expand AI and Fintech Growth in 2026

LONDON, March 20, 2026 — The UK tech ecosystem, valued at $1.2 trillion as of 2025, continues to lead Europe in innovation, driven by rising sectors like AI, fintech, and deeptech. Female founders, despite receiving only 2% of total VC funding, are emerging as pivotal players in these fields. According to TechFundingNews, UK-based startups Zepz, Quantexa, and Lendable have secured significant funding to advance their AI-powered solutions, marking key milestones in the evolution of female-led innovation in the tech space.

Executive Summary

• Zepz, Quantexa, and Lendable are among the top-funded female-founded startups in the UK.
• The UK tech sector reached a $1.2 trillion valuation in 2025, dominating Europe’s market.
• These startups focus on AI, fintech, and deeptech, three of the fastest-growing sectors.
• Female founders still face structural funding gaps, receiving only 2% of total VC funding.

Key Developments

According to TechFundingNews, Zepz, Quantexa, and Lendable have achieved significant funding milestones while addressing critical challenges in AI and fintech.

• Zepz: Co-founded by Catherine Wines, Zepz (formerly WorldRemit) raised $165 million in growth funding in 2025. The funding, led by HSBC Innovation Banking, includes a $110 million Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) and a $55 million term loan. Zepz leverages technology to provide low-cost global money transfer solutions.
• Quantexa: Co-founded by Laura Hutton, this digital intelligence company specializes in AI-powered risk detection. Quantexa secured $175 million in Series F funding in 2025, boosting its valuation to $2.6 billion. The company launched new AI-driven solutions in partnership with Microsoft, including an AML offering for mid-market banks.
• Lendable: Co-founded by Victoria van Lennep, Lendable raised £210 million in funding last year. This AI-driven consumer finance platform uses automation to streamline lending processes, providing better rates and transparency to customers while enabling institutional investors to access the asset class.

Market Context

The UK tech ecosystem, valued at $1.2 trillion in 2025, has cemented its position as Europe’s leading hub for innovation. AI, fintech, and deeptech are among the fastest-growing sectors, driving significant venture capital investments. However, structural challenges persist for female founders, who still receive just 2% of total VC funding globally, according to UK Parliament data.

While funding disparities remain a concern, female founders are making headway, particularly in deeptech and AI. These sectors accounted for a notable share of investments in female-led startups, reflecting evolving venture capital patterns. Companies like Zepz, Quantexa, and Lendable exemplify how female founders are leveraging AI and automation to address pressing market needs while scaling globally.

BUSINESS 2.0 Analysis

The latest funding rounds for Zepz, Quantexa, and Lendable signal a critical shift in the narrative around female-led innovation in AI and fintech. For more on [related ai developments](/airtel-vodafone-mtn-target-40-smartphones-in-africa-by-2026-8-march-2026). While the funding gap remains stark, these companies are demonstrating that female founders can excel in technically complex, high-growth sectors traditionally dominated by male-led ventures.

Zepz’s trajectory, for instance, highlights the transformative potential of fintech in underserved markets. By offering low-cost, tech-enabled money transfers, Zepz addresses a multi-billion-dollar remittance market while expanding financial inclusion for migrant communities. The company’s $165 million funding round underscores investor confidence in its ability to scale further, particularly in emerging markets.

Quantexa’s focus on AI-driven digital intelligence illustrates the growing importance of contextual data in risk management. Its partnership with Microsoft and new product launches, including an AML solution for mid-market banks, reflect its ability to address regulatory and operational challenges in financial services. The $175 million Series F funding round, led by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, further validates its market position.

Lendable, meanwhile, is revolutionizing consumer finance with its AI-powered platform. By enhancing underwriting processes and offering institutional investors access to consumer credit as an asset class, Lendable is bridging the gap between technology and traditional finance. The £210 million funding led by Ontario Teachers’ underscores its potential for international expansion.

Despite these successes, the broader industry must address systemic barriers to female-led entrepreneurship. Increasing access to funding and mentorship for female founders will be critical to sustaining momentum in the coming years.

Why This Matters for Industry Stakeholders

The success of Zepz, Quantexa, and Lendable offers valuable lessons for stakeholders across the tech ecosystem:

• Investors: These funding rounds highlight lucrative opportunities in female-led startups, particularly in AI and fintech.
• Policy Makers: Addressing structural disparities in venture funding can unlock untapped potential in the tech sector.
• Startups: Leveraging AI and automation to solve real-world problems is a proven strategy for scaling.
• Corporates: Partnerships with innovative startups can drive digital transformation and operational efficiency.

Forward Outlook

As the UK tech ecosystem evolves, female-led startups are expected to play a more prominent role in shaping its future. The continued growth of AI and fintech will likely attract more venture capital to these sectors, creating opportunities for innovative solutions. However, addressing systemic funding gaps remains imperative to ensure equitable growth.

Investors are likely to double down on AI-driven solutions that address pressing market needs, such as financial inclusion, risk management, and lending efficiency. Startups like Zepz, Quantexa, and Lendable are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, provided they continue to innovate and execute effectively.

Disclosure: This article is based on data from TechFundingNews. No financial interest exists between Business 2.0 News and the companies mentioned.

Key Takeaways

• The UK tech ecosystem reached a $1.2 trillion valuation in 2025, leading Europe.
• Zepz raised $165 million to expand its global remittance platform.
• Quantexa secured $175 million, advancing AI-driven risk management solutions.
• Lendable raised £210 million to enhance its AI-powered lending platform.
• The funding gap for female founders remains a critical challenge in the industry.

References

1. Source: TechFundingNews
2. UK Parliament
3. More AI Coverage