Epic River, a lending-as-a-service platform, and Zero Circle, a green finance marketplace, have teamed up to improve the accessibility of green financing.
According to FinTech Finance, Epic River, based in the United States, connects financial institutions with community lending opportunities through digital solutions like online applications and remote ID verification. Zero Circle, also U.S.-based, focuses on automating sustainability evaluations and financial reporting for small- and medium-sized businesses, streamlining their access to green capital.
The partnership was formed to integrate both companies’ digital platforms to accelerate the process of securing green financing, targeting mid-tier organizations. This collaboration aims to leverage the strength of Epic River’s extensive network of community financial institutions and Zero Circle’s innovative green finance marketplace to enhance the efficiency of the loan application process.
Epic River’s platform enables financial institutions to offer loans through user-friendly digital interfaces, including online application processes, electronic signing, and remote notarization services.
The platform is now set to deliver qualified green financing opportunities to its network, which includes community banks and credit unions. Zero Circle provides a technology-driven solution for small and medium enterprises to manage and report on their sustainability efforts and financial KPIs, which facilitates the prequalification for green loans.
The strategic partnership is poised to significantly increase the availability of green financing by combining the capabilities of both platforms. For customers seeking green financing, Zero Circle will refer loan opportunities to community financial institutions and to Epic River’s network of over 2,000 lenders.
According to Allied Market Research, the sustainable and impact investment market is expected to grow significantly, reaching $22.5bn by 2031. This collaboration between Epic River and Zero Circle aligns with the increasing demand for environmental and societal sustainability within the financial industry. The companies are committed to adapting to the evolving market and regulatory landscapes to further the advancement of green finance.
“Green financing is relatively new and complex,” Zero Circle CEO Hemanth Setty said. “By teaming up with Epic River, we aim to simplify the process for both loan seekers and lenders, thereby facilitating access to green loans and supporting companies’ environmental sustainability initiatives.”
“Our mission is to empower community banks and credit unions with new loan opportunities to fuel their growth,” Epic River CEO Jeff Grobaski said. “Collaborating with Zero Circle enables us to now offer a new solution with an exceptional suite of tools and resources to help our network of lenders tap into the high-growth green financing market. Our alliance reinforces our dedication to deliver innovative solutions that enable financial institutions to support the customers and communities they serve.”
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