Viva Finance secures $220m to expand affordable lending

By Vriti Gothi

Viva Finance has secured $220 million in new capital to enhance affordable lending for underserved Americans.

The substantial funding round comprises a significant debt facility from Community Investment Management (CIM), a California-based impact investment firm, alongside fresh equity investments from both new and existing investors whose participation underscores strong confidence in Viva’s innovative, employment-based lending model.

Founded in 2019 by Jack and Hodges Markwalter and headquartered in Atlanta, Viva Finance is redefining consumer credit through a pioneering approach that prioritises borrowers’ employment information over traditional credit scores. By partnering directly with employers and leveraging payroll deduction, Viva provides transparent, fixed-rate personal loans of up to $10,000 to customers often excluded by conventional credit systems.

Since launching its platform in 2020, Viva Finance has originated more than $250 million in loans, empowering tens of thousands of borrowers nationwide with access to fair and predictable financing.

The capital infusion will support Viva’s plans to expand into new customer segments, scale its national footprint, and accelerate product development. By deepening collaboration with employers, the company aims to embed financial wellness more deeply into the workplace, helping employees access responsible credit options that align with their financial realities and aspirations.

Jack Markwalter, Co-Founder and CEO of Viva Finance, said, “Our mission has always been clear: to deliver affordable credit to hardworking Americans who have historically been overlooked by legacy credit models. This new capital will enable us to broaden our reach, strengthen our employer partnerships, and continue building innovative, customer-first financial solutions that put people’s real earning power at the centre of credit decision-making.”

Jacob Haar, Managing Partner of Community Investment Management, said, “We are proud to support Viva Finance in its mission to expand financial inclusion across the United States. Their model demonstrates how technology and employer partnerships can unlock access to fair credit for people who need it most, in a way that is both scalable and sustainable.”

Looking ahead, Viva Finance will continue to invest in its technology platform, expand its network of employer partners, and explore new product innovations designed to advance its vision of a more inclusive, resilient financial ecosystem for American workers.