BUFFALO, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kickfurther, the leading inventory funding platform for consumer packaged goods (“CPG”) companies, announced it is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this year. The company was founded in 2014, when CEO and founder Sean De Clercq saw an opportunity to provide a great funding solution to product entrepreneurs while also creating access for anyone interested in earning profit in the world of product goods through its inventory consignment marketplace.
Founded in 2014, by Sean De Clercq, Kickfurther is the first-of-its-kind marketplace where CPG companies come to secure funding for inventory without giving up equity or taking on debt. Kickfurther has seen tremendous growth since being named a winning finalist in the 2018 43North finals and has now facilitated more than $300M in deal flow connecting CPG companies and buyers.
“Congratulations to Sean and the whole team at Kickfurther,” said Tim Draper, founder and Managing Partner of Draper Associates, an early-stage Kickfurther investor. “You have created a whole new inventory management model for businesses and built a strong sustainable business. Customers, shareholders and employees are all delighted with your business. I look forward to the progress the next ten years will bring.”
“Congratulations, Sean and the Kickfurther team, on celebrating ten remarkable years! It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and growth in Buffalo,” said Colleen Heidinger, President of Buffalo-based accelerator program 43North. “Your contributions have significantly impacted our city, and we've been honored to stand alongside you through each milestone. Here’s to celebrating your incredible achievements and looking forward to many more years of success and innovation together.”
In 2010, the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, commonly known as Dodd–Frank, was enacted. An unintended consequence of the Act was the reduction of incentives for banks to provide small business loans, which limited funding access for many small and medium-sized businesses. Kickfurther recognized this gap and offered an innovative cash flow solution, providing businesses with inventory funding without requiring them to give up equity or incur debt.
“We’re proud to celebrate ten years as the best cash flow alternative to other cash advance solutions that have plagued our market since Dodd-Frank,” said De Clerq. “As we look to the future, our goal is to further revolutionize inventory funding by leveraging advanced technology to create the world's premier marketplace, connecting funders and businesses through inventory partnerships that benefit both sides.”
Today, CPG companies come to Kickfurther to secure funding for inventory without giving up equity or taking on debt. Kickfurther’s success creates unprecedented direct access to one of the most liquid, high-turn and vast classes of assets: physical goods inventory.
“It's been inspiring to watch Kickfurther grow from a bold idea into a game-changing platform that empowers businesses and users alike,” said Tom Golisano, Paychex founder and founder of Grand Oaks Capital, an investment firm that also provided seed funding to Kickfurther. “As you celebrate this significant achievement, I am proud to have been a part of your journey and look forward to many more years of success and growth together.”
With ten years of innovation behind it, Kickfurther continues to set the standard in inventory funding and looks forward to supporting the next generation of CPG companies. Learn more about Kickfurther, including a post by Sean De Clerq elaborating on the anniversary at https://www.kickfurther.com/blog/.
About Kickfurther
Kickfurther is the world’s first marketplace inventory funding platform that has provided over $300 million in funding to small and medium-sized product businesses in the US. The company is backed by the investors behind Robinhood, Tesla, Twitter, DocuSign, Canva and more.
