Getting to Know Us

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Our Story

College roommates Jared Feldman and Dan Smith were two business students on a mission: They were determined to leverage the power of digital technology to provide small businesses with the capital they need to thrive. They would make it fast and simple to get funding, so that entrepreneurs could focus what they do best — running their businesses — and avoid the hassles of applying for bank loans.

In 2008, Jared and Dan launched Paramount Merchant Funding, in a 150-square-foot Manhattan office. Ever since, thanks to years of continually expanding our funding and technology capabilities, what is now Fora Financial has provided more than 55,000 of the nation's best and brightest businesses with more than $5 billion in working capital. Mission accomplished.

  • Our Purpose

    To provide funding to small businesses, so that they can grow and succeed.

  • Our Logo

    The two arrows of the logo represent Fora Financial and its customers. Their overlap signifies Fora Financial's close alliance with small businesses to foster growth, connectivity, and success.

  • Our Name

    The original definitions of "fora" centered around the concept of a "marketplace" and "a place for open discussion and expressing ideas." It's an apt word to describe how we're always engaging with our colleagues, partners, and customers to develop the most innovative new products for America's small businesses.

2008

Humble Beginnings

Former college roommates Jared Feldman and Dan Smith establish Paramount Merchant Funding in a 150-square-foot Manhattan office, acting as a loan broker for small businesses seeking funding from third party lenders.

2009

Technology Leads the Way

The team raises capital to start self-fund transactions ... Releases its first technology platform for payments, accounting, and underwriting management.

2010

Funding Options Expand

Paramount announces its first credit facility ... Technology platform expands to encompass fully Paramount-financed deals.

2013

New Name, New Tech

Paramount Merchant Funding rebrands as Fora Financial, a financial marketplace offering a broad array of products ... Announces a technology platform for providing faster, more accurate lending decisions, particularly difficult-to-fund applicants.

2014

The Industry Takes Notice

Fora scores named Best Financial Services Company of the Year at the American Business Awards ... Joins the Inc. 5000 list for the first time ... Charts 698% growth in revenues from 2010 to 2013 and 100% year -over-year growth since inception ... Now offers small business loans in 49 states.

2016

Palladium Purchase: A Major Milestone

Palladium Equity Partners LLC purchases a majority stake of Fora Financial, with Feldman and Smith remaining at the helm ... Fora Financial surpasses $500 million in funding to 10,000 small business since inception.

2018

$1 billion in Ten Years

Fora announces $ 1 billion in business funding provided to 15,000 businesses since 2008 ... Acquires United States Business Funding (USBF), creating one of the broadest direct sales organizations in small-business alternative lending.

2019

Commitments Increase

Additional credit facility increases committed borrowing capacity to $120 million ... Named to Inc. 5000 list for 6th consecutive year ... Announces 105% growth between 2015 and 2018.

2022

New Milestones and Spaces

$3 billion lent to more than 35,000 small businesses since 2008. New 23,500-square-foot headquarters opens in New York ... Florida expansion kicked off with Downtown Miami office opening.

2023

Further Diversified Capital Structure

Fora closes on a $130 million revolving credit facility and $10 million investment-grade rated corporate note.

2024

Over 55,000 Customers

Fora Financial announces over $4 billion lent to over 55,000 small businesses nationwide.

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