Buy now pay later specialist Zilch raises $176.7 million as it ramps up agentic commerce focus

Zilch (a FinTech firm that launched in 2020) has raised $176.7 million in debt and equity. Led by KKCG, the round includes participation from BNF Capital, and several other investors. It also includes the expansion of its securitisation led by Deutsche Bank.

This follows the recent launch of Intelligent Commerce, an AI powered platform that turns live engagement data into real-time insights and is a response to the booming agentic commerce landscape. Zilch Pay, meanwhile, is set to launch in H1 2026, and will provide a one click checkout experience for customers.

“In just five years, we have rewired the relationship between brands and their customers, offering a different way to pay that brings mass benefits to both consumers and merchants.” says Philip Belamant, CEO and Co-Founder at Zilch.

“This funding reflects strong confidence in our team, strategy and execution, enabling us to continue scaling at pace. Our newly launched products are already driving outsized growth, and with the support of a world class group of debt and equity investors, we’re well positioned for the next phase of expansion.”

“In a market where many have found raising capital difficult, the network and strategic leadership of my co-founder, Sean O’Connor, have been instrumental in helping us achieve this outcome and we are excited for the year ahead.”

Hugh Courtney, Chief Financial Officer, says: “Our ability to attract world class investors at a time when many remain highly selective in their capital deployment is testament to the strength of the business we are building.”

“Future proof innovation, diversified revenue streams and a highly engaged customer base are all critical factors in our rapid growth and we look forward to working with our shareholders to build on these successes, eliminate high-cost credit and rewire the economics of commerce.”

Karel Komarek Jr., CEO at KKCG US Advisory, comments: “We are all about finding new solutions in established industries and creating sustainable value. Zilch’s impressive track record demonstrates that its approach to using technology to challenge the status quo and re-engineer the credit landscape delivers exceptional value for consumers and businesses. We’re looking forward to being part of this exciting next stage of their journey.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Check out categories and entry forms here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.