Late payments remain one of the biggest financial challenges facing the UK construction industry. Birmingham-based fintech Saible is aiming to address this issue after securing £2.9 million in funding to expand its payment platform and bring greater transparency to construction supply chains.

The total funding includes £2.1 million raised previously, alongside a new £800,000 angel investment. The company has also opened a limited £50,000 Crowdcube allocation, allowing smaller construction firms and industry participants to invest alongside existing backers.

Tackling a Longstanding Industry Problem

Construction projects often involve multiple layers of contractors and suppliers before payments reach the businesses carrying out the work. At each stage, funds can be delayed or withheld, creating cash flow pressure across the supply chain.

According to research cited by Saible, 93% of UK construction businesses experience late payments, with invoices averaging 53 days overdue. Construction has also recorded the highest number of business insolvencies in the UK for four consecutive years, highlighting the financial strain across the sector.

A Different Approach to Construction Payments

Saible’s Digital Parallel Payment Account (DiPPA) is designed to ensure approved suppliers across every tier receive payments simultaneously. Funds are held in trust through regulated banking partner Griffin, while Saible’s platform manages payment approvals, verification and auditing.

Rather than relying on funds passing from one contractor to another, the model enables project owners to distribute payments directly throughout the supply chain. Project owners pay a 0.25% fee on payment value, while suppliers do not pay platform fees.

The company is also running public-sector pilots with the Environment Agency and BAM Nuttall to evaluate the model on live government-backed projects, with findings expected to contribute to future discussions around public-sector payment reform.

Key takeaways for fintech startups

Every funding announcement offers lessons for founders building the next generation of financial services.

• Solving industry-specific payment challenges can unlock significant market opportunities.
  
  
• Infrastructure fintech continues expanding beyond traditional banking into vertical industries.
  
  
• Trust, transparency and payment control remain key drivers of enterprise fintech adoption.
  
  
• Public-sector pilots can provide valuable validation for innovative financial infrastructure.

Building an innovative fintech product is only part of the journey. Making sure the market understands its value is equally important.

Your Fintech Story helps fintech companies strengthen their positioning, build industry authority and communicate their value to customers, partners and investors. Contact us to discuss how strategic marketing can support your fintech growth.