Finley has raised $1.85 million in pre-seed funding to develop its AI-driven financial insights platform for middle-market businesses. The round was led by Cofounders Capital, with partner Tobias Walter joining Finley’s board of directors.
Founded in 2025 by Justin Norwood and Josh Pennington, the Wilmington, North Carolina-based fintech is building what it describes as a virtual CFO designed to help business leaders make better financial decisions without adding another layer of manual analysis.
Turning Financial Data Into Strategic Decisions
Finley focuses on areas including cash flow management, capital raising, and broader financial decision-making. Rather than simply presenting financial information, the platform is designed to help business leaders understand their financial position and use that information when making strategic decisions.
For middle-market companies, where financial teams may have significant responsibilities but fewer resources than large enterprises, AI-powered financial analysis could provide an additional layer of support.
Expanding the AI CFO Platform
Finley will use the new funding to accelerate product development and expand the platform to address financial needs across additional industry verticals.
The company is entering a growing market of fintech platforms using AI to bring financial analysis and advisory capabilities closer to businesses. Its focus on the middle market positions the product between traditional financial software and the more extensive finance teams typically available to larger companies.
Key takeaways for fintech startups
Finley’s early funding highlights the opportunity to apply AI to financial decision-making rather than simply automate administrative tasks. Key lessons include:
- AI can extend financial expertise to businesses with leaner finance teams.
- Financial insights become more valuable when connected directly to strategic decisions.
- Vertical expansion can provide a path for AI fintech platforms to broaden their addressable market.
As AI moves deeper into corporate finance, fintechs have an opportunity to turn complex financial data into practical decision-making tools. Contact us to explore how Your Fintech Story can support your fintech strategy and growth.
