Why do banks reject 50% of small businesses — and what do you do when you're one of them? Bola Sol sits down with Demi, founder and MD of Lendoe, the UK finance intermediary placing millions into underestimated founders.
Demi went from playing football to investment banking to brokering a mini bond for his church when no bank would lend. That deal became Lendoe — and the playbook for funding small and medium-sized businesses (£1m–£20m revenue) that the high-street banks ignore.
In this episode you'll learn:
- The CapEx vs OpEx mistake that puts founders in a pickle
- Why "know your numbers" is the #1 green flag lenders look for
- The 3 advisors every founder needs (and why an accountant alone isn't enough)
- How underrepresented founders self-sabotage by asking for too little
- Why Black-owned businesses get taken over — and how to build the balance sheet that protects you
- Equity, dilution and investor rights before you sign anything
- How AI is widening the gap between funded and unfunded entrepreneurs
- What rising geopolitical tension and oil prices mean for SME margins
- Demi's networking story with the chairman of UBS — and what to do instead of being timid
This is a masterclass for founders, side hustlers and aspiring business owners who want to understand how UK business funding actually works in 2026.
Hosted by Bola Sol — qualified financial adviser (DipFA, FCA regulated), Penguin/Merky Books author of How To Save It and Your Money Life.
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not regulated financial advice.
Follow Demi: @demi_vb_ on Instagram & TikTok | Lendo: @wearelendoe
Follow the show: @assetavenuehq | bolasol.co.uk