Tailored for Growth: How Catalytic Finance is Redefining Business Funding in South Africa

Mike Fannin

When Mike Fannin co-founded the Carrick Group, it was clear he had a talent for identifying opportunities in complex markets. But it was in 2020, amid an economic landscape rattled by uncertainty, that he launched something even more agile: Catalytic Finance. A bespoke funding firm designed for speed, strategy, and simplicity, Catalytic Finance was built to serve those often left out of traditional lending models, high-net-worth entrepreneurs and SMEs with ambition, unconventional income structures, and little patience for red tape.

“Catalytic Finance was founded in 2020 to address the gap in fast, bespoke funding,” says Fannin. “Unlike traditional lenders, it focuses on speed, customisation, and partnership-driven growth.”

In a sector known for its rigid frameworks and lengthy approvals, Catalytic Finance positions itself as the opposite: a funding partner that moves at the pace of business, not bureaucracy.

The Catalytic Difference

At the core of Catalytic Finance is a sharp departure from the standard banking model. Where traditional lenders lean on rigid criteria, long application cycles, and impersonal risk matrices, Catalytic Finance takes a client-first approach. It’s not just about disbursing funds, it’s about enabling momentum.

“Our approach is client-centric,” Fannin explains. “We offer tailored funding with minimal red tape and rapid turnaround.” The goal is simple: remove the friction that slows down entrepreneurs and give them the freedom to act decisively.

Every solution is customised, not just in structure but in intent. “We prioritise flexibility and strategic alignment with each client’s business goals, not just credit scores,” he adds. It’s this willingness to go beyond the numbers that positions Catalytic Finance as more than just a lender. It becomes a growth partner.

Built for the Unconventional

Not every business fits neatly into a box. In fact, many of the entrepreneurs Catalytic Finance works with operate in fast-moving, high-growth sectors; often with non-traditional income models or acquisition-heavy strategies that leave conventional lenders puzzled.

That’s where Catalytic Finance steps in.

“We assess each client’s financial landscape and growth trajectory,” says Fannin. “Then we craft solutions that align with their cash flow cycles, investment plans, and risk appetite, ensuring relevance and impact.” It's a refreshingly personalised approach in a sector often driven by templates and tick boxes.

Whether it’s a client scaling rapidly, diversifying into new markets, or eyeing a strategic acquisition, Catalytic Finance adapts, not just to where the business is now, but where it’s headed. This focus on customisation and partnership means that the firm isn't just funding growth, they’re architecting it.

The Time Factor

In business, timing isn’t just everything, it can be the difference between opportunity and missed potential. For high-performing entrepreneurs and SMEs, the ability to act fast is crucial. That’s why Catalytic Finance places such a premium on speed and precision.

“Speed and precision are critical,” Fannin says. “Our clients often face time-sensitive opportunities or challenges, so we ensure funding is delivered quickly and accurately to support agile decision-making.”

This responsiveness sets Catalytic Finance apart. While traditional lenders may take weeks, or even months, to process applications, Catalytic Finance is designed to move at the pace of modern business. Whether it’s a tight acquisition deadline or a last-minute capital injection to secure a major contract, their processes are built to keep momentum going.

South Africa’s Funding Gap

For many entrepreneurs and SMEs in South Africa, accessing meaningful finance remains one of the toughest hurdles. Traditional banks are often slow to respond and rigid in their criteria, leaving little room for businesses with non-traditional models or rapid growth trajectories.

“Many face rigid lending criteria, slow approval processes, and a lack of tailored solutions,” says Fannin. “This is especially tough for SMEs and entrepreneurs with unconventional income structures or rapid growth needs.”

This gap in the market is exactly what Catalytic Finance was built to bridge. The firm recognises that business owners don’t always fit the typical mould, and that doesn't make them less bankable, just less understood. By providing financial solutions that acknowledge complexity and nuance, Catalytic Finance meets businesses where they are, not where spreadsheets expect them to be.

From this, more South African businesses can access the capital they need to grow, innovate, and stay competitive in a demanding economic climate.

Catalytic Finance’s SME Strategy

Small and medium enterprises truly form the backbone of South Africa’s economy, yet accessing fast and flexible funding remains a challenge for many. Catalytic Finance approaches this sector with a deep understanding of the unique hurdles SMEs face.

“We offer streamlined applications, quick disbursements, and funding structures that adapt to SMEs’ cash flow realities,” explains Mike Fannin. “Our goal is to empower them to seize growth opportunities without the usual bureaucratic delays.”

By tailoring financial solutions to align with the unpredictable cash flow patterns and operational demands of SMEs, Catalytic Finance ensures that funding isn’t just available, it’s relevant and strategic. This adaptability allows businesses to move quickly, scale sustainably, and weather financial pressures with greater confidence.

It’s a refreshing departure from the conventional funding playbook, built on agility and a genuine partnership mindset.

Value Beyond Capital

Catalytic Finance prides itself not just on providing funds, but on delivering strategic solutions that drive real growth. Mike Fannin shares a compelling example that illustrates this approach:

“We once structured a bridge facility for a client to acquire a key supplier, securing their supply chain and boosting margins. This strategic move wouldn’t have been possible through conventional funding channels.”

This case highlights how Catalytic Finance goes beyond the numbers: offering creative financial structures that solve complex business challenges. By understanding the full picture of a client’s operations and goals, the firm positions itself as a true growth partner, enabling businesses to capitalise on opportunities that traditional lenders often overlook.

Mike Fannin’s Vision: Fast, Flexible Finance for South Africa’s Entrepreneurs

Mike Fannin embodies a forward-thinking mindset that’s reshaping South Africa’s financial services landscape. At the heart of Catalytic Finance is a commitment to empower entrepreneurs by moving fast, thinking differently, and delivering funding solutions that fit the real world.

“In today’s economy, speed and flexibility aren’t just advantages; they’re necessities,” Mike reflects. “Our goal is to enable businesses to act decisively when opportunities arise, without getting bogged down by red tape or outdated lending models.”

As the country’s SME sector continues to drive growth and innovation, Catalytic Finance stands ready to be a trusted partner on that journey; offering bespoke solutions designed to unlock potential and fuel success.