Founded in 2018, Ferovinum offers inventory financing structures - previously reserved for large commodity producers and traders - to small and medium-sized UK wine and spirits producers, merchants and brand owners through a unique online platform.

Acknowledging the challenges of valuing inventories in the wine and spirits sector, Ferovinum was founded by a team of finance specialists, technologists, and industry insiders, all with a passion for wine, whisky and spirits, to help business in this sector release capital tied-up in their inventories to support their growth.  

In addition to capital funding, Ferovinum also offers automated logistics for purchasing and sales, as well as inventory management and data analytics through its platform.  

Having grown successfully in its first five years, Ferovinum and its funding partner, BCI Capital, collaborated with NatWest in structuring a suitable debt facility to help with the next phase of its growth plan. 

Working closely with the Ferovinum team to understand the company’s plans and resulting financial requirements, the NatWest deal team also drew on its experience in inventory finance for whisky producers to help shape a suitable senior funding structure. 

Based on those discussions and a detailed sector analysis, NatWest agreed to a £40 million inventory and receivables facility, and a £40 million accordion. The NatWest structure also includes invoice discounting funding, helping Ferovinum to provide further working capital financing solutions right through to the point of sale for underlying customers.  

Ferovinum anticipates to fully utilise the initial £40 million within the first 12 to 18 months before exercising the accordion.  

Daniel Gibney, Co-Founder of Ferovinum, said: “This is a milestone financing arrangement which enables us to support even more wine and spirits enterprises in the UK. NatWest has been a great partner to work with, and we’re grateful for their support as a lender, sharing our commitment to close the SME funding gap.”  

Andrew Barraclough, Head of Regional Asset Based Lending at NatWest, commented: “Stable access to credit is crucial to the success and growth of SMEs and their positive impact on the economy. Our financing package for Ferovinum is another example of our commitment to remove barriers to enterprises and allow them to grow. Ferovinum shares our commitment to serve SMEs in the UK, and we are looking forward to working together with our new customer in the future.” 

Sam Kemp, CEO, BCI Capital, added: “Ferovinum is exactly the kind of innovator with whom BCI likes to partner, deploying a tech-enabled solution to address underserviced areas of the funding market. We’ve been delighted to work with the Ferovinum team throughout our partnership and are excited to support the business – now alongside NatWest – as it evolves into the next phase of its growth.”