Lula

Lula is an all-digital business funding platform for South African SMEs that need working capital, short-term growth funding, or trade credit.

Key capabilities include:

• Cash Flow Facility: A revolving, working-capital facility where businesses can access funds as needed and only pay for what they use, with no monthly account or admin fees.
• Fixed-Term Funding: A once-off lump sum of up to R5 million, repaid over 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, with fixed fees and no early repayment penalties.
• Lulapay (trade capital): Supports instant seller payments while customers get up to 6 months to pay, designed for businesses that want to offer terms without waiting to get paid.
• Funding calculator: Lets businesses estimate repayments and view costs, with examples showing no additional costs and potential savings from early repayment.

Available on Web (via an online application and secure portal), Android, and iOS.

Target audience: B2B South African small and medium-sized enterprises that have been operating for 1+ years and generate R500,000+ annual revenue.

Notable in the South African market for providing fully online SME funding with funding amounts up to R5 million, potential access to funds in as little as 24 hours, and additional trade-credit functionality (Lulapay).