LendInvest

Office address: Two Fitzroy Place, 8 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JJ 
Website: www.lendinvest.com 
Year established: 2008 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 200+ 
Expertise: debt trading, mortgages, fintech, alternative lending, alternative investment, property finance, capital markets, bridging services 
Parent company: N/A 
CEO and key people: Rod Lockhart (CEO), Ian Thomas (CIO & co-founder), Arman Tahmassebi (COO), Ruth Pearson (general counsel & company secretary), Hugo Davies (CCO), Melanie Oakley (CPO), Esther Morley (MD, specialist residential) 
Financing status: formerly VC-backed 

LendInvest is a fintech company based in London that specialises in real estate and other mortgage solutions. In over 16 years, the company has grown to have over £6 billion in funds lent and £2.6 billion assets under management as of 2023. It has over 200 employees and has launched itself into the London Stock Exchange.   

History of LendInvest 

LendInvest started in 2008 as Montello Bridging Finance and began developing their online lending technology in 2012. They launched the LendInvest online platform in 2013, eventually surpassing £300 million in loans and introducing Development Finance. In 2016, they reached over £500 million in funding.  

They listed a retail bond on the London Stock Exchange and launched Buy-to-Let loans in 2017. In 2018, Significant Series C funding was raised and in 2019, they achieved the UK's first Fintech securitisation of Buy-to-Let loans. They then launched Regulated Bridging in 2020, surpassing £3 billion in originations.   

Products and Services of LendInvest 

LendInvest provides offerings that are catered to meet the requirements and needs of its clients. Key offerings include: 

• bridging: offers short-term, flexible finance for immediate property funding needs 

• residential: tailored mortgages for homeowners, particularly beneficial for those with complex income streams 

• buy-to-let: specialised financial products for both first-time and experienced landlords, catering to various property types 

• development: provides reliable funding for small to medium-sized property development projects, supporting experienced developers 

• portfolio finance: tailored for professional landlords and developers looking to leverage their property portfolios to secure funding 

• auction finance: ideal for buyers at auction, providing quick finance solutions that allow investors to secure properties within the tight timelines often associated with auctions 

Culture at LendInvest 

LendInvest is committed to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles throughout its business operations. These principles guide the company's strategies and practices, reflecting its dedication to sustainable growth and ethical operations. Below are some of the key areas where LendInvest applies its ESG focus: 

• environmental: launching the Green Bond to fund environmentally sustainable projects and implementing office sustainability measures 

• social: providing educational scholarships and internships to promote career opportunities in real estate finance 

• governance: upholding strong corporate governance with a focus on transparency and accountability 

LendInvest promotes a workplace that values diversity and inclusion, supporting a culture where employees can thrive. Through various programs and initiatives, the company emphasises professional development, mental health awareness, and skill-building across its operations. Initiatives include: 

• Property Development Academy: skills enhancement for SME property developers 

• in-house mentoring scheme: professional growth through peer mentoring 

• mental health programs: support and dialogue on mental health 

LendInvest provides its employees with a diverse range of benefits that promote work-life balance, health, and personal growth. These benefits are designed to cater to the needs of their team, from financial security to mental well-being. Key employee benefits offered include: 

• hybrid and flexible working arrangements 

• 25 days of holiday, plus private healthcare and enhanced parental leave 

• matched pension contributions and life assurance 

• mental health support and an employee assistance program 

• opportunities for professional development and volunteering days 

• various financial aids like cycle to work schemes, season ticket loans, and more 

About LendInvest CEO Rod Lockhart and Key People 

Rod Lockhart has served as the CEO of LendInvest since 2020. Lockhart, before taking on the role of CEO at LendInvest, served as the managing director at LendInvest Capital and as a senior director at CBRE. He completed his education at the University of Reading, earning a BSc (Hons) in investment & finance in property. 

Supporting Lockhart in operating the company is a team of seasoned professionals. Key people include: 

• Ian Thomas, CIO and co-founder, leads in shaping the firm’s strategic direction 

• Arman Tahmassebi, as COO, oversees daily operations ensuring smooth functionality 

• Ruth Pearson, general counsel and company secretary, manages legal and compliance frameworks 

• Hugo Davies, as chief capital officer, directs financial strategies and capital allocation 

• Melanie Oakley, serving as chief people officer, leads HR initiatives that drive corporate culture 

• Esther Morley, managing director, specialist residential, leads innovations in residential lending   

The Future at LendInvest 

LendInvest has been actively expanding and enhancing its operations through strategic partnerships and product innovations to secure a promising future. Recently, they have partnered with ESGgen to advance their sustainable business objectives, ensuring that their ESG impacts are measured and improved upon.  

They have also continued to innovate in their financial offerings, particularly in structured property finance, providing tailored solutions for complex financing needs. These actions indicate that LendInvest's strategies are directed towards developing their businesses in a more responsible way.