Two Female-Led UK FinTechs Merge Forces in a Bold Payments Play

Jan de Vries · 2026-08-14

When two ambitious companies decide to join forces, the fintech world tends to take notice. That's exactly what's happening with Cashflows, a London-based payments company, and Tap & Go, a scrappy startup from Blackpool. The two have just announced a strategic investment that could shake up how small businesses handle payments across the UK and beyond. You might be wondering why this matters. Well, it's not every day you see two female-led businesses in the payments space come together with this kind of firepower. It's a story about growth, grit, and the kind of partnership that goes beyond just writing a check. ### A Closer Look at the Deal Here's what we know: Cashflows has invested in Tap & Go, though the exact amount hasn't been disclosed. What's clear is that Tap & Go plans to use this capital to supercharge its growth. That means expanding its product lineup, reaching into new industries, and doubling down on the commercial relationship between the two companies. This isn't just a cash injection. It's a strategic move that brings together Cashflows' robust payment infrastructure with Tap & Go's nimble, customer-first approach. The result? A stronger combined offering for businesses that need reliable card payment solutions without the corporate runaround. ### Why This Partnership Stands Out Anna McDonald, Managing Director at Tap & Go, put it perfectly: "We are building a brand and proposition that means customers come to Tap & Go because they know we can support them wherever their growth takes them." She went on to highlight the special dynamic here. "There's something particularly powerful about two female-led businesses coming together with that mindset, as together, we can be ambitious about what we build and deliver for our customers." That sentiment echoes throughout the fintech community. We're seeing more women leading the charge in payments, and this partnership is a testament to what that looks like in practice. ### The Companies Behind the Headlines Let's break down who's who in this story. **Tap & Go** was founded in 2022 by Anna McDonald and Nichola Eagle as part of the International Connections Group (ICG). It recently spun out on its own. The company specializes in card payment machines and business cash advances, helping businesses of all sizes get paid faster and manage their cash flow better. **Cashflows** has been around since 2010, led by CEO Hannah Fitzsimons. The company makes it easy for growing businesses and financial institutions to accept card and digital payments. With its own acquiring platform and gateway, it offers a secure ecosystem for processing payments across Europe. ### What This Means for Tap & Go's Future So, what's next for Tap & Go? The investment allows the company to broaden its horizons beyond just card payments. We're talking e-commerce solutions, virtual payments, and multi-site setups. That's a big deal for merchants who want to sell everywhere and anywhere. Here's a quick rundown of how Tap & Go plans to use the funds: - Invest in its people and build stronger brand awareness - Strengthen its market reputation to attract new customers organically - Expand into new verticals like universities, stadiums, dentistry, hotels, builders' merchants, and the motor sector - Leverage Cashflows' expertise and experience to accelerate growth That's a pretty ambitious roadmap, but it's grounded in a solid partnership. ### A Word from the CEO Hannah Fitzsimons from Cashflows shared her perspective on the deal. "While the relationship may have started as a commercial partnership, this is not simply a financial investment – we believe in what Tap & Go are building and the energy from the team is palpable." She added, "This is a real opportunity to combine their drive and customer focus with our experience and expertise to accelerate the next stage of growth for Tap & Go." ### What This Signals for the Fintech Landscape This investment is more than just a single deal. It signals Cashflows' wider growth strategy, with more strategic investment opportunities being explored. For the broader fintech ecosystem, it's a reminder that partnerships can be just as powerful as organic growth. When two companies share a vision and bring complementary strengths to the table, the possibilities are endless. And in this case, we're watching two female-led powerhouses build something that could redefine how small businesses handle payments. It's an exciting time for fintech, and this partnership is one to watch. Whether you're a merchant looking for better payment solutions or an investor keeping an eye on the space, this is a story with real momentum behind it.