Two Female-Led UK FinTechs Unite as Cashflows Backs Tap & Go

Jan de Vries · 2026-08-14

It's not every day you see two challenger brands in the payments space decide to join forces. But that's exactly what's happening with Cashflows, the London-based FinTech, and Tap & Go, a nimble startup from Blackpool. The two companies just announced a strategic investment that could shake up how small businesses handle payments across the UK and beyond. The investment amount wasn't disclosed, but the implications are clear: Tap & Go is gearing up for serious growth. The plan? Expand its product lineup, move into new industries, and double down on the commercial partnership that's already been brewing since early 2025. ### Why This Partnership Matters Tap & Go isn't your typical payments startup. Founded in 2022 by Anna McDonald and Nichola Eagle, it started as part of the International Connections Group (ICG) before recently spinning out on its own. The company focuses on card payment machines and business cash advances, helping businesses of all sizes get paid faster and manage their cash flow more effectively. Cashflows, on the other hand, has been around since 2010. Led by CEO Hannah Fitzsimons, it provides the underlying infrastructure that lets growing businesses and financial institutions accept card and digital payments. With its own acquiring platform and gateway, Cashflows offers a secure ecosystem for processing payments right across Europe. Here's what makes this deal interesting: - Both companies are female-led, which is still rare in the FinTech world - The partnership started as a commercial arrangement but has evolved into a full investment - Tap & Go will expand beyond card payments into e-commerce, virtual payments, and multi-site solutions  ### What Tap & Go Plans to Do With the Money According to McDonald, the investment will fuel several key initiatives. The company wants to invest in its people, build stronger brand awareness, and attract new customers organically. But the bigger play is expansion into new verticals that might surprise you. Think universities, stadiums, dentistry practices, hotels, builders' merchants, and the motor sector. That's a pretty wide net, and it shows Tap & Go isn't content to stay in its lane. The company wants to be the payment partner for businesses wherever they operate, from a small dental clinic to a massive sports arena. "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," McDonald said. "There's something particularly powerful about two female-led businesses coming together with that mindset." ### The Bigger Picture for Cashflows For Cashflows, this isn't just about writing a check. Fitzsimons made it clear that the investment reflects a deeper belief in what Tap & Go is building. "While the relationship may have started as a commercial partnership, this is not simply a financial investment," she said. "We believe in what Tap & Go are building and the energy from the team is palpable." The move also signals Cashflows' wider growth strategy. The company is exploring further strategic investments, which suggests this could be the first of several similar deals. By combining Tap & Go's customer focus with Cashflows' infrastructure and expertise, both companies are positioning themselves to accelerate growth in a crowded market. ### What This Means for Merchants If you're a business owner, this partnership could mean more options and better service down the line. Tap & Go will be able to offer a broader range of solutions, backed by Cashflows' robust processing platform. That's good news for anyone who's tired of dealing with clunky payment systems or limited customer support. The payments space has been consolidating for years, but this deal stands out because of its focus on female leadership and challenger mentality. Both companies are proving you don't need to be a giant to make a big impact. Sometimes, all you need is the right partner and a shared vision.