Tide is a UK-based financial technology company founded in 2015 that specializes in providing mobile-first banking services specifically tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It enables businesses to open a current account quickly and access a variety of financial services, including automated bookkeeping and integrated invoicing, all through its digital platform.

Operating primarily in the UK, Tide’s headquarters is located in London with additional offices in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Hyderabad, India. The company distinguishes itself by offering a digital-only approach to business banking, making it one of the first platforms in the UK to provide current accounts designed for SMEs.

Tide offers a comprehensive financial management platform that includes features such as payment categorization, integrations with accounting software, invoicing services, expense management, team expense cards, payroll, credit products, and even company registration services. Their mobile app supports both iOS and Android, providing accessibility and convenience for their users.

Though Tide itself is not a bank and does not hold a banking license, it operates with authorization from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an electronic money institution and partners with ClearBank to deliver actual banking services to its customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tide played a crucial role in lending over £50 million to nearly 2,000 small businesses under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), highlighting its role as an essential financial services provider.

The company was founded by George Bevis and Eileen Burbidge and has gained recognition in the fintech space, being featured by prominent outlets such as TechCrunch, Forbes, and ComputerWeekly. Tide continues to expand its product offerings and serves as a significant fintech player in the SME banking sector in the UK.