Assiduous: Pioneering Corporate Finance for SMEs with AI Innovation
April 17, 2025, 3:50 am
Location: Belgium, Brussels-Capital, City of Brussels
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 2010
In the bustling heart of Dublin, a new player is shaking up the corporate finance landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Assiduous, a fintech startup, has recently secured €1 million in funding to launch its groundbreaking Corporate Finance Autopilot™. This innovative platform aims to simplify access to capital markets, making the complex world of corporate finance more navigable for SMEs.
Founded in 2023 by seasoned investment bankers Fergal Meegan and Barry Murphy, Assiduous is on a mission. The company recognizes that SMEs are the backbone of the European economy, representing 99% of all businesses and generating two-thirds of private sector jobs. Yet, these enterprises often struggle to access the capital and advisory services they need. Assiduous seeks to bridge this gap.
The funding round, which included contributions from angel investors and support from Enterprise Ireland’s High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) program, will be used to accelerate product development and expand the technical team. This investment is not just a financial boost; it’s a vote of confidence in Assiduous’s vision. The company plans to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence to automate traditionally manual corporate finance processes, transforming how SMEs prepare for major transactions like fundraising and strategic deals.
At the core of Assiduous’s offering is the Corporate Finance Autopilot™, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to provide tailored advisory support. This platform aims to demystify the corporate finance process, making it accessible to business owners who may not have the resources to hire expensive advisors. By automating complex tasks, Assiduous empowers SMEs to become "funding-ready," a term that encapsulates the company's goal of simplifying the historically convoluted journey to securing capital.
The new funding will also support recruitment in AI, engineering, and product management. Assiduous is keen to harness the potential of agentic AI technologies—systems capable of multi-step reasoning and autonomous actions. This means that the platform will not only react to user inputs but will also proactively offer context-aware financial guidance. Imagine having a financial advisor that works tirelessly in the background, anticipating your needs and offering insights before you even ask.
The strategic collaboration with Euronext Group is another feather in Assiduous’s cap. This partnership aims to facilitate earlier access for SMEs to capital markets, a crucial step in helping these businesses thrive. By participating in the EU co-funded EIT Digital Open Innovation Factory program, Assiduous is embedding itself within the European tech and innovation ecosystem, gaining valuable insights and connections.
The funding landscape for SMEs in Europe has long been fraught with challenges. The European Commission has identified the SME funding gap as a structural issue that stifles innovation and economic resilience. Assiduous’s approach is timely and necessary. By providing a platform that democratizes access to capital markets, the company is not just addressing a market need; it’s paving the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
The founders, Meegan and Murphy, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Their backgrounds in investment banking equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of corporate finance. They understand the pain points that SMEs face and are committed to creating solutions that make a difference.
As Assiduous moves forward, its long-term ambition is clear: to transform the corporate finance landscape for SMEs across Europe. The company envisions a future where business owners can easily access the tools and resources they need to succeed. This vision is not just about technology; it’s about empowerment. By simplifying the process of preparing for corporate transactions, Assiduous is enabling SMEs to focus on what they do best—growing their businesses.
The road ahead is promising. With the new funding, Assiduous is poised to make significant strides in product development and market penetration. The team is excited about the potential to solve critical strategic and financing challenges for SMEs using the latest innovations in artificial intelligence. The company’s growth aligns with broader initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs and fostering innovation within the European economy.
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, Assiduous stands at the forefront of a financial revolution. The Corporate Finance Autopilot™ is more than just a product; it’s a beacon of hope for SMEs navigating the turbulent waters of corporate finance. As the company continues to develop its platform and expand its reach, it is set to become a champion for small and medium-sized businesses across Europe.
In conclusion, Assiduous is not just another fintech startup. It is a transformative force in the corporate finance sector, dedicated to making capital markets accessible to all. With its innovative approach and commitment to empowering SMEs, Assiduous is well on its way to reshaping the future of corporate finance. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are endless.
Founded in 2023 by seasoned investment bankers Fergal Meegan and Barry Murphy, Assiduous is on a mission. The company recognizes that SMEs are the backbone of the European economy, representing 99% of all businesses and generating two-thirds of private sector jobs. Yet, these enterprises often struggle to access the capital and advisory services they need. Assiduous seeks to bridge this gap.
The funding round, which included contributions from angel investors and support from Enterprise Ireland’s High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) program, will be used to accelerate product development and expand the technical team. This investment is not just a financial boost; it’s a vote of confidence in Assiduous’s vision. The company plans to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence to automate traditionally manual corporate finance processes, transforming how SMEs prepare for major transactions like fundraising and strategic deals.
At the core of Assiduous’s offering is the Corporate Finance Autopilot™, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to provide tailored advisory support. This platform aims to demystify the corporate finance process, making it accessible to business owners who may not have the resources to hire expensive advisors. By automating complex tasks, Assiduous empowers SMEs to become "funding-ready," a term that encapsulates the company's goal of simplifying the historically convoluted journey to securing capital.
The new funding will also support recruitment in AI, engineering, and product management. Assiduous is keen to harness the potential of agentic AI technologies—systems capable of multi-step reasoning and autonomous actions. This means that the platform will not only react to user inputs but will also proactively offer context-aware financial guidance. Imagine having a financial advisor that works tirelessly in the background, anticipating your needs and offering insights before you even ask.
The strategic collaboration with Euronext Group is another feather in Assiduous’s cap. This partnership aims to facilitate earlier access for SMEs to capital markets, a crucial step in helping these businesses thrive. By participating in the EU co-funded EIT Digital Open Innovation Factory program, Assiduous is embedding itself within the European tech and innovation ecosystem, gaining valuable insights and connections.
The funding landscape for SMEs in Europe has long been fraught with challenges. The European Commission has identified the SME funding gap as a structural issue that stifles innovation and economic resilience. Assiduous’s approach is timely and necessary. By providing a platform that democratizes access to capital markets, the company is not just addressing a market need; it’s paving the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
The founders, Meegan and Murphy, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Their backgrounds in investment banking equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of corporate finance. They understand the pain points that SMEs face and are committed to creating solutions that make a difference.
As Assiduous moves forward, its long-term ambition is clear: to transform the corporate finance landscape for SMEs across Europe. The company envisions a future where business owners can easily access the tools and resources they need to succeed. This vision is not just about technology; it’s about empowerment. By simplifying the process of preparing for corporate transactions, Assiduous is enabling SMEs to focus on what they do best—growing their businesses.
The road ahead is promising. With the new funding, Assiduous is poised to make significant strides in product development and market penetration. The team is excited about the potential to solve critical strategic and financing challenges for SMEs using the latest innovations in artificial intelligence. The company’s growth aligns with broader initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs and fostering innovation within the European economy.
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, Assiduous stands at the forefront of a financial revolution. The Corporate Finance Autopilot™ is more than just a product; it’s a beacon of hope for SMEs navigating the turbulent waters of corporate finance. As the company continues to develop its platform and expand its reach, it is set to become a champion for small and medium-sized businesses across Europe.
In conclusion, Assiduous is not just another fintech startup. It is a transformative force in the corporate finance sector, dedicated to making capital markets accessible to all. With its innovative approach and commitment to empowering SMEs, Assiduous is well on its way to reshaping the future of corporate finance. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are endless.