**Specialist principal equipment financier** based in Midrand. Started Oct 2002 as independent intermediary, now a full subsidiary of Alviva Holdings. Evolved from broker to primary funder with own debtors book.
– Footprint: 27,000+ accounts, over R4bn principal value financed
– Advances book: R1bn in 2021 > R2bn in July 2024 > R2.5bn+ Sep 2025
– Funding model: Securitisation since 2016, R3bn JSE-listed Lease Receivables Backed Programme launched Oct 2025 – Class A: GCR AAA, Class B: GCR A+
– Motto: **Rapid, Reliable, Responsive** – 24-hour turnaround on application feedback
### What they finance that matters for tech
They describe asset finance as the engine for modern business — rent / use / benefit without upfront purchase.
Core tech-relevant classes from site:
– ICT & Office Automation / Technology equipment
– Audio-Visual equipment
– Plus broader portfolio they fund: Manufacturing, Medical, Material Handling, etc. – shows willingness to finance wider asset classes than traditional banks
### Tech trends narrative you can use
**1. Shift from Capex to Opex / Equipment-as-a-Service**
Operating Rental model where funder buys the equipment and client pays monthly rental. Benefits pushed: retain cash for working capital, don’t use bank credit facilities, tax-deductible rentals, VAT paid monthly not upfront
**2. Lifecycle & refresh over ownership**
Site explicitly uses IT example: consultancy with outdated IT needing to upgrade every ~3 years to equip staff with latest tech — rental removes burden of ownership and resale. End-of-term options: renew, return, or upgrade to newer asset
**3. Software + hardware bundles**
Explicitly: “willing and able to finance software for qualifying clients” – key for digital transformation deals where value is stack, not just device.
**4. Flexible structures for cash-flow reality**
Escalations on payments to meet cash flow, flexible deal structures, deposits not required below threshold for smaller transactions. Enables SMEs to adopt tech without large deposits.
**5. Risk & resilience built in**
Fully comprehensive insurance cover available and obligation-free assessment of insurance portfolio – relevant for protecting high-value tech.
**6. Own digital transformation story**
CTO background: from lecturer / IT Admin to building Centrafin’s digital infrastructure from 2019, now driving digital transformation internally. Positions them as tech-led financier, not just funder.
In short financing layer that lets SA businesses consume technology on a subscription-like model, refresh on cycle, and bundle software + services, instead of tying up capital in depreciating assets.
