Cyphr will reveal how it makes lending easier for small businesses at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

In a quest to enhance access to capital for small businesses, Jannae Gammage found herself disillusioned while working as a technology consultant with the Small Business Administration. She watched countless viable businesses struggle to secure funding through outdated lending processes. "I was inside the mess, watching good businesses die while trying to navigate legacy workflows," Gammage recounted. This frustration led her to reconnect with Alaia Martin, and together they founded Cyphr in 2022, a company dedicated to streamlining the lending experience for both lenders and small enterprises. As a Top 20 finalist in Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Cyphr is making waves with its innovative approach. The platform leverages alternative data sources and analyzes financial patterns to help lenders assess the creditworthiness of small businesses more efficiently. Since its official launch in April 2024, Cyphr has undergone several iterations, significantly evolving its offerings due to advancements in artificial intelligence. "When we started, our goal was clear: to make underwriting smarter and faster so that entrepreneurs can access capital more easily," Gammage, the CEO, explained. The duo prioritized a borrower-centric experience, contrasting with typical industry practices that often prioritize lenders’ needs. Building a large language model (LLM) from the ground up, Cyphr initially tackled the challenge manually. "Even though we’re an AI-native company, we started this journey without much external support," Martin, the COO, noted. Today, their model is built upon an OpenAI framework, which they have customized to fit their requirements. The latest AI updates have not only enhanced their product but have also made lenders more receptive to collaboration. The financial industry has been evolving post-COVID, recognizing the necessity for modernization. Gammage observed that the integration of AI into everyday operations has eased the transition for lenders. "If we had launched in 2022, gaining buy-in would have been significantly more challenging due to prevalent fears surrounding technology and AI," she stated. To date, Cyphr has successfully raised one million dollars, navigating the fundraising landscape with both ease and difficulty. Gammage reflected on the unpredictable nature of fundraising, highlighting how they often received funds in increments while participating in accelerators and pitch competitions. Martin expressed initial concerns about fundraising in San Francisco as two Black women without technical backgrounds, but they were pleasantly surprised by the positive reception in Silicon Valley. Looking ahead, Cyphr has ambitious plans, including developing a platform to connect businesses with opportunities during the upcoming World Cup. While potential expansions are on the horizon, Gammage emphasized the importance of securing funding to maintain momentum. "Even momentum requires money," she concluded. For those interested in learning more about Cyphr and its innovative solutions, the company will be present at the Disrupt event from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco, where attendees can explore numerous startups, hear pitches, and engage with industry speakers.