Getting paid on time remains one of the biggest challenges in construction. While projects move forward on tight schedules, subcontractors often wait weeks or even months for payments to arrive. Australian fintech company Earlytrade believes technology can help solve that problem, and investors are backing its next stage of growth.
Earlytrade has secured A$14.2 million (US$10 million) in a new funding round led by S3 Ventures and Brick & Mortar Ventures. The company will use the investment to expand its presence in the United States and accelerate the development of new artificial intelligence capabilities for its construction payments platform.
The funding marks another important milestone for the company, which was founded in 2018 by Guy Saxelby and Piers Symons.
Expanding a Platform Built Around Faster Payments
Earlytrade operates a marketplace that allows contractors and subcontractors to access early payments on approved invoices. The platform is designed to improve cash flow by giving businesses more flexibility over when they receive funds.
According to the company, the latest investment brings its total funding raised to approximately A$35.5 million (US$25 million). Earlytrade says it has facilitated more than US$3 billion in early payments and built a network of over 211,000 subcontractors across its platform.
The company entered the US market in 2024 and reports strong momentum since launch. Earlytrade stated that its US revenue has increased sevenfold during that period, reflecting growing demand for alternative payment solutions in the construction sector.
AI Becomes a Key Focus
A significant portion of the new funding will support the development of agentic AI capabilities.
Co-founder and CEO Guy Saxelby said the company plans to build AI-powered tools that can operate within its subcontractor payments marketplace and help automate payment-related processes. The goal is to improve efficiency for contractors and suppliers while reducing administrative burdens. The company sees AI as an opportunity to simplify complex workflows and create a more responsive payment ecosystem for construction businesses.
Investors also highlighted the long-term potential of the platform. Charlie Plauche, General Partner at S3 Ventures, said Earlytrade has developed infrastructure that addresses a major challenge in the construction industry while creating a foundation for future AI-driven innovation.
Targeting a Large Market Opportunity
The United States construction industry represents a significant growth opportunity for the company. Payment delays remain a common issue throughout the sector, often creating cash-flow pressure for subcontractors that rely on timely payments to manage operations and payroll.
Earlytrade’s platform is designed to address this challenge by enabling earlier access to approved funds, helping businesses maintain liquidity without waiting for traditional payment cycles to conclude.
As demand for digital financial tools grows across construction, the company believes its marketplace can play a larger role in improving how payments move through the industry.
Positioned for the Next Stage of Growth
Earlier in 2026, Earlytrade moved its incorporation from Australia to the United States. The company said the decision was influenced by concerns about proposed Australian capital gains tax changes and their potential impact on investors.
With fresh capital now secured, Earlytrade plans to continue expanding its US operations while investing in product development, artificial intelligence, and team growth.
The latest funding round highlights growing investor confidence in construction-focused fintech solutions. As the industry continues its digital transformation, Earlytrade is aiming to strengthen its position at the intersection of construction finance, payments, and emerging AI technology.
