Construction projects often involve dozens of contractors and suppliers working together to deliver critical infrastructure, yet the movement of money through these projects remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges. Payments can take months to reach the businesses carrying out the work, placing enormous financial pressure on subcontractors and smaller suppliers that depend on steady cash flow to survive. Delayed payments not only affect business stability but can also lead to staff reductions, project disruptions, and, in some cases, company failures. UK construction fintech startup Saible is aiming to change how project funds move through the supply chain, and the company has now secured new funding to accelerate the rollout of its payment platform.
Saible has raised £2.9 million from angel investors, including £2.1 million previously secured and an additional £800,000 investment. The funding will help the company expand its platform, support regulatory initiatives, and introduce its payment technology to a broader range of live construction projects.
Tackling a Long Standing Industry Challenge
Late payment has remained one of the most persistent issues across the construction sector.
Large projects often involve multiple layers of contractors, subcontractors, and specialist suppliers before payments finally reach the businesses performing the work.
At every stage of the supply chain, payments can be delayed or temporarily withheld, creating cash flow challenges that ripple throughout the industry.
For smaller firms, delayed payments can mean difficulties meeting payroll obligations, paying suppliers, investing in growth, or even continuing operations.
The problem has become increasingly significant as construction businesses continue to face rising costs and economic uncertainty.
A New Approach to Project Payments
Saible has developed a platform designed to improve transparency and speed up the movement of project funds.
At the centre of its solution is the Digital Parallel Payment Account, known as DiPPA.
The platform manages payment approvals, verification processes, and audit capabilities while project funds are securely held in trust through a regulated banking partner.
Instead of payments moving sequentially through multiple layers of contractors, approved funds are released simultaneously to eligible businesses across every level of the supply chain.
This approach reduces dependency on intermediary payment flows and enables suppliers to receive payments more quickly once work has been approved.
The project owner pays a fee for using the platform, while suppliers across the supply chain are not charged.
Improving Financial Stability Across Construction
By reducing payment delays, Saible aims to improve financial resilience for contractors and suppliers throughout the construction ecosystem.
Faster payments can help businesses maintain healthier cash flow, reduce borrowing requirements, and improve operational planning.
For smaller construction firms, reliable payment timing can make a significant difference to long term sustainability and workforce stability.
The company believes modernising payment infrastructure will benefit every participant in a project by creating greater transparency and reducing administrative complexity.
Its platform is designed to provide greater visibility into how funds move through construction projects while strengthening trust between project owners and suppliers.
Piloting the Platform on Public Projects
Saible is already working with public sector organisations to demonstrate its technology in real construction environments.
The company is collaborating with the Environment Agency and BAM Nuttall on pilot projects that will evaluate its payment model within government backed infrastructure programmes.
The first planned deployment involves a footbridge replacement project expected to begin during 2026.
These pilots are intended to generate valuable insights into payment timing, supply chain transparency, and operational efficiency while helping inform future improvements to construction payment practices.
The company hopes these early deployments will demonstrate the practical benefits of simultaneous payment distribution across complex construction projects.
Supporting the Next Stage of Growth
The newly secured funding will enable Saible to expand its platform capabilities, continue its regulatory engagement, and support broader commercial adoption.
Alongside its angel investment, the company is also opening a limited Crowdcube allocation to allow smaller construction businesses and industry participants to invest alongside existing backers.
As governments and industry leaders continue seeking ways to improve payment fairness and strengthen supply chain resilience, Saible is positioning itself as a technology company capable of modernising one of construction’s most critical financial processes. By combining digital payment infrastructure with greater transparency and automation, the company aims to ensure that project funds reach the businesses carrying out the work more quickly, creating a healthier and more sustainable construction ecosystem.