Citi Spin-Out Bridge Launches $500M Direct Lending Fund for Retail Suppliers

Financial technology platform Bridge has launched a $500 million direct lending fund dedicated to financing consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and suppliers fulfilling purchase orders for major U.S. retailers.

The new fund targets a persistent working-capital gap in the retail supply chain. Emerging suppliers scaling into large-scale retail relationships frequently experience severe liquidity strains, as costs for raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, freight, and regulatory compliance must be covered well before retail buyers settle invoices.

Bridge’s vehicle can finance up to 100% of eligible production costs associated with expected or confirmed purchase orders, subject to credit approval. Rather than relying strictly on historical balance sheets or post-delivery invoices, the platform uses artificial intelligence to evaluate purchase orders, buyer creditworthiness, and supplier execution capabilities. Repayment terms are structured around standard retailer payment schedules.

“Retail is being reshaped by volatility in tariffs, freight, oil prices and consumer demand, and the pressure often lands first on the growing suppliers that have the least room to absorb it,” said Rohit Mathur, chief executive officer and co-founder of Bridge.

The fund marks a key expansion for Bridge, which spun out of Citi in 2023. Operating across trade finance and hospitality commercial real estate, the company has deployed more than $800 million to date.

Bridge’s institutional backers include Citi Ventures, TTV Capital, Uncorrelated Ventures, Gilgamesh Ventures, Thayer Partners, and U.S. Bank Ventures.