Best-of-breed isn’t just for enterprises

We've both spent our careers backing founders, and we've seen what happens when startups piece together their financial stacks from multiple, disjointed providers. They end up with financial services and software that don’t talk to each other — and that don't scale with them.

There’s a better way, and enterprises figured it out years ago. The best finance stack isn't a monolithic platform; it's best-of-breed solutions working together. Startups deserve the same.

That's why we're announcing a new partnership between Brex and Stifel Bank, bringing together the best corporate card for startups with best-in-class venture debt expertise. Together, we're delivering a comprehensive financial platform that scales with founders from day one through IPO and beyond.

A gap in the market and a shared conviction

The startup ecosystem has been craving something that's been missing: a seamless path from early-stage operations to growth-stage financing, backed by high-touch service from experts who deeply understand the venture world.

This partnership is how we're filling that gap.

Brex: built for speed and scale

At Brex, we've built the intelligent finance platform that startups need to launch and scale confidently. We designed our corporate card for the way venture-backed companies operate: no personal guarantees, instant setup, and up to 30x higher credit limits that grow with your business.

But Brex is more than just a card. It’s an AI-native platform that automates the finance busywork that slows founders down. We're talking automated expense management software, 24/7 support, and a technology infrastructure that scales from pre-seed through public company.

We know that when you're building something new, the last thing you need is a financial partner that doesn’t move as fast as you do. That's why we continually invest in AI and automation, so our customers can focus on building, not on back-office operations.

And there's the network effect. Brex serves over 35,000 of the most innovative companies in the world. When you're part of our ecosystem, you're connected to a community of founders and operators who are all pushing forward together and having fun along the way.

Stifel Bank: Solutions for VC-backed companies and their investors

At Stifel Bank, we launched our venture debt practice because we saw an opportunity to bring a different level of expertise and service to founders and investors — the kind of high-touch relationship management that used to be reserved for much later-stage companies.

Our team includes some of the most experienced venture bankers in the industry working alongside founders in every industry, from technology to life sciences. We've seen companies through every stage of growth, and we understand the nuances of venture-backed finance in a way that generalist providers simply can't match.

What we offer is non-dilutive capital through venture debt: financing that extends your runway without giving up equity. Whether you need a loan right after an equity raise to maximize optionality, between rounds to hit more milestones before your next financing, or as a bridge to profitability, we structure solutions that fit your situation.

With over $10 billion in loan commitments and a team of 100+ venture bankers, we have the resources and expertise to support companies through every stage of growth.

One introduction, no runaround

The beauty of this partnership is its simplicity.

If you're a Brex customer and you might be ready for venture debt or need a letter of credit for a new office space, we'll connect you directly to our partners at Stifel Bank. You'll get a warm introduction to a dedicated expert who understands your business and can move quickly.

And if you're a Stifel Bank client looking for the best corporate card and spend management solution on the market, we'll introduce you to Brex. No friction, no redundant onboarding — just a seamless handoff to a team that's already aligned on what you need.

This is a genuine partnership built on shared values and deep experience in the venture ecosystem. When we refer a founder to each other, we're putting our reputations on the line. And that's exactly how it should be.

Built for trust, not transactions

This partnership reflects a shared philosophy about how financial services should work for startups.

We both believe deeply in the power of relationships. Not the kind you talk about in marketing materials, but the kind where your banker answers the phone on a Saturday when something goes sideways. The kind where your financial partner knows your business well enough to spot opportunities before you ask.

That's not abstract for us. We've known each other for 20 years, going back to our time together at SVB. We’ve both spent decades serving the innovation economy. This partnership exists because we trust each other, and we want to extend that trust to the founders we serve.

The right financial foundation for every stage

Getting your financial stack right from the start matters more than most founders realize. The corporate card you choose at seed stage sets the foundation for how you manage spend as you scale. The connections you establish early determine how smoothly you can access debt financing when the time is right.

Brex's corporate card was built to scale with you, eliminate manual expense headaches, and fuel growth with competitive rewards like billboards, offsites, and cash back. And Stifel Bank offers letters of credit and venture debt solutions expertly designed to extend your runway without dilution and structured for flexibility. Together, we help founders build a complete financial stack that grows with them, from first swipe to first facility.

As you grow, you'll always have the full resources of both platforms at your fingertips, compounding value and powering your momentum.

Get the partnership your startup deserves

The innovation economy needs financial partners that can keep pace — that understand the rhythms of venture-backed growth and have the resources to support you through every inflection point.

That's what best-of-breed really means: not just choosing the best tools, but choosing partners who work together to make your life easier and your growth faster. Brex and Stifel Bank are delivering exactly that: a connected platform built by people who've spent their careers serving founders.

If you're building something ambitious, let’s talk.

Stifel Bank, Member FDIC. Stifel Bank and Brex are not affiliates.