Observed Signal · Mar 16, 2026 · Funding · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Fuse Secures $25M to Revolutionize Loan Origination for Credit Unions
Fuse, an AI-native loan origination system (LOS) startup founded by Andres Klaric and Marc Escapa, announced a $25 million Series A led by Footwork with participation from Primary Venture Partners, NextView Ventures and Commerce Ventures. Fuse says its AI agents can speed underwriting, boost loan volumes and cut operational costs versus legacy LOS vendors that are slow and expensive to replace. The company has more than 100 customers and launched a $5 million “rescue fund” to offer the first 50 qualifying credit unions free access to its platform until their existing contracts with legacy vendors expire. Fuse is positioning itself against legacy providers such as nCino and MeridianLink and newer AI-infused competitors including Casca and Glide.
Series A funding for an AI-native LOS signals venture interest in modernizing loan origination for credit unions and potential competitive pressure on legacy LOS vendors, but it is not a major platform policy or market-shifting event.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Fuse raised $25 million in a Series A funding round led by Footwork, with participation from Primary Venture Partners, NextView Ventures and Commerce Ventures.
- Fuse was founded by Andres Klaric and Marc Escapa as an AI-native loan origination system (LOS).
- The startup says it already serves more than 100 customers.
- Fuse allocated $5 million for a "rescue fund" and will give the first 50 qualifying credit unions free access until existing legacy LOS contracts expire.
- Fuse aims to displace legacy LOS vendors such as nCino and MeridianLink; competitors include Casca and Glide.
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