In this feature, we revisit our conversation with William Ross, originally representing Thinking Capital, one of Canada’s earliest fintech innovators in small business lending.
Since this interview, Thinking Capital has rebranded to Driven, continuing the company’s mission to empower Canadian entrepreneurs with faster, fairer access to business funding – now with even more innovation and reach.
From Thinking Capital to Driven: A Legacy of Fintech Innovation
Founded in 2006, Thinking Capital was among the first companies in Canada to use technology to streamline small business lending. Their goal was simple but groundbreaking: to help business owners access capital quickly without the red tape of traditional banks.
Today, under the Driven brand, that same mission continues – with enhanced digital capabilities, more flexible loan products, and a deepened commitment to supporting Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Driven represents the next generation of business lending, using data-driven underwriting, AI-based decision-making, and a customer-first approach to deliver funding solutions that help entrepreneurs thrive.
What Sets Driven Apart from Competitors
As William Ross explained in the original interview, what separated Thinking Capital from competitors then — and still distinguishes Driven today — is their focus on speed, transparency, and understanding the realities of small business ownership.
Here’s what continues to make Driven unique:
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⚡ Fast Funding: Business loans approved and funded in as little as 24-48 hours, helping owners seize opportunities without delay.
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Flexible Products: From term loans to merchant cash advances, Driven tailors financing to fit real-world cash flow patterns.
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️ Transparency: Borrowers see the total cost upfront – no hidden fees, no surprises.
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Supportive Partnership: Dedicated account managers help entrepreneurs find the right funding for their goals, whether it’s growth, equipment, or working capital.
How Driven Helps Canadian Businesses
Driven serves a diverse range of industries — from retail and restaurants to trades and professional services. Their products are ideal for:
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Managing cash flow or payroll gaps
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Purchasing inventory or new equipment
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Investing in marketing or expansion
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Handling unexpected expenses without stress
To qualify, most businesses need to be operating for at least six months with $10,000+ in monthly sales.
Learn more about Driven and see how they can help your business grow.
Learn More About Business Loans in Canada
Want to understand how business loans work and what you need to qualify? Explore our resources and tools:
These tools make it easy to estimate your payments and compare funding options.
Our Take
From Thinking Capital to Driven, the company has stayed true to its entrepreneurial roots – helping Canadian businesses grow through accessible, transparent, and technology-driven lending. Their evolution reflects the continued transformation of Canada’s fintech landscape, built on trust, innovation, and results.
Watch the full video above featuring William Ross from Thinking Capital.
Visit Driven’s profile on Smarter Loans to explore their latest financing options.
Video by:
Amy Orr is a professional writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in the Canadian, U.S. and U.K. financial markets. She has written for numerous publications on topics as diverse as economic literacy, corporate finance, and technical analysis of numerical data. Prior to transitioning to full-time writing, she worked in the hedge fund sector. Her academic background is astrophysics, and she has a Masters in Finance from the University of Edinburgh Business School.
