DLA: Dear Jeroen, why did you found Collin Crowdfund?
Jeroen Ter Huurne: I founded Collin Crowdfund because I saw a growing structural gap between the financing needs of SMEs and what traditional banks were willing or able to provide. Especially after the financial crisis, banks became more risk-averse and increasingly process-driven, while entrepreneurs still needed personal, flexible and transparent financing solutions.
My conviction was – and still is – that lending to SMEs can be done responsibly outside the banking system, provided you combine thorough credit analysis with long-term investor relationships. Crowdfunding offered a way to reconnect capital providers and entrepreneurs in a transparent and sustainable manner, not as a temporary alternative, but as a structural complement to bank lending.
DLA: What exactly is the business model of your company?
Jeroen Ter Huurne: Collin Crowdfund is a lending-based crowdfunding platform focused on SME financing. We structure and originate loans for entrepreneurs, which are funded by a broad base of private and professional investors.
Our core strength lies in credit assessment, risk structuring and active loan management throughout the entire loan lifecycle, from origination to maturity. We strongly believe in prudent underwriting, clear security structures and transparency for investors. Our revenues come from origination and servicing fees, while investors receive attractive risk-adjusted returns.
DLA: Why was it important for you to become a member of our trade body?
Jeroen Ter Huurne: As Collin expands beyond the Netherlands into Germany, it is important for us to actively participate in the local digital lending ecosystem. The DLA plays a key role in representing alternative lenders and in fostering dialogue between market participants, regulators and policymakers.
We see the DLA as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional standards and collaboration. We strongly believe that industry-led standards are essential for the long-term credibility of alternative lending. Membership allows us not only to learn from peers, but also to contribute our practical experience in SME lending and risk management.
DLA: What developments are currently having the greatest impact on SME lending?
Jeroen Ter Huurne: After a period of rapidly rising interest rates, the market has entered a phase of stabilisation at levels that are significantly higher than before. Combined with stricter banking regulation and increased risk awareness, this continues to limit traditional bank lending to SMEs.
At the same time, digitalisation and improved data availability are increasing the efficiency of non-bank lending models. As a result, alternative lenders are becoming a structural part of the SME financing landscape, particularly for refinancing, growth financing and succession-related transactions.
DLA: How do the manifold economic and political uncertainties affect the liquidity of European SMEs?
Jeroen Ter Huurne: Economic volatility, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around energy prices and regulation make financial planning more challenging for SMEs. Many companies are therefore more focused on liquidity management and resilience than on aggressive growth.
This increases demand for financing partners that can move quickly, provide clarity upfront and think long-term. Flexibility, reliability and certainty of execution have become just as important as pricing.
DLA: What opportunities and risks do you see for debt investors in these turbulent times?
Jeroen Ter Huurne: From an investor perspective, the current environment offers attractive opportunities. Interest rates are higher than in the past decade, allowing for improved risk premiums, particularly in well-structured SME loans.
At the same time, selectivity is crucial. Not all lending models are equally resilient in this environment. Sector knowledge, conservative assumptions and active loan servicing are key to managing downside risks. We believe that platforms with strong credit discipline, transparency and a long-term mindset are well positioned to deliver stable returns for debt investors.
DLA: Thank you very much for the interview, Jeroen. Great to have you and your team aboard.
Foto credits:
- Jeroen Ter Huurne: Collin Crowdfund