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Category: Connected Capital Blog

  • The Biggest Working Capital Challenges & How to Overcome Them

    The Biggest Working Capital Challenges & How to Overcome Them

    The Road to Working Capital Maturity – Blog Series – Post #3

    Managing working capital effectively is no easy feat. According to the Working Capital Forum Maturity Model Report 2025, companies cite five key challenges that hinder their ability to optimize cash flow.

    Top 5 Working Capital Challenges in 2025

    1. Supply Chain Disruptions (21%)

    2. Shifting Customer Demand & Inventory Levels (18%)

    3. High Interest Rates & Credit Constraints (15%)

    4. Disconnected Data & Fragmented Systems (12%)

    5. Geopolitical & Economic Uncertainty (10%)

    The Path Forward: Connected Capital

    In a landscape where traditional financing alone is no longer enough, companies need a flexible, integrated approach to working capital. GSCF’s Connected Capital model provides access to alternative capital solutions while enabling businesses to partner with their house banks to achieve the funding and services they need. Our end-to-end platform offers advanced analytics, actionable insights, and full transparency into working capital programs –ensuring businesses can optimize cash flow, enhance liquidity, and build resilience against uncertainty.

    Read the Full Report for More Insights.

  • Understanding the Four Levels of Working Capital Maturity

    Understanding the Four Levels of Working Capital Maturity

    The Road to Working Capital Maturity – Blog Series – Post #2

    Working capital management is no longer just about liquidity –it’s about business agility and long-term resilience. Yet, our research shows that only a fraction of companies achieve best-in-class working capital optimization.

    Where does your organization stand? The Working Capital Forum Maturity Model defines four distinct stages of working capital maturity.

    The Four Maturity Levels

    Onlookers (16%)

    • No dedicated working capital strategy
    • Finance and treasury functions operate in silos
    • Disconnected systems with manual data entry

    Risk: Cash management is reactive, increasing exposure to market volatility

    Adopters (63%)

    • Basic working capital KPIs reported in treasury
    • Some financing solutions in place
    • Improvements in cash flow forecasting

    Opportunity: Moving from finance-only metrics to organization-wide cash culture

    Transformers (21%)

    • Dedicated working capital teams and processes
    • Multiple financing tools in use
    • Integration of systems for real-time data visibility
      Advantage: Proactive decision-making and improved operational efficiency

    Innovators (N/A)

    • AI-driven cash forecasting and automation
    • Working capital KPIs linked to executive incentives
    • Fully integrated, enterprise-wide cash culture

    Best Practice: Continuous optimization and agility in financial planning

    How to Move to the Next Level

    The journey to working capital maturity requires a combination of process improvements, financial strategy, and technology integration.

    Download the Full Report to See How You Compare.

  • Why Working Capital Maturity Matters in 2025

    Why Working Capital Maturity Matters in 2025

    The Road to Working Capital Maturity – Blog Series #1

    In today’s volatile business landscape, companies are under constant pressure to optimize cash flow while navigating supply chain disruptions, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Yet, many organizations still treat working capital as a finance function rather than a strategic priority.

    Our latest research, featured in the Working Capital Forum Maturity Model Report 2025, reveals that 63% of companies remain in the early stages of working capital maturity. Without a structured approach to cash management, businesses risk operational inefficiencies and financial instability.

    Why Working Capital Optimization is Critical

    Companies that prioritize working capital maturity:
    ✅ Improve liquidity to fund growth initiatives
    ✅ Reduce reliance on external financing by maximizing internal cash
    ✅ Enhance financial resilience against market volatility
    ✅ Increase efficiency through data integration and process automation

    The Four Stages of Working Capital Maturity

    The Working Capital Maturity Model categorizes businesses into four levels:

    • Onlookers (16%) – No structured strategy, disconnected data, and manual processes
    • Adopters (63%) – Implement basic KPIs and financing options but lack process integration
    • Transformers (21%) – Invest in advanced data analytics, multiple financing sources, and a structured approach
    • Innovators (0%) – Use AI-driven forecasting, executive-aligned KPIs, and enterprise-wide cash culture

    Where Does Your Business Stand?

    Understanding your company’s maturity level is the first step toward optimization. Download the full WCF Maturity Model Report 2025 to benchmark your organization and uncover actionable strategies for improvement.

    Download the Report Now

  • Navigating Uncertainty: How Connected Capital Drives Sustainable Growth

    Navigating Uncertainty: How Connected Capital Drives Sustainable Growth

    In today’s volatile economic landscape, sales growth remains a challenge for growth corporates and enterprises. Macroeconomic headwinds, including persistent supply chain disruptions and fluctuating interest rates, are creating unprecedented levels of uncertainty. Traditional working capital solutions often prove inadequate in these dynamic conditions, leaving businesses struggling to maintain momentum.

    The Balancing Act: Bank Capital vs. Alternative Funding

    Companies find themselves caught between two seemingly disparate options: the cost-effectiveness of bank capital and the speed and flexibility of alternative funding solutions.

    How Connected Capital Solves the Growth Dilemma

    1. Flexibility and Configurability

    Connected Capital combines the agility of alternative capital with the stability of bank funding. This hybrid approach allows businesses to access a diverse range of financing options, tailored to their unique needs and risk tolerance – whether it’s managing cash flow, extending payment terms, responding quickly to changing market conditions or funding growth initiatives.

    2. Enhanced Risk Management

    By integrating multiple funding sources, Connected Capital offers broad-spectrum risk coverage. This ensures that businesses can mitigate financial risks while maintaining operational efficiency. Our advanced analytics and risk management tools provide greater visibility into your supply chain and financial performance, mitigating potential risks and ensuring business continuity.

    3. Improved Cash Flow and Liquidity

    One of the standout benefits of Connected Capital is its ability to unlock liquidity. By leveraging both alternative and bank capital, businesses can optimize their cash conversion cycles and free up working capital for strategic reinvestment. This not only improves cash flow but also supports sustainable growth.

    4. Scalability and Growth

    Connected Capital is designed to support businesses at every stage of their growth journey. From growth corporates in emerging markets to large enterprises, Connected Capital provides scalable solutions that drive revenue acceleration and market expansion. By aligning financial strategies with business goals, it empowers organizations to achieve their full potential.

    5. Strategic Partnerships

    GSCF works closely with your existing house banks, fostering collaboration and strengthening your financial relationships. Combining multiple funding sources allows businesses to spread financial risk and work together on innovative approaches to working capital optimization.

    The GSCF Advantage

    GSCF’s Connected Capital goes beyond traditional financing. Our dynamic technology platform provides real-time data, actionable insights, and complete transparency into your working capital programs. We empower you to make informed decisions, optimize your financial performance, and drive sustainable growth, even in the face of economic uncertainty. In a world of constant change, businesses need innovative solutions to thrive. Connected Capital provides the agility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness needed to navigate macroeconomic challenges and achieve sustainable sales growth.

    Contact GSCF today to learn how we can help you unlock your growth potential.

  • A Guide for Banks: Modernizing Your Working Capital Platform

    A Guide for Banks: Modernizing Your Working Capital Platform

    The financial landscape is shifting. New technologies and evolving customer needs are demanding a more agile and data-driven approach to working capital management. For banks, staying competitive requires embracing innovative and new technology solutions. 

    Beyond Traditional Financing: The Power of Connected Capital

    Traditionally, banks have relied on internal systems, resources and processes for working capital financing and servicing – often having to work out of multiple, disparate tools. However, a connected capital platform offers significant advantages:

    • Enhanced Corporate Client Services: Manage complex working capital programs with features like working capital program management, dynamic data analysis for informed decision-making, and streamlined operations to improve efficiency and client satisfaction.
    • Alternative Capital Solutions: Expand your reach and mitigate risk by offering alternative capital solutions alongside traditional financing. This allows you to serve a broader spectrum of clients, including those in riskier segments or geographies, by plugging gaps in financing needs.
    • Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage real-time data and analytics to gain a deeper understanding of your corporate clients’ financial health and working capital needs. This enables you to offer more customized solutions that match strategic priorities.
    • Streamlined Operations: Connected capital platforms automate many manual tasks involved in working capital management, freeing up your team to focus on building relationships and providing strategic guidance to clients.

    The Benefits for Banks:

    • Increased Revenue Potential: Expand your product portfolio, reach new clients, and deepen relationships with existing ones, leading to increased revenue opportunities.
    • Improved Risk Management: Mitigate risk by offering a wider range of financing options and leveraging data-driven insights.
    • Enhanced Efficiency: Automate tasks and streamline processes to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
    • Competitive Advantage: Stay ahead of the curve by offering leading-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of corporate clients.

    Looking Ahead: Building a Connected Capital Ecosystem

    Third-party integrated connected capital platforms provide banks with a powerful tool to transform their working capital strategies. By partnering with the right platform provider, banks can unlock new revenue streams, expand their client base, and enhance their overall risk management capabilities. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, this shift towards a connected capital ecosystem will be critical for banks to maintain their competitive edge and deliver exceptional value to their corporate clients.

  • How Alternative Capital Can Bolster Businesses Against Macroeconomic Headwinds

    How Alternative Capital Can Bolster Businesses Against Macroeconomic Headwinds

    The global economic landscape faces a triple threat: supply chain disruptions, rising inflation, and operational inefficiencies. These factors are squeezing businesses from all sides, making efficient working capital management more critical than ever.

    Traditional Working Capital: Falling Short in Turbulent Times

    Many businesses rely on traditional working capital solutions, but these methods often fall short in today’s environment. Traditional approaches can be:

    • Fragmented: A patchwork of solutions from different vendors, leading to complexity and inefficiencies.
    • Reactive: Focused on addressing immediate liquidity needs rather than proactively optimizing working capital for growth.
    • Limited Control: Businesses lack control over the financing process, relying on external partners for decisions.

    The Answer is Alternative Capital

    Alternative capital solutions offer a powerful and flexible alternative, empowering businesses to navigate economic challenges and seize growth opportunities. Here’s how:

    • Connected Capital: Bridges the gap between alternative and traditional financing,  allowing you to leverage the best of both worlds: alternative capital’s flexibility and speed while seamlessly integrating with your existing banking relationships.
    • Holistic Approach: Alternative capital providers take a comprehensive view of your working capital needs, crafting a customized solution that aligns with your overall business goals.
    • Strategic Focus: Working capital should be a strategic driver of growth, not just a short-term fix.
    • Control & Flexibility: Unlike traditional lenders, partners that manage their own funding vehicle can allow for same-day credit decisions, broader risk coverage, and program structures tailored to your unique needs.

    Alternative Capital Differentiators:

    • Program Flexibility: A highly configurable approach, allowing you to create a working capital program structure that is agile and aligns with your business strategy. 
    • Speed to Capital: Control over a funding vehicle allows for faster access to capital, eliminating delays and fueling your business momentum.
    • Risk-Adjusted Financing: Providing the broadest funding coverage across geographies, segments and customer profiles.
    • Enhanced Credit Capacity: Larger credit capacity to support and scale your growth ambitions.

    In today’s economic environment, alternative capital solutions provide a powerful tool for businesses to navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth. By offering greater control, flexibility, and speed, alternative capital empowers organizations to weather the storm and unlock their full potential.

  • The GSCF Transformation: Welcome to Working Capital as a Service

    The GSCF Transformation: Welcome to Working Capital as a Service

    By Natalie Silverman, CMO of GSCF 

    We’re excited to usher in a new working capital era as we unveil a new brand identity and narrative, and Peridot transforms into GSCF – the only fully integrated Working Capital as a Service provider of its kind.

    This exciting transformation goes beyond a visual refresh. It signifies GSCF’s commitment to elevating working capital as a strategic driver of business success. Working Capital as a Service brings together an end-to-end holistic platform, expert managed services and alternative capital solutions to support the connected capital ecosystem of suppliers, buyers and financial partners.

    The Power of a Connected Capital Ecosystem

    Despite ongoing challenges in the economy and throughout supply chains, balancing change management with finance transformation, disparate systems and operational models and data silos, companies that dynamically manage working capital efficiency can drive significant benefits.

    Working Capital as a Service empowers the Office of the CFO by improving working capital efficiency and reducing OpEx and enables financial institutions to reduce the cost to serve their corporate clients and improve the customer experience. This leads to:

    • Improved Cash Conversion Cycles: Global analysts report improvements of 10-20% in cash conversion cycles for companies adopting these solutions.
    • Enhanced Growth Potential: Effective working capital management can free up to 20% of a company’s invested capital, allowing for strategic reinvestment.
    • Revenue Acceleration: Companies with optimized working capital are 20% more likely to achieve their revenue targets, while best-in-class performers achieve 50% higher revenue growth.
    • Unlocking Liquidity: Balance real-time liquidity needs with sustainable growth.
    • Managing Risk & Complexity: Mitigate risk and streamline the working capital lifecycle.

    The Future of Working Capital

    The future of working capital is collaborative and data driven. GSCF fosters a connected capital ecosystem where the Office of the CFO and financial partners work together towards common objectives of growth and efficiency. This ecosystem unlocks working capital, allowing businesses to balance immediate liquidity needs with sustainable growth strategies for long-term success. This shift empowers finance teams to move beyond back-office tasks and become strategic advisors, driving growth across the entire organization. 

    Your WCaaS Transformation Journey

    This is Working Capital as a Service. It’s a shift from transactional to transformative, from reactive to proactive, from cost center to profit center. Here’s how to get started:

    • Look for an end-to-end holistic platform to enable and optimize your connected capital ecosystem of suppliers, buyers and financial partners across the full working capital cycle
    • Find a trusted partner offering deep working capital domain expertise and value-added managed services
    • Get access to full risk spectrum coverage across varying customer risk profiles and geographies through alternative capital solutions
    • Utilize data-driven intelligence to dynamically manage and transform working capital into a strategic advantage

    Using working capital as a strategic growth lever is an ongoing process of evolution and optimization. By embracing a strategic approach, partnering with the right WCaaS provider, and leveraging the right balance of technology, expert managed services and alternative capital, you can unlock the true potential of your working capital and turn it into the fuel that accelerates your business transformation.

    Let’s Partner

    Welcome to the new GSCF and Working Capital as a Service. We’re here to empower you with the tools, expertise, and connected capital ecosystem you need to unlock the full potential of your working capital. Let’s embark on your WCaaS transformation journey together. Contact us at marketing@gscf.com to get started.