ClearScore, the UK-based fintech known for offering free credit scores, is gearing up for a potential IPO on the London Stock Exchange. With its sights set on a valuation of up to £1.2 billion, this move could breathe fresh life into London’s sluggish IPO market—and signal new hope for British tech listings.
Now the big question looms: can ClearScore’s public debut reignite investor confidence and encourage more fintech players to go public?
ClearScore Changed the Game for UK Credit Scores
Founded in 2015 by Justin Basini, Nigel Morris, and Dan Cobley, ClearScore entered the market with a clear mission: make credit scores accessible to everyone, for free. At the time, UK consumers had to pay hefty subscription fees just to view their credit reports. ClearScore flipped that model, offering transparency and access without a price tag.
In doing so, it quickly became a household name. The platform now boasts over 24 million users across five countries—spanning the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.
Rather than charge users directly, ClearScore earns revenue through commissions on financial products like loans, credit cards, and car finance. These recommendations are personalized to each user’s credit profile, powered by partnerships with more than 150 financial institutions. This performance-based model helped ClearScore surpass £100 million in annual revenue—while also turning a profit, something many fintech startups still struggle to achieve.
Strong Funding History and Steady Growth Fuel IPO Ambitions
ClearScore’s rise hasn’t been without major milestones. Back in 2018, credit giant Experian tried to acquire the startup for £275 million. While that deal eventually fell through, it signaled early recognition of ClearScore’s potential.
Then came a significant funding boost in June 2021, when Invus Opportunities invested $200 million, valuing the company at $700 million. That deal—part primary and part secondary—was a strong step toward unicorn status. Longstanding investors like QED Investors and Blenheim Chalcot remained on board.
Fast forward to early 2025, and ClearScore raised another $4.37 million. On top of that, the company secured a £30 million growth capital facility from HSBC Innovation Banking. Industry watchers believe these funds are prepping ClearScore for its next leap—possibly fueling global expansion or deeper AI integration into its platform.
IPO Could Value ClearScore at Over £1 Billion—But Timing Matters
CEO Justin Basini has been open about the company’s IPO intentions, stating in February 2025 that ClearScore is “starting to think about listing.” While the exact timeline isn’t locked in, the target is between 12 to 24 months, placing a possible debut in 2025 or 2026.
Importantly, Basini has emphasized a preference for a London listing. “It’s very important that British companies consider first listing in the UK,” he said—a sentiment that aligns with national efforts to rejuvenate London’s IPO pipeline.
Based on current revenue multiples (6x–7.4x for profitable fintechs), ClearScore could command a valuation between £1 billion and £1.2 billion. Analysts are applying a premium, thanks to the company’s solid profit margins, user base growth, and strong institutional partnerships.
This would nearly double ClearScore’s last known valuation from 2021 and make it one of the UK’s most significant recent tech IPOs—especially in a market that saw only 18 listings last year across both the main and AIM boards.
Could ClearScore Lead the Way for a New Fintech IPO Wave?
London’s IPO market has been in a slump since its post-pandemic highs in 2021. Deliveroo, Oxford Nanopore, and other tech listings dominated that year, but the momentum faded fast. Since then, only a handful of major listings—like Ithaca Energy—have occurred, and many of those have underperformed.
A successful ClearScore IPO could turn the tide. It could restore confidence among investors and regulators, showing that UK tech companies can thrive on home soil. And it might inspire others to follow suit—especially fellow fintech leaders like Monzo (valued at £4.5 billion), Starling Bank (now profitable), and Zopa (which raised £75 million in late 2024).
The timing couldn’t be more critical. As global capital becomes more selective and tech firms face increasing pressure to prove profitability, a ClearScore listing would mark not just a company milestone—but a vote of confidence in London’s tech ecosystem.
