Live Oak Bank

About Live Oak Bank

**Live Oak Bank** is a digital-first, FDIC-insured institution founded in 2008 by **James “Chip” Mahan**, a veteran banker and fintech pioneer who previously launched the world’s first internet bank, Security First Network Bank, and co-founded the fintech giant **nCino**. Chip's vision for Live Oak was simple but powerful: combine specialized industry knowledge, technology, and exceptional service to give small business owners across the U.S. the kind of banking support typically reserved for large corporations. Since our inception, we’ve grown from a single-vertical lender serving veterinarians to the **#1 SBA 7(a) lender in the country**, consistently leading in loan volume year after year. Our team is composed of experienced lenders, many with direct backgrounds in the industries they serve—veterinary medicine, agriculture, healthcare, franchises, professional services, and more. We pair every client with a **dedicated team that understands their business inside and out**, allowing us to offer financing and guidance with a level of precision and personalization that generalist banks can’t match. Our core services include: - **SBA and USDA-backed lending** - **Business acquisition, expansion, and equipment financing** - **Real estate and construction loans** - **Specialized banking and treasury products for SMBs** - **Digital deposit services** tailored for entrepreneurs and growing businesses We primarily serve **small to mid-sized businesses** across all 50 states, from independent practitioners to multi-unit franchisees and rural business owners. Our clients are entrepreneurs who value a partner that moves fast, knows their industry, and helps structure deals that drive long-term growth. What sets us apart is our **deep specialization by industry, national reach without branches, and a tech-forward infrastructure** that enables efficiency and scale. We’ve built and spun off several fintechs to meet our operational needs—most notably nCino and Apiture—demonstrating our commitment to innovation and long-term ecosystem value. At Live Oak, we’re not just lenders—we’re deal enablers, advisors, and strategic partners committed to helping SMBs thrive.