- Founded in 2012, SME Capital Ventures is a New York-based private investment firm that manages capital for high-net-worth individuals and institutions;
- Since inception, the firm has maintained a detail-oriented approach to underwriting, using a combination of fundamental and technical analysis to identify discounted and deep-value acquisition opportunities;
- The $26m note-on-note loan from OakNorth will be used to support the development of 19 new condos located at 244-246 West 18th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan.
New York, USA, XX May, 2025; OakNorth, the leading digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided an $26m note-on-note facility to New York-based private investment firm, SME Capital Ventures.
SME Capital Ventures is a platform that manages a series of discretionary real estate credit funds providing senior secured real estate loans collateralized by high quality real estate properties located in premier micro markets. As of 2025, SME Capital Ventures has structured, funded, participated and managed over $1B in high yield, risk adjusted loans through various market cycles. SME Capital Ventures is a private investment firm, based in Manhattan and was founded in 2012. SME specializes in credit investments with a focus on collateralized real estate backed opportunities. Since SME’s inception, we have maintained a detail-oriented approach to underwriting discounted, deep value acquisitions and originations. SME has excelled in providing high yield returns for investors by diversifying their capital within senior secured positions within the capital structure of well-located assets. Since inception, SME Capital Ventures has maintained a detail-oriented approach to underwriting, using a combination of fundamental and technical analysis to identify discounted and deep-value acquisition opportunities.
The $26m note-on-note loan from OakNorth will be used to support the development of 19 new energy efficient condos located at 244-246 West 18th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan. Consisting of eight one-bedroom, four two-bedroom, three three-bedroom, three two-bedroom, two four-bedroom units, the new scheme will offer amenities such as a gym, playroom and storage facilities. Located in one of Manhattan’s most popular neighborhoods that offers residents bike lanes, and several dining, shopping and parking options nearby, the site is also a short walk from 14th and 23rd Street Stations, as well as Union Square.
SME Capital Ventures commented on the transaction: “Our partnership with OakNorth on this transaction brings together aligned values and deep experience New York City’s real estate market. The 246 West 18th Street development exemplifies the type of forward-thinking, energy-efficient housing solutions we want to finance. Having never worked with Max and the OakNorth team previously, we now know first-hand their commitment to quality and delivery. We’re proud to help bring this ambitious Chelsea project to life.”
Max Saidman, Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “We’re delighted to support this innovative and sustainability-focused development in the heart of Chelsea. This transaction reflects our ongoing commitment to backing projects that align high-spec residential living with environmental responsibility. SME Capital Ventures’ ambition to deliver Passive House-certified condos in such a prime Manhattan location demonstrates both its vision and capability. Our strong working relationship with them all throughout the deal process, gives us vast confidence in the team’s ability to execute this project successfully.”
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Notes to editors
About OakNorth
Launched in September 2015 and founded by entrepreneurs, OakNorth is a digital bank focused on serving and empowering the lower mid-market (businesses with £1m-£100m in turnover), that are seeking to scale but are routinely underserved or overlooked by traditional banks.
To date, it has provided $17bn to these businesses across a wide range of sectors, achieving performance metrics that place it amongst the top 1% of commercial banks globally. Its loans have directly contributed to the creation of 56,000 jobs, and over 34,000 new homes across the UK and the US – the majority of which are affordable and social housing.
It is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Visit www.oaknorth.co.uk for more information.
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