Octane Enters the Marine Market with its Seamless, Digital Buying Experience

October 9, 2024

Brings Fast, Easy, Full-Spectrum Financing to Marine Dealers and Consumers

NEW YORK, October 9, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced today that it has entered the marine market.

Effective immediately, marine, recreational, and powersports dealers selling pontoons and motorboats can offer competitive rates and flexible terms to a wide range of prime and non-prime customers through Octane’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial, Inc.®. Octane’s innovative digital experience allows dealers to move quickly and seamlessly through the financing process, from initial customer inquiry through deal close, saving time for dealers and consumers alike.

“We’re thrilled to bring our innovative, end-to-end financing experience to the marine market,” said Mark Davidson, Chief Growth Officer. “We look forward to supporting dealers and OEMs in this growing market while offering full-spectrum financing that fuels our customers’ lifestyles.”

This expansion follows several exciting milestones for the company; Octane recently announced its Series E funding round, closed a $500 Million Forward-Flow Deal with AB CarVal, and surpassed $5 billion in aggregate originations.

Dealerships interested in Octane’s seamless, digital financing experience can learn more at https://octane.co/o/dealer/signup/.

###

Press

Octane Announces $500 Million Forward-Flow Deal with AB CarVal

by Elizabeth Griswold

September 17, 2024

New Partnership Gives Octane Additional Capacity to Fuel its Growth in the Powersports Market

NEW YORK, September 17, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced today that it has executed a $500 million forward-flow facility with funds managed by AB CarVal, an established global alternative investment manager.

Under the terms of the agreement, AB CarVal has agreed to purchase fixed-rate installment powersports loans originated by Octane’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial®, Inc., and for Octane’s in-house loan servicer, Roadrunner Account Services, LLC, to service the loans.

Octane will leverage this funding to capitalize on the significant momentum it has been seeing in its business. This transaction continues to diversify Octane’s large existing base of capital providers and is a testament to the company’s strong credit performance.

“We’re thrilled to partner with AB CarVal to connect even more powersports enthusiasts with their passion through our state-of-the-art, tech-forward, full-spectrum financing experience,” said Steve Fernald, President and CFO of Octane. “By collaborating with one of the world’s preeminent global asset managers, we can deepen the ways in which we faithfully serve our OEM and dealer partners and we look forward to growing our relationship with AB CarVal in the future.”

“As Octane looks to diversify its funding sources and grow its market share, AB CarVal is pleased to be a partner of choice to such a fast-growing, differentiated player,” said P.J. Collins, managing director, AB CarVal.

###

Press

Octane Raises $50 Million in Series E Funding Round

by Elizabeth Griswold

August 6, 2024

New Equity Financing to Fuel Continued Growth, Product Innovation, and Expansion into New Markets

NEW YORK, August 6, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced that it has closed its Series E funding round with $50 million in new equity capital. Octane has raised $242 million in total equity funding to date.

The capital will fuel Octane’s expansion into new markets, supercharge its growth in existing markets, and position the company even more favorably for long-term success. This funding round is unique in that it was composed entirely of existing investors looking to increase their investment in the company. Valar Ventures led the round with participation from Upper90.

“We’re honored to strengthen our relationship with Valar and Upper90 as we bring speed and ease to the financing experience,” said Jason Guss, CEO and Co-Founder of Octane. “Octane’s digital tools and broad credit coverage have propelled us to become a leader in our initial market of powersports and gain significant traction in adjacent markets, like RVs. This new funding will help us build on this momentum and expand into new markets as we connect even more people with their passions.”

Since its founding in 2014, Octane has redefined the financing experience in the nearly $30 billion powersports market, which includes motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and personal watercraft. The company’s innovative digital tools, including the industry-leading dealer platform and award-winning suite of soft-pull prequalification tools, help its over 4,000 dealer partners deliver a seamless experience to their customers. Through its in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial®, Inc., Octane has originated over $4 billion in loans and expanded into recreational vehicles (RVs), tractors, trailers, and electric vehicles. The company works with over 30 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners.

###

Press

Octane Appoints Steven Fernald as the Company’s First President

by Elizabeth Griswold

July 31, 2024

Experienced Executive to Oversee Octane’s Successful Powersports and OPE Business

NEW YORK, July 31, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced that it has appointed Steven Fernald as President. In this newly-created-role, Fernald will take over the day-to-day management of the company’s successful Powersports and Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) business in addition to his current responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer. He will continue to report to Jason Guss, CEO and Co-Founder of Octane.

Fernald is a talented executive with almost thirty years of leadership experience in the financial sector. Since joining Octane in 2019, Fernald established the company’s highly-successful securitization program, which has produced eleven asset-backed securitizations in excess of $3B and AAA ratings from Standard & Poor’s (S&P)* and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA)**. He also launched Octane’s forward-flow program in December 2023, beginning with an innovative transaction that was shortly followed by two more transactions this year. Additionally, under Fernald’s leadership, the company first became operating cash flow positive in 2020 and GAAP net income profitable in 2021. Previously, Fernald served as Managing Director at both Morgan Stanley and UBS Investment Bank, and as the Chief Financial Officer of a privately held, SaaS-based financial technology company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Utah and is a lifelong powersports enthusiast.

“Given our considerable success in Powersports, we are establishing the position of President to lead the business into its next phase of growth, and Steve is the ideal executive to take on this role,” said Guss. “By transitioning our core business into Steve’s capable hands, I can spend more time helping Octane to launch even more innovative products, enter new markets, and deliver on our long-term ambitions.”

“It’s been an honor to help Octane achieve such significant milestones during my tenure with the company and I’m excited to build on our momentum in the Powersports space,” said Fernald. “As I take on this new role, I’m especially looking forward to helping our dealer and OEM partners to grow their businesses with our fast, easy financing experience.”

Since its founding in 2014, Octane has originated over $4B in loans and expanded into Recreational Vehicles (RVs), tractors, trailers, and electric vehicles.

*The full analysis for S&P’s ratings, including any updates, which you should review and understand, is available on spglobal.com and can be accessed here.

**KBRA’s ratings are subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the related report and KBRA’s website, which you should review and understand, and can be accessed here.

###

Press

Octane Completes $365 Million Asset-Backed Securitization to Fuel Continued Innovation

by Elizabeth Griswold

July 11, 2024

AAA-Rating Follows Period of Growth and Momentum

NEW YORK, July 11, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced that it has closed a $365 million securitization (“OCTL 2024-2“) collateralized by its fixed-rate installment powersports loans issued through its in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial®, Inc.

OCTL 2024-2 issued six classes of fixed-rate notes: Class A-1, Class A-2, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E, which Standard & Poor’s (S&P)* and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA)** rated as A-1+/K1+, AAA/AAA, AA/AA+, A/A+, BBB/BBB+, BB/BB+, respectively, in a private offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Octane’s first asset-backed securitization of 2024, OCTL 2024-1, as well as its three asset-backed securitizations of 2023, OCTL 2023-1, OCTL 2023-2, and OCTL 2023-3, all had their senior classes of notes rated AAA by both S&P and KBRA upon issuance.

Atlas SP Securities acted as lead book-running manager and structuring agent, with J.P. Morgan Securities, Mizuho Americas, and Truist Securities serving as joint bookrunners. Octane continued to expand its investor base in this latest issuance while maintaining the support of existing institutional investors.

“We’re thrilled to close our second transaction of the year and are grateful to see such strong recurring participation by our existing institutional investors,” said Steven Fernald, Chief Financial Officer at Octane. “Likewise, we welcome the addition of several new asset managers, pension funds, banks, and insurance companies to our best-in-class ABS platform, which continues to be a key differentiator for Octane and a testament to the underlying strength of our business.”

This is Octane’s eleventh asset-backed securitization transaction since launching the program in December 2019. The company has completed more than $3.7 billion of asset-backed securitizations to date.

This transaction comes on the heels of several exciting milestones. Notably, earlier this year, Octane launched its innovative Dealer Portal 2.0, a significantly upgraded version of its industry-leading dealer platform. Updates include a first-of-its-kind Leads Page, a reimagined Work-the-Deal page, and shorter, simpler credit applications.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

*The full analysis for S&P’s ratings, including any updates, which you should review and understand, is available on spglobal.com and can be accessed here.

**KBRA’s ratings are subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the related report and KBRA’s website, which you should review and understand, and can be accessed here.

###

This is not an offer, solicitation of an offer, recommendation or advice to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument. Our website is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information on or available through this website, and we are not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in that information or for actions taken in reliance on that information. Please read any applicable disclosures before using or relying on information on or available through this website. Seek professional advice before investing in our securities.

Press

EY Announces Jason Guss of Octane as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 New York Award Finalist

by Elizabeth Griswold

April 26, 2024

Entrepreneur Of The Year Celebrates Ambitious Entrepreneurs Who Are Shaping the Future

New York, April 26, 2024 – Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced that Jason Guss of Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech company revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 New York Award finalist. The New York program celebrates entrepreneurs from New York and Connecticut. Now in its 38th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive business award for audacious leaders who disrupt markets, revolutionize sectors and have a transformational impact on lives. Over the past four decades, the program has recognized the daring entrepreneurs with big ideas and bold actions that reshape our world.

Jason was one of 43 regional entrepreneurs selected as finalists by an independent panel of judges. The candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.

“I’m honored to be named as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in New York and join such an esteemed group of finalists,” said Jason Guss. “Thank you to all of the employees and partners who have helped drive Octane’s success over the past ten years. This recognition is a testament to your creativity and hard work transforming our industry and connecting people with their passions.”

Entrepreneur Of The Year honors many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to fortify it for the future.

Regional award winners will be announced on June 18th during a special celebration and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

In addition to Entrepreneur Of The Year, EY US supports other entrepreneurs through the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program and the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network to help connect women founders and Black and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs, respectively, with the resources, network and access needed to unlock their full potential.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, Marsh USA, SAP and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In New York, sponsors also include regional Platinum sponsors Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN), regional Gold sponsors, ADP, DLA Piper and Empire Valuation Consultants.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year® has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 80 countries and territories globally.

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

Press

Octane Redefines Powersports Lending with the Release of Dealer Portal 2.0

by Elizabeth Griswold

April 9, 2024

Transformative Upgrades Make the Industry’s Fastest, Easiest Financing Platform Even Better

NEW YORK, April 9, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, unveiled Dealer Portal 2.0, a significantly upgraded version of its industry-leading dealer platform. Effective immediately, Octane’s over 4,000 Powersports and Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) dealer partners can deliver an even faster, easier financing experience for their customers using Dealer Portal 2.0. Innovative new features include the first-of-its-kind Leads Page, a reimagined Work-the-Deal page, and shorter, smarter credit applications through the company’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial®, Inc.

“We deeply value our dealer partners and continually refine our platform to meet their needs,” said Mike Dushane, Chief Product Officer at Octane. “By listening to dealers and building a product that directly addresses their feedback, Dealer Portal 2.0 debuts industry-first functionalities and delivers the best financing experience for customers.”

The Leads Page simplifies closing a deal by helping dealers more easily search, monitor, and filter customer applications and better manage their workflow. For each lead, dealers can view vehicle and buyer information, convert leads into applications, and track an application’s status. Dealers enrolled in SafeCheck™ can also access free, no impact credit reports directly from the page to better understand their customers’ buying power. Furthermore, dealers can save time by optimizing prequalified buyers; the tool aggregates new, prequalified leads from Octane’s digital channels—its soft-pull tools Octane Prequal™ and Prequal Flex™, its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners, and its renowned Octane Media™ properties, which include Cycle World®, UTV Driver®, and Motorcyclist—enabling dealers to personalize follow-up with customers.

In this release, Octane also reimagined its Work-the-Deal page to be more intuitive, dynamic, and efficient. After a customer’s credit application is approved, dealers can filter available loan terms, APRs, and monthly payment options for their customers seamlessly while also taking advantage of enhanced reporting functionalities. These upgrades are also available for the company’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) dealer partners.

“The updated Work-the-Deal experience has been great for both me and my customers,” said Tammy Coleman, Finance Manager at All Out Cycles in Virginia. “It provides immediate feedback on payments, terms, and more, which removes the guesswork and saves me fifteen to twenty minutes per deal. The whole process is clean, nice, and easy to use.”

At the same time, Octane introduced a shorter, simpler, and smarter loan application. Customers can apply for financing more quickly through its user-friendly navigation and dynamic logic that automatically hides unnecessary fields. Octane then helps customers and dealers save even more time by delivering the fastest financing decision in the industry.

Octane’s current Powersports and OPE dealer partners can access Dealer Portal 2.0 now. Dealers in the United States who do not currently offer financing through Roadrunner Financial can benefit from Dealer Portal 2.0 by enrolling here.

###

Press

Octane Completes $300 Million Asset-Backed Securitization to Drive Continued Growth

by Elizabeth Griswold

March 5, 2024

AAA-Rating Follows Period of Strong Business Performance and Momentum

NEW YORK, March 5, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced that it has closed a $300 million securitization (“OCTL 2024-1“) collateralized by its fixed-rate installment powersports loans issued through its in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial®, Inc.

OCTL 2024-1 issued six classes of fixed-rate notes: Class A-1, Class A-2, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E, which Standard & Poor’s (S&P)* and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA)** rated as A-1+/K1+, AAA/AAA, AA/AA+, A/A+, BBB/BBB+, and BB/BB+ respectively, in a private offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The senior class of notes in Octane’s three asset-backed securitizations of 2023, OCTL 2023-1, OCTL 2023-2, and OCTL 2023-3, were also rated AAA by both S&P*** and KBRA**** upon issuance.

Truist Securities acted as lead book-running manager and structuring agent, with J.P. Morgan Securities, ATLAS SP Partners, and Mizuho Americas serving as joint bookrunners. Octane saw a high level of demand for its notes. Additionally, Octane expanded its investor base by attracting new investors through this issuance, while maintaining the support of existing institutional investors

“We’re excited we could take advantage of the favorable ABS market and close a successful transaction with the support of an ever-growing mix of esteemed partners,” said Steven Fernald, Chief Financial Officer at Octane. “Our strong capital markets execution remains a key differentiator for Octane as we continue to grow our business in the months and years ahead.”

This is Octane’s tenth ABS transaction since launching the program in December 2019. The company has completed more than $3.3 billion of asset-backed securitizations to date. Last month, Octane announced the sale of $280M in whole loans to Yieldstreet, a leading private market investing platform. Octane’s capital markets strategy also includes committed warehouse facilities.

This transaction comes on the heels of several exciting milestones. Octane surpassed $4B in aggregate originations last week and, in January, the company announced a strategic agreement with Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. The company closed 2023 GAAP net income profitable, while growing its number of applications by 96% and launching three new innovative products to help dealerships grow their businesses.

*The full analysis for S&P’s ratings, including any updates, which you should review and understand, is available on spglobal.com and can be accessed here.

**KBRA’s ratings are subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the related report and KBRA’s website, which you should review and understand, and can be accessed here.

***The full analysis for S&P’s ratings for each of these transactions, including any updates, which you should review and understand, is available on spglobal.com and can be accessed here.

****KBRA’s ratings for each of these transactions are subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the related report and KBRA’s website, which you should review and understand, and can be accessed here.

###

Press

Octane Partners with Yieldstreet on Innovative Transaction to Fuel Continued Growth

by Elizabeth Griswold

February 6, 2024

$280M Transaction is Octane’s First Whole Loan Sale; Yieldstreet Creates Inaugural Private Credit Facility

NEW YORK, February 6, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, and Yieldstreet, a leading private market investing platform, today announced the completion of an agreement to sell $280 million of fixed-rate installment powersports whole loans issued through Octane’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial®, Inc to Yieldstreet in two separate transactions. The first sale, which included a newly-originated portfolio of $140 million in loans, closed in December 2023. The second sale, which includes committed financing already in place, is expected to close no later than April 2024. Yieldstreet partnered with a world class financial institution on their inaugural private credit facility to help power the transaction.

“Yieldstreet is the preeminent private market platform led by a team of seasoned world-class investment professionals,” said Ravi Chaganty, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets at Octane. “They were tremendous to partner with on this transaction and we look forward to growing our burgeoning relationship with them in the future.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Octane on this milestone transaction – their first major private whole loan sale,” said Ted Yarbrough, Yieldstreet Chief Investment Officer. “Opportunities like this further validate our strategy of working closely with high-quality originators to source attractive loan assets that meet our strict investment criteria. We look forward to pursuing similar collaborative investments with Octane in the future and bringing these offerings to investors on Yieldstreet.”

“This transaction further enhances our capital markets strategy by diversifying our committed funding sources in order to support our continued total addressable market expansion in the powersports market and beyond,” said Steve Fernald, Chief Financial Officer at Octane.

Octane’s capital markets strategy includes committed warehouse facilities and more than $3 billion of asset-backed securitizations to date. All of Octane’s 2023 ABS issuances earned AAA-ratings* on the senior class of notes.

*The full analysis for S&P’s ratings for Octane’s Asset Backed Securitizations, including any updates, which you should review and understand, is available on spglobal.com and can be accessed here. KBRA’s ratings are subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the related report and KBRA’s website, which you should review and understand, and can be accessed here, including recent upgrades and affirmations.

###

Press

Octane and Kawasaki Announce Strategic Agreement

by Elizabeth Griswold

January 23, 2024

Kawasaki Dealers to Benefit from Octane’s Fast, Easy Experience and Full-Spectrum Financing

NEW YORK, January 23, 2024 — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, and Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., (Kawasaki) announced a new agreement to provide promotional financing for prime customers in the United States.

Effective February 1, 2024, prime and non-prime consumers can qualify for financing for Kawasaki’s full line of motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through Octane’s in-house lender Roadrunner Financial, Inc.®. At the same time, Kawasaki’s network of over 1,000 independent dealers in the United States will benefit from Octane’s fast and easy digital financing experience as well as competitive terms and flexible rates for its customers.

“We’re thrilled to strengthen our longstanding relationship with Kawasaki and become its first full-spectrum credit partner,” said Mark Davidson, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Octane. “By bringing our fast, easy financing experience to even more Kawasaki consumers, we’re delivering on our commitment to connect people with their passions and make buying better.”

“Octane has proven to be a great fit for Kawasaki and our customers,” said Kawasaki Senior Director of US Sales, Anthony Kestler. “With full spectrum lending, Kawasaki dealers now have multiple options for financing customers on all Kawasaki powersports products, accessories and apparel. We are confident that with the combined strengths of Kawasaki’s industry leading products and Octane’s consumer retail finance expertise, our dealers will experience retail success.”

Through its in-house lender Roadrunner Financial, Inc.®, Octane has partnered with Kawasaki to offer financing solutions for credit-worthy customers just outside of the traditional “prime” range since January 2021.

###

Octane Enters the Marine Market with its Seamless, Digital Buying Experience

Octane Announces $500 Million Forward-Flow Deal with AB CarVal

Octane Raises $50 Million in Series E Funding Round

Octane Appoints Steven Fernald as the Company’s First President

Octane Completes $365 Million Asset-Backed Securitization to Fuel Continued Innovation

EY Announces Jason Guss of Octane as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 New York Award Finalist

Octane Redefines Powersports Lending with the Release of Dealer Portal 2.0

Octane Completes $300 Million Asset-Backed Securitization to Drive Continued Growth

Octane Partners with Yieldstreet on Innovative Transaction to Fuel Continued Growth

Octane and Kawasaki Announce Strategic Agreement

Locations

About Octane

Powersports Dealers

Legal