Live Oak Ventures Invests in Cascading AI to Automate Loan Process

Live Oak Ventures, the investment arm of Live Oak Bancshares, has invested in Cascading AI, a loan application and origination platform using responsible AI. Live Oak Bank is partnering with Casca to automate its Live Oak Express loan process and plans to expand Casca across its franchise. Casca will use the funding to scale operations, expand its team, and accelerate go-to-market efforts.

Live Oak Ventures, the investment arm of Live Oak Bancshares (LOB), has announced an investment in Cascading AI, Inc. (Casca), a loan application and origination platform utilizing responsible artificial intelligence. The investment aims to enhance Live Oak Bank's Live Oak Express loan process and expand Casca's capabilities across the franchise to improve workflows and customer experiences.

Live Oak Ventures is a fintech-focused investor that seeks to bring innovation and performance excellence to the banking industry. By investing in companies like Casca, it aims to transform the landscape of financial services and small business banking. Casca's platform accelerates the loan application and origination process, making it a valuable asset for Live Oak Bank.

The partnership between Live Oak Bank and Casca involves automating the Live Oak Express loan process, which is designed to be personalized and modern. Casca's responsible AI technology is expected to simplify and expedite lending processes, providing insights to build lasting customer relationships. The investment will also support Casca's efforts to scale operations, expand its team, and accelerate its go-to-market strategy.

"Businesses trust Live Oak Bank to provide a personalized, modern approach to lending, which is key to maintaining our leadership in the market," said James S. (Chip) Mahan III, Chairman and CEO of Live Oak Bancshares. "The tangible value Casca has demonstrated gives us confidence to invest in their future."

Lukas Haffer, CEO and co-founder of Casca, stated, "We’re driven to be a force for good, using technology to make capital more accessible to small businesses and fueling the American Dream. Partnering with the top SBA lenders and key industry players, we’ve built a platform that fully automates loans in record time–setting a new industry standard."

The funding will enable Casca to further develop its platform and expand its reach, ultimately benefiting both Live Oak Bank and its customers. This strategic investment highlights the growing importance of AI in financial services and the potential for technology to revolutionize banking operations.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live-oak-ventures-announces-investment-140522103.html
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/live-oak-ventures-participates-financing-cascading-ai-inc-2025-08-19
[3] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/19/3135818/36594/en/Live-Oak-Ventures-Participates-in-Financing-of-Cascading-AI-Inc.html