NIEL BRENNAN
Palo Alto,CA
Summary
Dynamic leader in fintech partnerships with expertise in managing embedded lending collaborations. Proven track record of aligning cross-functional teams to enhance partner performance and drive revenue growth through data-driven insights and strategic initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Partnerships Manager
iBusiness Funding
Palo Alto, California
05.2025 - Current
- Managed embedded lending partnerships with Intuit, SoFi, and eBay as primary relationship owner.
- Led partner onboarding activities while resolving issues across sales, credit operations, product compliance, and technology teams.
- Analyzed portfolio performance and funnel trends to identify growth opportunities.
- Coordinated cross-departmental efforts to maintain a cohesive approach with external stakeholders.
Account Executive
LoanWell
Palo Alto, California
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Engaged in consultative sales conversations for an automated loan-origination platform, focusing on community lenders and credit unions to understand their needs.
- Negotiated contracts with clients, securing mutually beneficial terms that contributed to overall profitability.
- Networked at events to establish and nurture relationships with potential customers, enhancing visibility and opportunities for the company.
Senior Partner Success Manager
SmartBiz Loans
San Francisco, California
01.2020 - 10.2023
- Guided strategic bank partnerships generating over $10M in annual recurring revenue through SaaS onboarding, product releases, and expansion opportunities.
- Led quarterly business reviews with executives, leveraging portfolio insights to influence lending initiatives.
- Aligned fintech and bank stakeholders across credit, operations, product, and compliance to enhance collaboration.
Sales Team Manager
SmartBiz Loans
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Led sales team to achieve revenue targets through effective coaching and support.
- Managed six relationship managers, exceeding SBA loan-origination goals by over 10%.
- Collaborated with directors and executives on revenue strategy, enhancing key account management and development.
- Developed training programs to enhance team performance and product knowledge.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for business growth and expansion.
Relationship Manager
SmartBiz Loans
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed portfolio of SBA loan applications, cultivated borrower relationships, sourced capital, and mitigated fraud risks.
- Managed client relationships to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Developed tailored financing solutions for small business needs.
- Evaluated repayment capacity through analysis of income, assets, liabilities, and cash flow for SBA 7(a) loans.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline loan processes.
Consumer Underwriter
Bay Federal Credit Union
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Evaluated loan applications for creditworthiness and risk assessment.
- Reviewed financial documents to determine applicant eligibility for loans.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines.
- Engaged with dealers to support credit-union sales goals through credit analysis and relationship development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management Economics
University of California, Santa Cruz
01-2010
Skills
- Partnership integration
- Strategic account management
- Business development
- Growth strategies
- Key client relationships
- Contract negotiation
- Cross-functional collaboration
Timeline
Strategic Partnerships Manager
iBusiness Funding
05.2025 - Current
Account Executive
LoanWell
09.2024 - 05.2025
Senior Partner Success Manager
SmartBiz Loans
01.2020 - 10.2023
Sales Team Manager
SmartBiz Loans
01.2016 - 01.2017
Relationship Manager
SmartBiz Loans
01.2014 - 01.2016
Consumer Underwriter
Bay Federal Credit Union
01.2011 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management Economics
University of California, Santa Cruz