Sam Altman-backed startup announces major partnership with Amazon

Slope, an artificial intelligence–driven lending startup backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has unveiled a significant new partnership with Amazon aimed at expanding financing options for online sellers. 

Following this partnership, eligible US-based Amazon vendors will be able to apply for a reusable line of credit directly through their Amazon Seller accounts, with approvals delivered in real time.

The credit lines are supported by a JPMorgan Chase credit facility and are designed to help sellers better manage cash flow tied to inventory and seasonal demand.

According to Slope, qualified businesses can access financing starting at an annual percentage rate of 8.99%. 

Applicants must have been operating for at least one year and generate more than $100,000 in annual revenue. 

Once approved, sellers can draw funds as needed and select repayment terms ranging from three months to one year.

For those unversed, Slope was co-founded by CEO Lawrence Lin Murata and Alice Deng. 

Murata noted that his motivation stems from firsthand experience helping his parents run a small family toy shop in São Paulo, where inconsistent cash flow posed ongoing challenges.

That experience shaped Slope’s mission to simplify business lending through automation and data-driven risk assessment.

Meanwhile, Deng emphasised that independent merchants power the majority of Amazon’s marketplace, accounting for over 60% of total sales. 

She added that while other financing options exist, Slope’s focus is on more established sellers who require larger, bank-level credit solutions.