Founded in 2011 by Conrad Galves, FGreat Studio is an award-winning creative agency specialising in immersive animation, motion graphics, and storytelling for global brands. From branded content and digital campaigns to high-end visual experiences, the London-based studio has carved out a niche by fusing artistic excellence with technical precision.
As the studio approaches its 15th anniversary, FGreat is operating at peak creativity with an international client base, a tightly knit team, and a steady stream of projects. But as with many in the creative industries, rapid growth has brought its own set of challenges, particularly around cash flow, funding, and the financial reality of scaling a service-led business.
“We’re lucky to have a constant stream of work” says Conrad, “but that also means we’re constantly funding projects up front - often waiting two, three, even six months to get paid.”
In the world of creative production, this practice is standard: agencies typically complete work long before payments land. The result is a consistent cash flow crunch, particularly for small to mid-sized studios earning between £777,000 - 3.7million ($1–5 million) a year.
“We’re not a bank, we’re creatives. But the reality is we’ve had to operate like a bank to get through those gaps. And when you do that, things can spiral fast,” he adds.
While the team has the talent, the pipeline, and the vision, the finances often lagged behind, slowing momentum and introducing risk just as the studio was hitting its stride.
In 2024, FGreat’s founder set out to find a better solution., As Conrad researched his options he realised that traditional banks weren’t an option, with many reluctant to support smaller creative companies. But then he discovered Optimum Finance, saying: “What stood out with Optimum was that they actually understood our business. They took us seriously, and they understood that both we and our clients were creditworthy.”
Invoice finance offered a straightforward model: instead of waiting months to receive payment, FGreat could access the funds from issued invoices within days. And, this changed everything for the creative studio, Conrad says.
The shift to invoice finance didn’t just improve cash flow, it transformed how FGreat Studio operates. With clear visibility over finances, the team could budget more effectively, pay freelancers and suppliers on time, and plan projects with far greater confidence. It also meant they could unlock early-payment savings and take on larger, more ambitious briefs without hesitation.
With cash flow stabilised and the pressure of chasing invoices removed, the team finally had the breathing space to focus on what really matters. As the founder puts it, “It gives us the headspace to do what we do best - create. We’re no longer chasing payments or second-guessing decisions. We’re just moving forward and adapting as a business.”
FGreat’s reputation has been built on consistency, creativity, and reliability. The studio’s long-standing client relationships - many of which span multiple years and continents - have helped position the company as a go-to partner for high-calibre work.
“What we sell is trust. Our clients come back because they know we deliver on time, on budget, and with impact. That’s our differentiator,” says Conrad.
This same ethos shaped their partnership with Optimum Finance, with the founder adding: “Every time we send them invoices, we feel looked after. They’re communicative, transparent, and professional. It’s a real relationship, not just a transaction.”
While FGreat Studio is already delivering £1.5-2.2 million ($2–3 million) in annual revenue, the goal is to scale significantly: up to £3.7 million ($5 million) and beyond in the next few years. That growth is being fuelled by bold creative work, new service lines, and an open-eyed view of how AI will reshape the creative industry, with Conrad adding: “AI could either disrupt or amplify what we do, but we’re prepared for that. We’re staying ahead, briefing our team, and adapting in real time.”
But with invoice finance smoothing out operational complexity, the studio is ready to seize the moment.
For FGreat, invoice finance has done more than solve a short-term problem, it’s become a long-term strategic enabler.
“This isn’t just about bridging cash gaps. Invoice finance gives you the clarity to see how your business is really performing. If you’re spending more than you’re bringing in, it shows you immediately.”
For any creative business navigating delayed client payments or unpredictable cash flow, the founder offers this advice: “Invoice finance helps you stop surviving and start building. It allows you to invest in your team, your systems, and your future. It’s the best financial decision we’ve made.”
FGreat now submits multiple invoices regularly through Optimum Finance, each representing significant project work, and the relationship has evolved into a trusted financial partnership.
Conrad says: “From the very beginning, the team at Optimum were patient, clear, and supportive. Even when I didn’t understand the process, they made sure we got it right.”
As FGreat Studio continues to grow its creative output and global footprint, invoice finance remains a key part of its engine room, powering new ideas and new clients.