Chris Grimes remembers the moment vividly. One of the first lenders to test FundMore’s basic prototype called him with that simple, yet powerful, statement. In that instant, Chris realized he wasn’t just building software, he was building a system that could fundamentally change how mortgages are handled.
For years, Chris had witnessed the frustrations baked into the mortgage industry. Borrowers did everything right: submitted all their paperwork, followed the rules, and waited patiently. Yet the system still failed them, emails bounced back, documents went missing, timelines stretched endlessly. On the other side, underwriters and lenders struggled with outdated processes, siloed data, and disconnected technologies that made even simple tasks feel like an obstacle course.
It was inefficiency at a scale that frustrated everyone and Chris had a front-row seat. “I worked for years within the rigid systems of traditional finance and saw firsthand how broken and slow the mortgage process was,” he recalls. “Borrowers were doing everything right, but the system still failed them. That sparked the vision for FundMore: building tools that actually work for the borrower.”
Fast forward to the end of 2025, FundMore has processed over $35 billion in mortgages, was identified as one of Canada’s fastest growing companies by Globe and Mail (top place in the National Capital region), and was recognized by Deloitte as a Technology Fast 50 company based on revenue growth.
A Culture of Understanding and Empathy
From day one, Chris made it clear that FundMore wasn’t just about automation or flashy tech—it was about listening, understanding, and solving real problems. “I like to flip the typical sales mindset,” he says with a smile. “Instead of selling harder, FundMore listens better. The company was built around empathy… designing tech that solves the real pain borrowers feel.”
This approach shaped every decision at FundMore. The platform wasn’t just built to process files faster, it was designed to enhance the experience for everyone involved. Borrowers could finally see clarity and predictability in the process. Lenders, meanwhile, were freed from chasing endless emails and manually reconciling spreadsheets.
Chris describes the inefficiencies he observed as opportunities. “It wasn’t a flashy moment, it was the daily grind. Underwriters chasing missing documents, customers getting ghosted by legacy systems, and risk teams relying on spreadsheets. That inefficiency was the opportunity.”
The “Aha” Moment
The five-day savings call was just the start. It was a revelation that the team wasn’t just building a tool, they were unlocking time, trust, and confidence. “After that call, we realized we weren’t just creating a tool, we were creating a system that fundamentally changes how mortgages are handled,” Chris reflects.
That moment became the compass for FundMore. Every product decision, feature design, and workflow change has one guiding question: Does this help the borrower move forward? If the answer is no, it goes back to the whiteboard.
Pull quote:
“Every product decision ladders up to one question: ‘Does this help the borrower move forward?’”
From 45 Days to Minutes: Redefining Efficiency
One of FundMore’s most revolutionary achievements is compressing processes that once took weeks into minutes. “By replacing manual email chains and siloed data with automation and centralized workflows, we transformed mortgage operations,” Chris explains.
And yet, FundMore is not a replacement for humans, it’s a tool that enhances human judgment. “Think of it as Iron Man’s suit for underwriters: faster analysis, better decisions, zero fatigue,” Chris says.
By automating repetitive tasks, FundMore frees mortgage professionals to focus on high-value activities: advising borrowers, solving complex problems, and building relationships. “Automation handles the grunt work so humans can spend time being…human. More advising, less chasing signatures. The result? Happier borrowers and more engaged staff.”
Pull quote:
“Automation handles the grunt work so humans can spend time being…human.”
Innovations That Set FundMore Apart
Speed is just the start. FundMore’s modular platform allows lenders to pick exactly what they need, from KYC to post-close quality checks, without disrupting existing processes. Flexibility like this is rare in a market full of rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions.
“It’s not just the tech,” Chris emphasizes. “It’s the why behind it. FundMore was built with lenders, not just for them. And it shows in adoption rates and client loyalty.”
Even in an industry slow to adopt new technology, FundMore has broken barriers. Chris laughs recalling the early resistance: “Getting a bank to switch LOS can feel like convincing someone to switch which side of the bed they sleep on.” Yet, measurable results and a human-centered approach turned skeptics into advocates.
Pull quote:
“I compare legacy LOS to duct-taping fax machines to Slack. FundMore is the modern upgrade.”
Building a Team and Culture for the Future
Technology alone doesn’t make a company thrive, it’s the people behind it. Chris attributes FundMore’s success to the synergy within his founding team: “Respect and complementary skillsets. One co-founder’s deep in tech, another in ops, another in risk. I call it ‘a Venn diagram that actually works.’”
Leadership for Chris isn’t about authority. It’s about creating systems, cultures, and platforms that outlive the founders. “I define success as creating something that outlives me… building trust, culture, and a platform that continues to serve lenders and borrowers long after the founding team is gone.”
Transparency is core to FundMore. Wins, failures, and decisions are shared openly, both internally and with clients. “No black-box AI. Clients can see why a decision was made. No guesswork.”
Pull quote:
“Just because it’s your idea doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Listen more, trust your team, and kill your darlings.”
Lessons from Life and Leadership
Chris draws inspiration from unexpected places. Take his love for slow-cooked BBQ. “Patience, prep, and knowing when to turn up the heat. Cooking a brisket and product development have more in common than you’d think,” he says.
Humility, listening, and celebrating small wins define his leadership style. Teams at FundMore thrive because they feel empowered to contribute ideas, take ownership, and embrace challenges with creativity.
Driving Financial Empowerment for Borrowers
At its heart, FundMore exists for one reason: to empower borrowers. Every innovation, every workflow, and every piece of technology is evaluated by a simple standard: Does this help the borrower move forward?
By focusing on the human side of finance, FundMore has redefined trust in an industry long criticized for opacity. Mortgages are no longer just faster, they are simpler, smarter, and more accessible.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Innovation
Looking forward, Chris envisions a world where AI-driven mortgage platforms are the norm, not the exception. By combining automation, human insight, and borrower-centered design, FundMore is setting new industry benchmarks, helping lenders increase efficiency while improving customer satisfaction.
From solving mundane inefficiencies in the early days to leading a digital-first revolution today, FundMore exemplifies how purpose-driven technology can transform entire industries.
Pull quote:
“Think of FundMore as Iron Man’s suit for underwriters: faster analysis, better decisions, zero fatigue.”
A Vision for Lasting Impact
Chris Grimes’ story is one of insight, empathy, and relentless innovation. He saw an outdated system, recognized opportunities for change, and built a solution that benefits both lenders and borrowers. With a team rooted in trust, transparency, and complementary skills, FundMore is not just a company, it’s a movement transforming the mortgage industry from within.
His leadership offers a blueprint for the future of fintech: blending cutting-edge technology with ethical, human-centered principles to deliver lasting impact. The legacy is clear: faster, smarter, and more compassionate mortgage experiences for millions of borrowers, while enabling lenders to operate at peak efficiency.
In 2025 and beyond, Chris Grimes stands as a beacon of visionary leadership, proving that innovation, empathy, and human insight are the true drivers of industry transformation.
Pull quote:
“Every product decision ladders up to one question: ‘Does this help the borrower move forward?’”
