Upstart Holdings, Inc. (UPST) saw its stock price surge 5.22% during the intraday session on Thursday, reflecting strong investor confidence following the announcement of a new partnership with Tech CU.

The partnership involves Tech CU utilizing Upstart's AI-powered lending platform to offer personal loans, with plans to expand into auto refinance loans in early 2026. This collaboration is seen as a significant step in expanding Upstart's reach within the credit union sector, potentially driving higher loan originations and reinforcing the company's growth narrative.

Analysts note that such partnerships are critical for Upstart, as they demonstrate increasing confidence in its AI models and ability to attract institutional partners. This development aligns with the company's strategy to diversify its funding channels and improve profitability in a challenging macroeconomic environment.