Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Venture Debt Funding

What Is Venture Debt Funding?

Venture debt funding is a type of debt financing for startups and early stage ventures that have already raised equity capital from venture capital investors. Venture debt is provided by specialised VC funds that understand the nature of startups and their growth potential. 

This type of funding is often used in conjunction with equity funding (capital raised by selling shares of a startup to investors in exchange for funding) to provide a more comprehensive funding solution. 

How Does It Work?

The amount and terms of funding are determined by the lender’s evaluation of a startup’s financial status, business plan and growth prospects. These terms could include interest rates, repayment schedules and other conditions or limitations. Along with it, VCs may offer operational and strategic guidance to help startups succeed. 

The startup is responsible for adhering to the agreed-upon terms and repaying the loan. It is advisable to involve legal counsel after the term sheet is signed in the interest of the startup.  

What Are The Advantages Of Venture Debt Funding?

Retaining Ownership: Venture debt funding allows startups to raise capital without giving up additional equity, which helps to maintain ownership and control of the company.

Flexibility: Unlike traditional debt funding, venture debt funding offers more flexibility in terms of repayment schedules and loan structures, allowing startups to tailor their funding to their specific needs.

Access To Additional Capital: Venture debt funds may provide additional capital in the form of working capital lines or other credit facilities, which can support growth or expansion plans.

Strategic support: Venture debt funding may provide strategic advice and operational support to help startups achieve their growth objectives. This can include introductions to potential customers, partners, or investors, as well as guidance on business strategy and execution. 

What Are Its Disadvantages?

Default Risks: Failure to make payments under venture debt financing can pose a risk to the business. It may face legal action and cause damage to its credit rating. This can make securing future funding difficult.

High-Interest Rates: High-interest rates associated with debt financing can increase the overall cost of financing and reduce the profitability of your business.

Limited Flexibility: Regular payments required under debt financing can limit your flexibility in managing business finances.

What Is The Difference Between Debt Funding And Equity Funding?

The primary advantage of equity funding is that it does not require repayment of the funds and does not place any additional financial burden on startups. However, the downside can be significant. For instance, debt funding enables business owners to retain control over their company, unlike equity funding where they have to give up some control.

That being said, it is not unlikely for startups to raise funding through a combination of debt and equity funding. For example, in April 2023, fintech startup Niro raised $11 Mn in a mix of equity and debt as part of its Series A funding round. 

Venture debt funding falls somewhere between debt funding and equity funding. It is complementary to equity funding and is offered as additional capital to VC-backed startups. 

Amid the ongoing macroenvironment headwinds, venture debt has become a more appealing option for founders looking for non-dilutive funding or a bridge financing solution. According to Bain & Co., venture debt scaled 0.03x the amount of VC equity funding in 2022.

What Are Some Of The Most Popular Venture Debt Funds In India?

In the ongoing funding winter, investors have shifted their focus from ‘growth at any cost’ to sustainability, resulting in a buildup of dry powder from large funds. Besides equity funding, venture debt funding increasingly became a popular option among investors. Several venture debt funds such as Alteria, Stride and BlackSoil experienced increased activity in 2022, suggests Bain & Co in a report.

How Is The Interest Rate For Venture Debt Funding Determined?

The interest rate is determined by several factors, including the borrower’s risk profile, market conditions, loan duration and the lender’s cost of capital. Due to the higher risk involved in lending to startups, interest rates are generally higher than traditional bank loans. Market conditions also affect the interest rate for venture debt funding.

How To Determine If Venture Debt Funding Is The Right Way To Go?

When considering such funding, it is important to assess your financing needs. Secondly, consider your risk profile as venture debt can be a good option for startups with high-growth potential but may not be suitable for companies with weak financials. 

It is also important to evaluate the runway of your business as venture debt can take longer to secure compared to equity funding.

What Happens If A Company Defaults On Debt Funding?

Defaulting on a loan can have dire consequences and potentially harm a company. Venture debt contracts outline various types of defaults, including technical defaults (violating a covenant), monetary defaults (missing a payment) and change in status defaults (legal judgement). 

Maintaining a positive relationship with the lender is crucial, particularly when dealing with subjective default provisions that could potentially be triggered. In such cases, a lender may choose to renegotiate the terms of the loan. 

How Can I Improve My Chances Of Obtaining Venture Debt Funding?

Startup founders should conduct a thorough background check to ensure the credibility of potential investors and their terms and conditions. They must present a solid business pitch, including a clear plan and growth strategy supported by data and documents, to persuade investors who will then verify their claims and credibility by conducting due diligence.