Introduction:
Tech companies are the lifeblood of innovation and economic growth, and securing adequate funding is crucial for their success. While equity financing and debt financing are two common avenues for raising capital, startups often face a dilemma in choosing between them, especially these days when equity is hard to raise and debt is not cheap. However, a growing consensus suggests that a balanced approach that combines both equity and debt can yield substantial advantages. Based on working with hundreds of young tech companies in recent years, Butterfi experts explore here the reasons why startups are better off raising both equity and debt, highlighting the unique benefits each form of financing offers.
1. Flexibility and Risk Management:
One of the key advantages of raising both equity and debt is the enhanced flexibility it provides to startups. Equity financing, typically obtained through venture capital or angel investors, offers long-term funding without the burden of repayment. This enables startups to allocate capital to growth initiatives, R&D, and expanding their market presence. On the other hand, debt financing, such as debt financing (provided by some banks or specialized debt funds), offers a predictable repayment structure, helping startups manage their cash flow and reduce financial risk. By striking the right balance between equity and debt, startups can optimize their risk exposure and maintain a stable financial foundation.
2. Diversifying Capital Structure:
A diversified capital structure can bring significant benefits to startups. By combining equity and debt, startups can avoid over-reliance on a single source of funding. Equity financing brings in experienced investors who provide strategic guidance and industry connections, along with sharing the risk (and upside). Debt financing, on the other hand, demonstrates the startup's creditworthiness and strengthens its financial standing. This diversification not only reduces dependence on a single funding source but also enhances the startup's overall credibility and attractiveness to future investors.
3. Access to Different Investor Profiles:
Equity and debt financing attract different types of investors, each with their own expertise and expectations. Equity investors, such as venture capitalists, offer more than just funding. They bring valuable industry knowledge, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which can accelerate the startup's growth trajectory. Debt financing, on the other hand, appeals to traditional lenders who assess the startup's creditworthiness and repayment ability. By accessing both investor profiles, startups gain access to a broader range of resources and support, further bolstering their chances of success.
4. Enhancing Valuation and Growth Potential:
A well-rounded funding strategy can enhance (or protect) a startup's valuation and growth potential. Equity financing, especially from reputable investors, can significantly boost a startup's valuation by validating its business model and growth prospects. A higher valuation, in turn, attracts further investment and can serve as a competitive advantage when negotiating partnerships or acquisitions. Debt financing allows startups to leverage their existing assets and revenue streams to secure additional funding, enabling them to seize growth opportunities that may require immediate capital infusion. Debt financing usually does not require new valuation to the company, thus saving down-round in difficult times. By combining equity and debt, startups can create a powerful synergy that propels their valuation and growth trajectory.
5. The “holy combination” – raising equity and debt around the same time
The hybrid strategy of raising equity and debt around the same time is becoming popular these days. Tech companies can enjoy both worlds. Let’s take an example of a tech company which has a short runway and planned to raise $5M equity round (but unfortunately and as often happens in 2023 the round takes longer than expected).
a. Equity investors may take advantage of the situation and ask for discounts due to the short runway. Other equity investors might see it too risky and opt out. Taking debt, in such case, may ease the concerns of potential equity investors and allow a proper round.
b. Present market conditions of lower valuations could hurt the founders and other shareholders too much. Raising now $5M equity money might dilute their ownership too much. However, raising part of the $5M in debt (say $1.5M) may improve the outcome as debt has no/minor dilution effect.
c. Superior debt terms for the startups can usually be offered by tech banks and specialized debt funds only to companies which recently raised equity money from good VCs or other institutional investors. There are various explanations to such “venture-lending” approach. Raising the debt piece simultaneously or soon after the equity round can make a lot of sense these days when debt is might be costly otherwise.
Conclusion:
In the dynamic world of startups, striking the right balance between equity and debt financing is crucial for long-term success. By raising both equity and debt, startups can achieve greater flexibility, diversify their capital structure, access different investor profiles, and enhance and protect their valuation and growth potential. Some would say that the hybrid strategy (equity+debt) is the smartest startegy for many startups in 2023.
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