Question 1

WHAT TYPES OF STARTUP FINANCING DO YOU OFFER?

Accepted Answer

We offer different types of revenue-based debt financing solutions to support the varying needs of growing early-stage tech startups who want to preserve equity.     Get upfront capital in a term-based loan with a traditional structure and fixed monthly payments, or get financing with one of our revenue loan facilities. We partner with you to learn your business and find the best type of financing that will help your startup reach its goals.

Question 2

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DEBT FINANCING FOR STARTUPS?

Accepted Answer

Debt financing has many benefits for startups, including:   - You can invest your time and energy in growing the business instead of pitching equity investors for funding you may never secure. - You can grow sustainably, at a reasonable cost, managing smaller amounts of capital to move the business forward. - You maintain ownership and control without selling equity, which is often more costly in the long-run.  Debt financing can give you a strategic advantage in your funding journey, as well.  For example, bootstrapped startups frequently use debt to increase their ownership value at exit. By leveraging debt to gain enough traction and momentum to raise a big equity round, they avoid speculative early-stage valuations and costly equity grabs from VCs and angels.   At later stages, startups can use debt financing as a bridge in between VC rounds, either funding runway to protect against a down round or to boost results before their next valuation.     Try our Equity Dilution Calculator to see how you can benefit from raising capital with non-dilutive debt financing instead of selling equity.

Question 3

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET FUNDED?

Accepted Answer

Our process with new clients typically takes 3-4 weeks, but it can move quicker. Funds are generally available within days of loan approval.    You don't need to prepare a pitch deck or presentation. There's no valuation negotiation. We do, however, want to ensure that:   - We're a great fit for each other.  - We allow time for due diligence. - You get the best deal to support your short and long-term goals.  Apply online in less than 2 minutes to see what you qualify for.

Question 4

HOW DOES LIGHTER CAPITAL COMPARE TO OTHER STARTUP INVESTORS AND LENDERS?

Accepted Answer

Lighter Capital has been funding startups for more than a decade. We've financed more than 400 companies over 900 rounds, with a focus on long-term sustainable growth — not fast money that actually slows you down.    Of course, we're more than just money. We provide our clients with the same benefits you might expect from venture capital investors, including:  - Access to knowledge and networking—virtually and in person—through the exclusive Lighter Client Community. - Discounts on products and services from our many partners that can save you money and help you scale more efficiently.  - Direct connections to our own network of VCs, investors, and other financial services for startups.    We couldn't be more proud of the innovative tech businesses and the entrepreneurs with successful exits in our established client portfolio. We're humbled to be on this remarkable growth journey alongside all of them.    See what our clients have to say about working with us >

Question 5

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Accepted Answer

Our financing solutions are best suited for technology and SaaS startups with steady recurring revenue streams, whether that's through long-term contracts with customers or monthly subscriptions.   - You should have a minimum of $200K in annual recurring revenue (ARR) or $15K MRR from a diverse customer base.  - You don't need to be profitable or even have positive cash flow. We expect early-stage tech startups to be cash flow negative, or neutral at best, since you're continually pumping revenue back into the business to keep it growing.  - Your business should be based in the U.S., Canada, or Australia.    Sound like you? Complete our secure online application in less than 2 minutes and get funded!

Got revenue? Get startup financing without giving up equity.

Non-dilutive financing gives your startup the flexibility and fuel to keep growing.

Quick and transparent qualification process

Get up to $4M within days of loan approval

Clear, manageable payback terms

Finance additional rounds as your revenue grows

Collaborate with like-minded founders in our founder Community

Access $200K in product and service discounts

Tap into Lighter's expansive investor and partner network

Focus on your startup while we match financing to your business. Here's how it works:

1. Apply

2. Connect

3. Qualify

5. Grow

4. Approve

Your startup is in the US, Canada, or Australia

Your startup generates recurring revenue

Revenue isn't highly concentrated

What's required to qualify?

Right-size financing based on your immediate needs, and scale funding as the business grows.

Term-Based

Revenue-Based

Contract-Based

Payment terms

Length

Why choose it?

Amount

How it works

Fuel company growth

Buyout tired investors

Increase market share

Hire new resources

Grow brand awareness

Optimize cash flow

Bridge funding rounds

Scale product development

Accelerate growth. Keep your equity.

Financing Your SaaS Startup Using Debt

FAQ

Thinking of selling equity to raise capital?

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