Deal Terms
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Quick Answer
Debt financing for venture-backed startups that supplements equity rounds, typically structured as term loans with warrants from specialized lenders like SVB and WTI.
Venture Debt is a form of debt financing available to venture-backed startups, provided by specialized lenders such as Silicon Valley Bank, Western Technology Investment, Horizon Technology Finance, and TriplePoint Venture Growth. Unlike traditional bank loans that require profitability and collateral, venture debt is underwritten primarily on the strength of the company's equity investors, growth trajectory, and ability to raise future rounds. Typical structures include 3-4 year term loans with interest rates of 8-15%, plus warrant coverage of 0.1-0.5% of the company's fully diluted shares. Venture debt is usually taken alongside or shortly after an equity round, extending the cash runway by 3-9 months without additional dilution. Common uses include extending runway between equity rounds, financing equipment or working capital, and providing a bridge while achieving milestones that unlock a higher-valuation equity round.
In Practice
A SaaS startup raises a $20 million Series B and simultaneously takes $6 million in venture debt from a specialized lender at 10% interest over 36 months with 0.2% warrant coverage. The debt extends the company's runway from 18 months to 24 months, giving them more time to hit $10 million ARR before raising Series C at a higher valuation. The total dilution from the debt (warrants + interest) is roughly 0.5%, far less than the 5-10% dilution of raising additional equity.
What good looks like
Why It Matters
Venture debt is one of the most efficient ways for startups to extend runway without diluting founders and existing investors. However, it adds repayment obligations to a company that may not yet be profitable, and defaulting on venture debt can trigger severe consequences including acceleration of the full balance and potential loss of company assets.
VC Beast Take
Venture debt became a lifeline during the 2022-2023 funding crunch, but many founders still misunderstand when to use it. The sweet spot is extending runway between equity rounds — not as a last resort when equity markets disappear. Smart founders negotiate venture debt terms during their equity raise when leverage is highest, not when they're desperate six months later.
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Venture Debt is a form of debt financing available to venture-backed startups, provided by specialized lenders such as Silicon Valley Bank, Western Technology Investment, Horizon Technology Finance, and TriplePoint Venture Growth.
Understanding Venture Debt is critical for founders navigating the fundraising process. It directly impacts deal terms, valuation, and the relationship between founders and investors.
Venture Debt falls under the deal-terms category in venture capital. This area covers concepts related to the financial and legal terms that define investment agreements.
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