- Early-stage lending fell 44% year-over-year in the first six months of 2023 following Silicon Valley Bank collapse
- Demand for venture debt remains strong for companies that aim to preserve control, stay autonomous, and maintain flexibility over capital structure
- Hosted by DealFlow Events, The Venture Debt Conference on March 6, 2024, in New York City features 30+ experts, interactive panel discussions, and opportunities to meet with the largest group of dealmakers in the lending business
- Emerging venture debt lenders bring expertise to startups and new companies navigating complex financial arrangements
- Attendance is free for qualified C-level executives representing a venture-backed or emerging growth company
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB last year had a significant impact on the venture debt market, resulting in a 44% year-over-year drop in early-stage lending during the first six months of 2023. Despite SVB’s failure, demand for venture debt remained strong. What was initially a major debt hole has since been filled by lending firms offering high-level insights and technological expertise.
Venture debt is favored by many startups and high-growth companies – especially those that want to preserve control and maintain autonomy without giving up equity. Venture debt can also provide startups with predictable repayment schedules and interest rates, enabling them to optimize cash flow management while allocating resources toward strategic growth initiatives.
Despite the market rebound, not all venture debt lenders are equal. Interest rates, repayment structures, covenants, and industry expertise vary greatly among lenders, with risks that include overleveraging, restrictive terms, and equity dilution if warrants are exercised.
The good news is that the market has evolved significantly since SVB’s collapse. Emerging leaders in venture debt financing are bringing practical experience and industry knowledge to startups and new companies navigating the complexities of funding. By tapping into this wealth of expertise, startups can access invaluable resources to fuel growth initiatives, scale their businesses effectively, and optimize their capital structure.
“One possibility that venture debt could unlock for the tech startup ecosystem is serving as an additional pathway to raise funding,” notes a recent Deloitte report on the state of venture debt in 2024. “And it could work well both for the lender (less risky) and the borrower (access to funds of smaller ticket size). Beyond traditional VCs, venture debt could serve as an alternate asset class for tech startups to keep the innovation engine on.”
Learn more about non-dilutive financing strategies for startups and emerging growth companies at the Venture Debt Conference coming up March 6, 2024, in New York City. This one-day event features 30+ speakers, educational sessions, interactive panel discussions, and opportunities to meet with the largest group of dealmakers in the industry.
Discussions will cover a wide range of subjects, including deal terms, asset-backed lending, and financing options. You’ll also have numerous opportunities to connect with industry professionals and explore potential partnerships during networking breaks and a cocktail reception. Join us for this exceptional learning and networking opportunity at The Edison Ballroom, one of the most luxurious venues in Manhattan.
Attendance may be free for qualified C-level executives representing a venture-backed or emerging growth company.
Learn more about the Venture Debt Conference and review the full program agenda.
