What is Growth Debt?

Enterprises have generally sought growth financing via venture capital, although growth debt is now being considered an option by many. Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists have come to realize the numerous benefits of using debt to fund delayed expansion, and the old prejudice surrounding it has long since vanished. You must adequately anticipate your upcoming payments commitments if your company has a regular income stream and an established business strategy. A stock-raising that would significantly dilute your company's value while allowing you to participate in its expansion is possible with growing debt.

What is Growth Debt?

Growth debt, also known as venture debt, is an innovative funding source for rapidly end-stage firms. Equity funding may either be replaced or supplemented by this method. Entrepreneurs and investors may avoid needless dilution and the loss of control of their company by using this method in the right circumstances. Working capital, expansion plans, and mergers are among the common goals of term loans, often made for three to four years. Growth debt is an option when a company does not have a good cash flow or large properties to utilize as security.

How Does Growth Debt work?

Unlike standard loans, growth debt is structured differently. A three- to four-year time horizon applies to the growing debt. A company's previous round of equity financing is often used to calculate the principal amount of its debt. 30 per cent of the total equity capital received in the most recent financing round is a typical principal amount. Interest is paid on the majority of Growth's debt obligations. Either the total rate or a different interest rate standard, such as LIBOR, is used to calculate the monthly payments. Growth debt funding also provides creditors with options on the company's common equity as recompense for the company's high likelihood of failure. The overall value of the warrants awarded is typically between 5% and 20% of the lender's initial cost.

Benefits of Using Growth debt in Business

1. Dept cost is lower than equity:

In the first place, organizations that predict rapid expansion might save money by borrowing money. Debt (a loan) and shareholding in your firm may be compared by looking at two factors: (1) how much interest you'll pay on a loan and (2) how much profit you'll give up to a shareholder when you depart the company.

2. The capital cost may be reduced if you take out a loan:

Depending on its taxable revenue, debt might minimize its post-tax costs for funding its enterprises. Income taxes are reduced by deducting most interests and debt financing expenses for federal income tax purposes. Shareholders' dividends, as well as other payments, are not taxed.

3. More rapid flow of money:

Faster access to finances and more time to focus on expanding your company are advantages of this method. At the start of the loan and throughout its term, debt saves you time.

4. Make sure you're in charge of your company:

Using equity funding typically necessitates giving up board seats. This implies that there will be a broader range of viewpoints on how the firm should be operated to achieve its growth objectives and satisfy new expectations. Your other board members have the power to overturn you and even remove you from your firm if you disagree with their decision-making process.

Conclusion

Overall, growth debt has several benefits but may not be suitable for everybody and every situation. To ensure that you make the best possible decision, you must extensively research your funding sources. Depending on the bank, covenants may or may not be a part of the debt transaction. A few restrictions may be included in a credit agreement by non-bank lenders to assist secure repayments, although many non-bank borrowers are more liberal and often have much fewer restrictions.