Growth Capital - Here's Everything You Need to Know
What is Growth Capital?
Growth Capital is a type of financing that businesses use to support their expansion plans when they are at a more mature stage of development. This type of funding is used to accelerate a business’s existing growth strategy and propel a business forward in a way that might not be possible through its own cash flow or profits.
Hence, growth capital is typically used to fund projects like –
- Expanding into new markets
- Developing new products or services
- Investing in marketing and sales
- Making strategic acquisitions
Who is Growth Capital for?
While you might think most businesses require growth capital, in reality it is not intended for every business. Most of the time, it is geared towards companies that have already gained some traction and are now looking to strategically accelerate their expansion. It is more ideal for business that are –
- Established – These businesses have moved past the startup phase and demonstrate a proven track record of success. They have a well-established operational foundation, a validated business model, and are generating consistent revenue.
- Potential for High-Growth – Businesses that show a strong potential for growth will attract more investors. This is because investors are particularly interested in businesses that have a compelling value proposition and have the potential to seize a larger market share.
- Financially Stable – If you’re a business seeking growth capital, you should be able to exhibit a stable financial position. This helps in reassuring investors that their growth capital is being deployed into a business capable of generating strong ROIs.
- Clear Growth Path – Businesses seeking growth capital should have a clear and strategic plan for future growth to instil confidence in potential investors and to secure the necessary funding.
How does Growth Capital Work?
Growth Capital is not as simple as just getting a loan. Here’s how it works –
- Is there a need for growth capital?
Does your business have a proven track record of success and now requires external resources to finance growth?
- Are there market opportunities?
This could involve expanding into new markets, developing new products or services, acquiring competing or complementary businesses, and scaling opportunities.
- Seeking the right funding partners
Unlike seeking a loan from a bank, securing growth capital involves finding partners who are specifically interested in funding high growth companies.
- Structuring the Investment
There are two ways that growth capital can be structured –
First, equity financing. This is where the business sells a portion of their ownership to investors in exchange for capital.
Second, venture debt financing. This is where the business takes a loan from a specialised lender and repays it with interest over time.
- Deployment of Capital
Now that the investment is secured, the business can utilise the capital to execute its expansion plan.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Growth Capital
While growth capital offers a strategic pathway for businesses to accelerate their expansion plans, it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Growth Capital
- Rapid Expansion – It provides businesses with the potential to pursue opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
- Expertise & Guidance – Investors bring with them knowledge and a wealth of experience that can be especially valuable for businesses looking for guidance on decision making and operational efficiency.
- Improved Credibility – Securing funding from reputable investors can enhance a business’s credibility within its industry.This is especially useful in attracting new customers, partners, and talent to further fuel a business’s growth trajectory.
Disadvantages of Using Equity for Growth Capital
- Ownership Dilution – With equity financing, existing stakeholders experience a dilution of ownership. Likewise, investors may gain some degree of control over the business in influencing strategic decisions and choosing to have board representation.
- Financial Pressure – Equity investors will expect substantial returns on their investment, which can put pressure on the company to prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Ready to Grow with Fundabl?
If you’re a business that has moved past the initial startup phase and is seeking to further accelerate growth potential, Fundabl offers venture debt funding solutions that help businesses like yours take advantage of growth opportunities.
At Fundabl, we’re here to help your business grow by providing the capital you need to expand, all while offering a straightforward repayment plan for your convenience.
Our growth capital is typically used to –
- Accelerate Business Growth
- Act as a Buffer to Reach Profitability
- Enhance Enterprise Value
At Fundabl, we offer tailored solutions, efficiency and focus, alongside utmost transparency and support. Get started today.
