When you start a business, you need financing to set things up. You need money to set up the business location, hire staff, purchase inventory, etc. Since many lending institutions do not lend money to startups, most entrepreneurs look for venture capital that is easier to obtain. Many investors finance promising startups, hoping to earn money from their profits. However, if the business fails, the investors also have to bear the loss.
The following sections will discuss venture capital's meaning, features, types, pros and cons, risks, and other information you must know.
What is Venture Capital (VC)?
Venture capital is a type of financing that startups and early-stage companies use to finance their initial setup and growth stages. When a company is in its initial stages, most lending institutions may not approve its Business Loans. That is when it seeks VC investors to provide the required finance for investment in the business.
Venture capitalists are individuals or firms who invest money in startups. In return, they claim a certain percentage of the business's profits. Apart from financing, venture capitalists also provide mentorship and guidance to startups, thus increasing their chances of success. Since their profit is also attached to the business's success, they use all their resources, experience, and network to support the company.
How Does Venture Capital Work?
Venture capital typically involves investing in businesses that want to raise money through external investors. Large corporations, investment firms, and high-net-worth individuals invest in these companies as venture capitalists. Venture capital typically funds companies with high growth potential. In return for their investment, investors acquire a stake in the company for a fixed period.
Types of Venture Capital
Type of Capital
Description
Purpose
Seed Capital
Startups raise seed capital to establish their initial product or service offering.
Sourced from angel investors, family, and friends.
Startup Capital
Meant for businesses post-seed funding, used to hire personnel and create a product line.
Hiring staff, product creation, and business growth.
Early-Stage Capital
For companies with a strong business plan wanting to develop and test products or services.
Product or service development and testing.
Expansion Capital
For successful companies seeking funds for marketing, product development, or staff hiring.
Expansion in marketing, development, and operations.
Late-Stage Capital
For businesses with commercial success looking to scale further in manufacturing and sales.
Business scaling and market expansion.
Bridge Financing
Provides short-term funding to close the financial gap between two funding rounds.
Short-term capital to maintain operations between funding rounds.
VC investors primarily focus on young businesses that need support entering the capital market.
VC investments are typically equity-based rather than loan-based or inconvertible debt securities that provide fixed returns to investors.
Investors seek equity profits from the business's success.
These are long-term investments that investors place in businesses with promising growth potential.
Capital providers have personal benefits in the business's success. So, they also provide managerial experience and network benefits.
Steps to Get Venture Capital Funding
Deal Origination: Sourcing opportunities through referrals, industry networks, or direct pitches to VC firms.
Screening: Proposals are reviewed based on market potential, innovation, and financial needs.
Evaluation: Investors assess the business plan, leadership team, and financial projections to gauge the likelihood of success.
Negotiation: Terms such as the equity stake, investment amount, and business involvement are discussed and finalized.
Due Diligence: Investors conduct thorough checks to ensure that the business is a viable investment opportunity.
Post-Investment Support: Once the investment is made, venture capitalists often provide ongoing support by offering strategic advice, industry connections, and sometimes, board representation.
Exit Strategy: Investors plan for exits through methods like IPOs, acquisitions, or selling shares to realise their return on investment.
How Entrepreneurs Use Business Loans to Kickstart their Venture Capital Journey?
Kickstarting the venture capital journey with a Business Loan is extremely advantageous. It helps you in the following ways:
Start as an Angel Investor: Venture capitalists often prefer business owners who invest their own money into their companies, showcasing their commitment and confidence.
Join a Fund: Participating in an established fund allows you to build a track record, which is essential for attracting venture capital investors.
Partner with a Beginning VC Firm: Emerging VC firms may seek operational partners, providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs to leverage their industry experience and insights.
Fill in the required fields and upload relevant documents.
Enter the desired loan amount and tenure.
If you meet the criteria, you will receive a reference number.
A representative will contact you for any additional information.
After verification, you will receive a personalised loan offer.
Once accepted, the loan amount will be disbursed to your bank account.
Conclusion
Venture capital shapes the startup ecosystem and brings the right combination of finance, support, and mentorship to a startup. However, if you need quick funding without any profit-sharing, you can get a Business Loan of up to Rs 40 Lakh from Hero FinCorp at an attractive business loan interest rate and flexible repayment tenures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does venture capital differ from traditional bank loans?
Venture capital is not a loan. You don't need to pay it back to the investors. They claim a share in your business profit in return for their investment.
2. Can a company receive multiple rounds of venture capital funding?
A company can receive multiple rounds of VC funding, depending on its performance and requirements.
3. What is a typical investment period for venture capital?
The typical investment period for VC ranges from five to seven years.
4. What is a venture capital fund?
A venture capital fund is a pool of funds investors contribute to finance early-stage companies against their ownership stakes.
Manya is a seasoned finance professional with expertise in the non-banking financial sector, offering 3 years of experience. She excels in breaking down complex financial topics, making them accessible to readers. In their free time, she enjoys playing golf.
