As Chief Credit Officer at Lighter Capital, I work behind the scenes grappling with the data that informs all of our decision-making regarding financing deals, from revenue-based financing (RBF) to term loans and lines of credit. Similar to a venture capitalist (VC), I try to understand where startups are in their life cycles — and where they can expect to go. Recently, several VCs have asked for my perspective on how — and whether — RBF, term loans and lines of credit fit in

Startups go through various stages as they develop their winning idea and gradually — or rapidly — build it into a thriving company. There are moments along the way in which infusions of capital can push business development to a new level. These cash infusions are known in the business as rounds: the angel round, the seed round, the private equity round, the debt round. Somewhere in the middle between the early angel round and the late-stage private equity round are the work

If you’re an avid reader of The Startup Finance Blog, you should know by now what financial metrics and growth metrics to focus on in your startup, and how to create solid financials projections. Once you’re mentally prepared for fundraising and armed with the right documents that show you’re on top of your game and properly managing your business finances, you’ll still need to attract investors by telling a great story. Your initial encounter with an investor or lender may c