Most founders default to equity.

They think it's the only choice.

Clients often tell me:

“We don’t think we qualify for debt”
“We’re not profitable yet”
“We can't pledge any security”
“Equity feels easier/more certain”
“We'll raise now and worry about dilution later”

These are actually the situations where Venture Debt is often viable.

What is

A loan provided to scaling businesses as an alternative to equity allowing you to:

• Extend runway without dilution

• Fund growth ahead of profitability

• Bridge to the next equity round

• Reduce the size (and dilution) of an equity raise

Venture Debt?

Why Most Businesses Never Access It

1. Lenders don’t reject businesses → they reject how the opportunity is presented.

2. Founders pitch equity logic to debt providers

3. Founders don't know where to go so they approach the wrong lenders.

4. Risk not translated into lender language.

According to the Scale-Up Institute, only 2% of viable businesses successfully access venture debt.

This is why most businesses assume venture debt isn’t available — when it often is.

SEE IF YOUR BUSINESS IS VENTURE DEBT READY BY PRESSING THE BUTTON BELOW:

STRUCTURE THE RIGHT FACILITY

I develop an appropriate lending structure aligned with your objectives — including facility type, quantum, tenor, covenant framework and security.

BUILD LENDER-READY NARRATIVE

I prepare clear, lender-focused materials. I translate actual/forecast performance into a credible repayment case.

LENDER SELECTION

I select and approach relevant lenders who want to fund these transactions while avoiding lenders without appetite. These are specialist lenders who I work with every day, have appetite for venture debt and provide strong lending terms.

NEGOTIATION AND EXECUTION

I support negotiations and documentation through to transaction close, coordinating with lenders and advisers to maintain momentum and process discipline.

HOW I APPROACH VENTURE DEBT

WHAT THIS MEANS IN PRACTICE

RETAIN OWNERSHIP

Avoid an equity raise altogether - no dilution.

Or, supplement an equity raise with venture debt for lower dilution overall.

EXTEND CASH RUNWAY

Defer an equity raise into the future, where ARR is higher and milestones have been achieved leading to a more attractive valuation.

RAISE EQUITY ON STRONGER TERMS

Avoid running out of cash and being forced to raise equity today.

Extend cash runway giving your business more time to breakeven.

VENTURE DEBT SPECIALIST

I only place venture debt transactions. I'm in the market all day, every day. Speaking to lenders, identifying what works.

20+ YEARS' EXPERIENCE

More than two decades across leading lending institutions, with broad exposure across credit cycles, transaction types and debt structures.

I operate across the full lending market — from banks to private credit funds and alternative providers.

WHOLE OF MARKET

RISK-FREE PROPOSITION

I align incentives with my clients. If I don't believe I can source finance for your business, I won't take you on as a client.

Initial DISCUSSION

• Review business and objectives

• Outline market appetite

• Structure facilities

Incentives ALIGNED

• My compensation is mostly contingent

• Mandates only undertaken with a demonstrable path to execution

No OBLIGATION

• Proceed with formal engagement

• Or, go your own way

• No obligation to proceed

Client DISCRETION

• Client retains control

• No obligation to accept funding

• Walk away at any time

HOW I WORK

AFFILIATION

I provide capital advisory services as an appointed adviser of Empire Capital Solutions (London) Limited, operating under their regulatory and compliance framework.

Empire Capital Solutions is a specialist advisory firm focused on complex debt and structured finance transactions, with deep lender relationships across banks, credit funds and alternative capital providers.

All my client engagements are conducted on behalf of Empire Capital Solutions, who act as principal and are responsible for the provision of regulated services where applicable. I work as part of Empire’s advisory team to support the structuring, positioning and execution of sophisticated funding processes.

Empire Capital - https://empirecaplondon.com/

Most of my clients start with an off-the-record chat.

START A CONVERSATION