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What is "Fundraising like Equity, Debt & Convertible Notes"

This refers to the different methods a business can raise capital/fund, each with distinct structures, risks, and implications:

Equity Fundraising

  • Common sources: angel investors, HNI, venture capital (VC), private equity
  • Raising money by selling a percentage of ownership (stakes) in the company / organisation to investors/partners
  • Usually raised in rounds (Seed, Series A, B etc.), with each round priced on the company's valuation at that stage
  • Investors/Partners become shareholders/Partners and share in profits/losses and in the decision-making based on the joint agreement with them

Debt Fundraising

  • The lender does not get ownership in the company/organisation
  • Raising money by borrowing funds that must be repaid, usually with interest over a set period
  • Common sources: bank loans, NBFCs, private debt funds, government schemes, business credit lines
  • May require collateral or promoter guarantees, and approval depends on the business's repayment capacity

Convertible Notes

  • Popular for early-stage startups because it delays the need to formally value the company/organisation
  • A hybrid instrument; technically a loan initially, but it "converts" into equity (shares) at a later date, usually during a future funding round, at agreed terms (like a valuation cap or discount)

Each method has different implications for:

  • Legal and tax structuring
  • Cost of capital (interest rates, equity percentage, conversion terms)
  • Ownership dilution (how much control/equity/partnership share you give up)
  • Repayment obligations (whether you owe money back regardless of business performance)
  • Investor/Partner expectations and rights (board seats, voting rights, liquidation preferences, etc.)
  • Future fundraising ability, existing terms and obligations can affect how easily the next round or loan can be raised

Business Risk if Fund Raising [Equity, Debt & Convertible Note] is not done from Experts

  • Wrong choice of Funding Instrument

    Choosing debt when you can't service repayments, or giving away too much equity when a convertible note would've been smarter, can hurt the business in the long-term.

  • Excessive dilution

    Without expert negotiation, the founders/business owners often give up more equity/partnership than necessary.

  • Unfavourable terms

    Poorly negotiated interest rates, valuation caps, liquidation preferences, or investor/partner rights can create long-term problems.

  • Cash flow strain

    Taking on debt without proper planning can create repayment pressure that the business can't sustain.

  • Loss of control

    Poorly negotiated equity/partnership deals can result in losing significant decision-making power to investors/partners.

  • Failed fundraising attempts

    Approaching the wrong investors, with the wrong pitch, or the wrong structure wastes time and can damage your reputation in investor circles.

  • Complicated conversion terms

    Poorly structured convertible notes can create disputes or unfavourable conversion outcomes down the line.

  • Missed alternative options

    Without an expert's knowledge, founders/business owners may not even be aware of alternative funding options that could suit the business better.

Raise with the right partner or investor

Tell us the amount, the stage and whether you want equity, debt or a convertible note. We will structure the deal and the terms before you sit with investors.

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