Lighter Capital

Want an easy way to compare your startup’s financial metrics to benchmarks from businesses that are similar to yours? ?? Wish granted ?? Try our new SaaS Benchmarks Calculator and see how you stack up to startups in the same industry vertical or growth stage. https://lnkd.in/g74QWxgc #SaaSstartups #startupgrowth #startupbenchmarks #SaaSperformance

When it comes to financing a #SaaS startup, many founders look to short-term loans for quick access to capital. Short-term financing can offer a quick solution, but it only works if the loan aligns with your business’s needs. So, when should #SaaS founders consider short-term financing? ? You need cash for unexpected operating costs. ? You’re funding product inventory that can be sold within a few months. ? You’re investing in marketing campaigns that will generate sales quickly. ? You’re making product improvements to drive expansion and retention. In other words, short-term loans are ideal for covering immediate needs or bridging gaps. While they offer quick access and lower total interest costs compared to long-term loans, be cautious about high interest rates and repayment terms. Want to make the most of short-term financing? Focus on smart debt use and make sure it aligns with your growth goals. Learn more here ?? https://lnkd.in/gRvtYf6g

Silicon Valley Bank's State of the Markets H1 2025?report is out, and here are the key takeaways every SaaS founder should know: ? Half of all VC-backed companies now focused on AI. In 2024, AI-powered companies attracted a whopping 48% of venture investment - up from just 25% in the last cycle. ? Accelerators & Incubators are becoming an essential entry point into the venture ecosystem, accounting for 24% of all US VC deals in 2024. ? Venture debt is becoming a lifeline for many startups. It's not just a safety net anymore—it’s a strategic tool that’s helping companies extend runway and bridge the gap to future rounds, all while allowing founders to maintain equity. ? In today’s market, efficiency is everything. The most successful companies in 2024 were those that kept a tight watch on their burn rate - Series B companies, for example, increased their burn by just 8% YoY before raising. Download the full report here?? https://lnkd.in/gBibHcq9 #SaaS #VC #Entrepreneur

Calling all Chicago-based founders and funders! ?? ? On March 24th, join Suzanne H. EL-Moursi, CEO and co-founder of Brighthive, for an inspiring conversation in honor of Women’s History Month. Suzanne will share her journey in tech, the challenges she's overcome, and key lessons she's learned as a leader in data and social impact. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and get inspired. All are welcome—reserve your spot today! ?? https://lnkd.in/g-W7_UWM

In 2024, #venturedebt investments reached a high point of $53.3 billion. What’s driving the spike in debt financing? ?? The short answer: founders are increasingly looking for funding options that allow them to maintain control and keep their equity. While VC funding has slowed - especially with most rounds going to large AI growth projects - many B2B #SaaS companies have started to explore alternative options. Another trend we’re seeing is a rise in venture debt deals among late-stage startups, which are turning to debt as a cost-effective alternative to additional equity financing. Startups are using venture debt to extend their cash runway while minimizing dilution. The growing appeal of venture debt has also led to more financial institutions entering the space, increasing available capital and providing startups with more options than ever before. ?? Interested in learning more about how venture debt can support your next round? https://lnkd.in/dMK979Tb ?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_content=March2025

When scaling your startup, being meticulous about your finances is crucial—whether you’re raising your next round, projecting future profits, or assessing the health of your business. ?? In this week’s episode of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, Scott Sehon, Founder of Mod 4 Finance, shares his insights on the value of bringing on a fractional CFO early, and what startups should look for when hiring one. With over 20 years of experience, Scott has navigated everything from building finance teams to raising both equity and debt, working with venture-backed startups as well as his own. Tune in to listen to Scott share when it’s the right time to hire a fractional vs full-time CFO, how to approach it, why revenue recognition is critical, and the costs involved. If you're thinking about scaling your finance team, you won’t want to miss this episode?? https://lnkd.in/dF5JuDFu

#InternationalWomensDay is this Saturday, and we want to take a moment to celebrate some of the incredible female founders and C-suite executives in our portfolio. ?? It’s an honor to work alongside and support these inspiring women as they lead with passion, grit, and determination. We look forward to seeing all the incredible things these women accomplish! Happy International Women’s Day! ?? ? Tracy Saunders ? CEO &?Founder ? BossmakeHer Inc. ? Heidi H. ? CEO? Futurity IT, INC. ? Julie Novack ? CEO & Founder ? PartySlate ? Tali Landau-Ofer ? CFO ? PartySlate ? Tricia Iboshi ? CEO ??Videon ? Suzanne H. EL-Moursi ? CEO & Co-Founder ??Brighthive ? Lily Liu? CEO ? Pi?ata Rent ? Emily Best ? CEO & Founder ? Seed&Spark

When it comes time for your next raise, having a solid understanding of your startup’s value is critical. Without this valuation, investors won’t be able to assess your future revenue potential, profitability, or overall business health - and you won’t be able to secure the right funding. ?? If you're planning to raise capital in 2025, now is the perfect time to get a clear picture of your startup's worth. Our free Startup Valuation Calculator uses the latest market data, insights from our investment portfolio, and over a decade of experience in financing tech startups to provide you with an instant valuation. Start by entering industry, revenue, and yearly growth rate to calculate your startup’s value, forecast growth, and get a head start on your funding journey?? https://lnkd.in/g-vfjfJd

SaaS Founders: Is Debt the Right Growth Lever for You? As a founder, you’re constantly weighing trade-offs—growth vs. dilution, speed vs. sustainability, risk vs. reward. When it comes to funding, venture capital gets most of the spotlight, but there’s another powerful tool that some SaaS founders overlook: debt financing. At Lighter Capital, I’ve worked with hundreds of founders who’ve used non-dilutive funding to scale efficiently, maintain ownership, and maximize long-term value. But debt isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re considering it, here are a few key factors to keep in mind: ? Revenue Predictability: Recurring revenue models make SaaS businesses ideal for revenue-based financing and term loans. Consistent cash flow helps you secure the right structure at the right terms. ? Growth Efficiency: If you’re turning $1 of investment into $3+ in ARR, debt can be a smart way to fuel expansion without giving up equity. But if your burn rate is high and unit economics aren’t solid, debt might not be the best fit. ? Total Cost of Capital: Debt can be cheaper than equity in the long run, but structure matters. It’s critical to understand the true APR of a facility, including interest rates, fees, and hidden costs, to ensure it aligns with your growth strategy. Having worked closely with both bootstrapped and VC-backed companies, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities each path presents. Whether it’s navigating capital efficiency, scaling strategies, or optimizing revenue growth, I’m passionate about helping founders find the right approach for their business. Feel free to reach out if you're considering debt as a way to fuel your growth. #NonDilutiveFunding #LighterCapital #SaaS #GrowOnYourTerms

Jamie M. is kicking off International Women's Month the right way at the Women Invest Summit! ??