The Situation

When a fast-growing startup looked for capital to fuel its expansion, venture debt became a critical option. However, venture debt involves taking on loans that need to be repaid, which means balancing the need for capital with the risks of over-leverage—something the startup had to navigate carefully.

Our Approach

Alfred’s approach focused on structuring the deal in a way that aligned with the company’s growth projections and future revenue streams while avoiding over-leverage. We worked closely with the client and the lenders to establish clear repayment terms and safeguards against taking on too much debt relative to the company's assets. This involved using a combination of traditional financing structures, alongside leveraging assets—such as IP rights—where appropriate, to help secure more favorable terms while maintaining a manageable debt load.

Key Considerations for Venture Debt:

• ⭐ Loan terms & repayment structure: Ensuring that the debt can be comfortably serviced without straining cash flow.

• ⭐ Equity & debt balance: Avoiding over-leverage by maintaining a sustainable debt-to-equity ratio.

• ⭐ Covenants & conditions: Structuring covenants that protect the company while allowing flexibility for growth.

• ⭐ Asset-backed security: Incorporating assets such as intellectual property into the deal to secure favorable terms without increasing risk.

The Impact

The deal was successfully executed, providing the startup with the capital it needed while ensuring financial health and growth potential.

"Alfred helped us navigate the complexities of venture debt, balancing risk and reward. Their advice kept us from over-leveraging and set us up for sustainable growth." - Founder

The Team

Thierry Barbey, Founding Partner (Legal Advisory)

Diego Seitz, Founding Partner (Business Consulting)