India, May 12 -- In India's burgeoning startup ecosystem, the quest for capital is a constant. While venture capital (VC) often steals the limelight, a powerful alternative financing tool, venture debt, is increasingly gaining traction. As an entrepreneurship development professional, I've observed firsthand how this strategic instrument can propel startups towards their growth milestones without diluting equity.
So, what exactly is venture debt? Simply put, it's a form of debt financing provided to early-stage, high-growth companies that have already secured VC funding. Unlike traditional loans, venture debt lenders focus on a company's future potential rather than its current profitability. This makes it an ideal option for startups that...