The SaaS funding landscape in 2024 is very different from even two years ago. In previous years, venture capital (VC) funding was the most popular form of SaaS funding, with countless firms investing bold amounts into fledgling companies. But today, the bar for VC is higher than ever, leaving many companies seeking alternative forms of financing, or additional financing to bridge VC gaps.
In 2023, SaaS startups raised $17.4 billion (down from $47.2B in 2021). This year, SaaS startups have raised only $4.7B in H1, indicating that 2024 will be the lowest funding year in recent history.* This funding drought has left many companies struggling to secure the capital needed to sustain growth and innovation.
Understanding the decline in funding
One of the key drivers behind this decline is uncertainty of the macroeconomic environment, alongside market volatility. In addition to these challenges, a report from SaaStr shows that only 10-15% of VC-backed startups are currently able to raise another round of funding. Understandably, VC standards for potential investments are higher, requiring meticulously-proven product-market fit, a robust runway, and rapid, sustained growth. These requirements increase the amount of competition for limited VC resources, leaving many startups in a precarious position. For companies unable to secure additional VC funding, alternative financing methods are becoming increasingly attractive.
Revenue-Based Financing
Revenue-based financing (RBF) is a fast-growing funding alternative that can be effective on its own or in combination with VC or other financing methods. Revenue-based funding solutions, such as Capchase Grow, provide capital based on future predicted revenue. RBF does not require equity dilution or personal guarantees, making it an appealing option for SaaS startups looking to maintain control over their businesses.
RBF can be quicker and easier to secure compared to traditional VC funding. The application process is often more streamlined, with less emphasis on lengthy due diligence and more focus on the company's revenue potential. This can be a significant advantage for startups needing quick access to capital to seize growth opportunities or navigate short-term challenges, including covering crucial operational, marketing, or product development costs.
VC x RBF
A large part of RBF’s popularity has to do with its flexibility as a funding option. RBF can power growth on its own, especially when applied to key levers, but it also plays well with others, whether it’s debt financing, private loans, or VC.
With VC standards as high as they are today, many SaaS startups are qualifying for some VC capital, but not all the capital they need to grow to the next level. Enter: RBF. Pairing well with VC, RBF can fill funding gaps as-needed, with companies paying only for what they use. It’s a match made in SaaS funding heaven.
As the SaaS sector grapples with a significant decline in VC funding, revenue-based financing emerges as a viable alternative for startups seeking capital. By providing a quicker path to funding, flexible usage terms, and pairing well with other forms of funding, RBF can help bridge the financing gap and support the growth of innovative SaaS companies. While it may not be suitable for every business, for many SaaS startups, RBF represents a lifeline in an increasingly challenging funding environment.
Learn more about Capchase Grow here.
*Crunchbase news: SaaS Startup Funding Falls from May 30,2024: https://news.crunchbase.com/saas/startup-funding-falls-2024-crm-path/
