In The Face of Increasing Tariff-induced Uncertainty, Growth-stage Startups are Finding Refuge in Venture Debt
In the turbulent world of technology startups, the journey from idea to IPO can often seem like a daring roller-coaster ride. The uncertainty of the marketplace and the challenge of securing steady funding can render any startup gevulnerable. Enter a new nemesis: tariff-induced volatility, which is sending shockwaves through the world of growth-stage startups. The impact of trade restrictions and their ensuing commercial uncertainty have made the game more complex than ever.
Traditionally, these fledgling enterprises would be firmly in the crosshairs of venture capitalists offering equity funding in return for a slice of the company. However, the current incessant economic oscillations caused by tariff disruptions has led many startups to traverse unchartered territory: venture debt.
In light of the ongoing trade battles and the unpredictability this brings, a growing number of growth-stage startups are looking at venture debt with renewed interest. Pryed away from the allure of venture capital by the promise of retaining control and avoiding dilution of ownership, they are finding refuge in this yet unexplored method of financing.
Overall, the journey might remain a roller-coaster ride, but with venture debt now in their arsenal, startups may well find they’ve added some much-needed ballast in the face of the gale of tariff-induced volatility.
- •Tariff-induced volatility is pushing even more growth-stage startups to venture debt pitchbook.com24-04-2025