Accessing capital for investments is crucial for companies to fund growth. The key is sourcing capital on favorable terms that align with long-term business strategy. By reviewing different capital sources and investment structures, companies can make informed decisions that create sustainable value.

Evaluating flexibility and control retention in capital access
Many companies seek to retain control and flexibility when accessing external capital. Reviewing the tradeoffs with different funding sources can inform negotiations and structuring decisions. For instance, venture capital or private equity investors may require board seats or certain voting rights that limit entrepreneur control. However, their expertise and networks may accelerate growth. Carefully evaluating these dynamics can lead to win-win partnerships.
Assessing cost of capital differences across funding options
The cost of capital greatly impacts shareholder returns from investments. Bank loans or bonds often carry lower cost than equity issuances that dilute ownership. However, debt also introduces bankruptcy risks and cash flow obligations limiting future financing flexibility. Comparing short-term savings to long-term costs is an important part of reviews.
Reviewing investor synergies beyond purely financial returns
Some capital providers offer strategic expertise, industry relationships and geographic footholds alongside funding. For example, corporate venture arms and certain private equity firms specialize in specific sectors. Reviewing opportunities for operational synergies and commercial partnerships can enhance capital access negotiations.
Analyzing investor return requirements and exit timing horizons
Investor return expectations and desired exit timing horizons also inform capital access decisions. Angels, venture capitalists and private equity funds have different typical return thresholds and holding periods. If business growth projections cannot satisfy targeted returns in expected timeframes, accessing capital from those sources becomes challenging.
Reviewing flexibility, costs, synergies and return dynamics across funding options enables informed access to growth capital on favorable terms.