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Glossary Term
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Revenue-Based Financing

Definition

Revenue-based financing (RBF) is a form of funding where a business receives capital in exchange for a percentage of its future revenues over a specified period of time. Instead of taking equity in the company or charging a fixed interest rate like traditional loans, investors receive a predetermined share of the company’s revenue until a set repayment cap is reached. This financing model is often used by startups or small businesses, particularly those in growth stages, that prefer not to dilute ownership or take on traditional debt.

Relevance to the MedTech Industry

Revenue-based financing provides flexible funding for businesses, particularly those that have recurring revenues but may not qualify for traditional loans or venture capital. It allows businesses to access capital without giving up equity or taking on fixed debt obligations, making it an attractive option for companies with fluctuating or seasonal revenue streams. This model aligns the interests of both the business and the investor, as repayment is tied to the company’s performance.

Additional Information & Related Terms

Components of Revenue-Based Financing

  1. Repayment Percentage:

    • The percentage of the company’s revenue that will be paid to the investor each period. This percentage is typically fixed, though it can vary based on the agreement, and is based on a company’s projected or actual revenue.

    • Example: A medical device company agrees to repay 5% of its monthly revenue to the investor until the total amount of the loan and interest is repaid.

  2. Repayment Cap:

    • The total amount that the company will pay to the investor, often expressed as a multiple of the initial funding. For example, if a company borrows $500,000 with a 1.5x repayment cap, the total repayment would be $750,000.

    • Example: A medical startup uses RBF to raise $1 million and agrees to repay the investor $1.5 million over the course of the next few years as part of their repayment agreement.

  3. Revenue-Based Payments:

    • Payments are calculated based on the company’s monthly or quarterly revenues, meaning repayments fluctuate with the business’s performance. When revenue is higher, payments increase; when revenue is lower, payments decrease.


  4. Investment Duration:

    • The duration of the agreement can vary, typically ranging from one to five years. The repayment period is determined based on how quickly the company is expected to generate sufficient revenue to meet the repayment cap.



Related Terms

  • Equity Financing: A method of funding a business by selling shares or ownership stakes in exchange for capital.

  • Venture Capital (VC): A form of financing where investors provide capital to startups in exchange for equity, typically in high-risk, high-reward ventures.

  • Convertible Debt: A form of financing where a loan can be converted into equity in the future, offering a hybrid of debt and equity financing.

  • Debt Financing: A method of funding where businesses raise capital by borrowing, with fixed repayment terms and interest rates.

  • Revenue Sharing: A model in which revenue is distributed between two parties, often based on a percentage of sales or profits.

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