Planning for venture funding in India and the road ahead


1

I worked for few government organizations on contractual basis for four years. They were my premium customers for custom software applications. After freelancing for these many years and learning from my own mistakes, I want to get rid of this freelancing term and want to start a new company. In these years of freelancing, I felt a need for a basic office setup because officers of these organizations often desired a meeting in my office. This is also a main reason to get funding.

The other reason is that now I want to proceed seriously with focus on products and services. I want to register a company name and also want to convert it to Private Limited. I want a product line for specific domains and services that I am already rendering to government organizations.

I contacted few banks and learned about the variety of new schemes for startups. I want to know how venture funding differs from such bank loans for startups. At present I have not decided the product line. I want to know whether venture capitalists fund any startup that is at present giving services only and plan to grow? How should I prepare for the road ahead?

Funding India Venture Capital

asked Apr 21 '11 at 23:33
Blank
Rpk
208 points
Get up to $750K in working capital to finance your business: Clarify Capital Business Loans

1 Answer


4

You asked how venture funding differs from bank loans, which looks like the only part of your question that we're capable of answering, so I'll start there.

Normally, they are completely different because a VC purchases equity in your company and a bank gives you a loan. The bank does not own any part of your business, but the loan must be paid back, and there is likely collateral via your business or personal finances for that loan. VC funding through an equity purchase is not a loan. Your company receives money in exchange for shares in your company. However, this investment usually comes with a board seat and the right to get their money back first in the event of liquidation.

There is also convertible debt, which is basically a loan from VCs that can "convert" into an equity investment if you take investment later (or you can pay it back like a loan).

answered Apr 22 '11 at 04:31
Blank
Michael Pryor
2,250 points
  • Few of the banks have scheme where I have to start paying from my profit after three years. Till three years, I don't have to pay anything to the bank. – Rpk 13 years ago
  • @rohit need more info. if you have no profit, you don't have to repay the loan? or somehow they want dividends from your profits? that's not a loan. – Michael Pryor 13 years ago

Your Answer

  • Bold
  • Italic
  • • Bullets
  • 1. Numbers
  • Quote
Not the answer you're looking for? Ask your own question or browse other questions in these topics:

Funding India Venture Capital