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October 9, 2024
8 min read

Working capital: the guide for companies

All you need to know about working capital.

Working capital gives companies a quick assessment of how liquid and solvent they are. The figure is relevant for investments and financing – not only for established companies but also for startups.

Solvency, liquidity, cash flow, profitability: for companies, these are essential metrics helping them to check their financial health. It is the basis on which they drive growth and make investment decisions. An important indicator of this is working capital and the working capital ratio. 

In this article, you'll learn: 

  • What working capital is
  • How to calculate working capital
  • What the working capital formula is
  • How companies can use their working capital to make financing decisions

re:cap_Working Capital
Facts about working capital.

Definition: what is working capital?

Working capital is the difference between a company’s current assets (cash, receivables, inventory) and its current liabilities (payables, debt). It shows how much liquidity a business has for day-to-day operations – a snapshot of short-term financial health. Found on the balance sheet, it’s also called net current assets.

Understand working capital

Working capital is a key indicator of a company’s short-term liquidity and solvency. It shows how well a company can meet immediate debts using its most liquid assets. Positive working capital means the company can invest in growth. Negative working capital signals trouble: the business may struggle with growth, repaying creditors, or even staying afloat. But it’s more than that. Working capital can also serve as a financing tool.

How much working capital a company needs depends on its industry, company size, and risk. Sectors with long production cycles need more working capital due to slow inventory turnover. In contrast, large retailers, with fast-moving sales, often need less.

Working capital formula and calculation of working capital

The formula for calculating working capital is: Current Assets – Current Liabilities.

It describes which parts of current assets can generate short-term revenue and are not debt-financed. Generally, these are inventories and receivables.

 

Working capital ratio

To calculate their working capital ratio (liquidity ratio), companies must set their current assets in relation to current liabilities. 

The formula is: Current Assets / Current Liabilities.

A ratio of more than 1 indicates that current assets exceed current liabilities. Usually, companies want to achieve that.

Current assets include:

  • Inventories, like raw materials, supplies, auxiliary materials, finished and unfinished goods, and merchandise.
  • Accounts receivables that are converted into revenue within 12 months or one balance sheet year.
  • Securities
  • Cash and cash equivalents from bank balances and open checks.

Current liabilities include:

  • Short-term loans from a bank (< 12 months)
  • Overdraft facility

In general, current liabilities include all liabilities with a remaining term of one year or less. They must be paid within this period.

Example calculation working capital

  • The balance sheet total is €2.2 million. 
  • The current assets total €800,000.
  • The current liabilities amount to €600,00.

re:cap_Working Capital
A simplified example on how to calculate working capital.

The example calculation shows a working capital of €200,000 and a working capital ratio of 1.3 or 130%. Both key figures are calculated as follows:

Working capital

€800,000 Current assets

– €600,000 Current liabilities 

= €200,000 Working Capital

Working capital ratio

€800,000 current assets / €600,000 current liabilities = 1.33

The company has positive working capital, which indicates good liquidity.

Quick and easy calculation

Calculating working capital is simple compared to other balance sheet figures. It gives companies a quick initial indication of how financially healthy they are. 

However, working capital only sheds light on the short-term financial situation. Long-term liabilities are not taken into account. They need further calculations. These include, for example, calculating the equity and debt ratio or the debt-equity ratio. 

Net working capital

Net working capital identifies which part of a company's assets is part of short-term revenue generation and is not financed by debt.

The formula for calculating net working capital is current assets – current liabilities – cash and cash equivalents.

The importance of working capital for companies

Operational efficiency

Efficient working capital management ensures that a company has sufficient cash flow to meet its short-term obligations and operating expenses. It helps in maintaining smooth operations without interruptions, which is crucial for sustaining business activities and avoiding financial distress.

Solvency and creditworthiness

Maintaining an optimal level of working capital is vital for a company's solvency and creditworthiness. Investors often assess a company's working capital to evaluate its financial health and ability to meet short-term obligations. A robust working capital position enhances a company's reputation and can lead to better borrowing terms.

Profitability and growth

Effective working capital management can directly impact a company's profitability and growth. By optimizing the levels of receivables, payables, and inventory, companies can reduce financing costs, enhance cash flow, and reinvest in growth opportunities. It allows businesses to take advantage of favorable market conditions and invest in new projects or expansion plans.

Working capital as a financing instrument

Traditional financing methods, such as long-term loans and equity financing, are often used for significant capital expenditures and long-term investments. However, working capital financing is specifically designed to address short-term liquidity needs. It provides companies with the flexibility to manage day-to-day operations, respond to unexpected expenses, and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Types of working capital financing

There are several types of working capital financing options available to companies, each with its own advantages and considerations:

  1. Trade credit: it's a financing method where suppliers allow companies to purchase goods or services on credit, deferring payment for a specified period. This effectively acts as an interest-free loan and is widely used in various industries.
  2. Short-term loans: these are loans with a maturity period of less than one year. They provide quick access to funds for immediate needs and are often used to bridge temporary cash flow gaps.
  3. Lines of credit: a credit line is a flexible financing arrangement that allows companies to borrow up to a predetermined limit as needed. Interest is only charged on the amount borrowed, making it an attractive option for managing fluctuating working capital requirements.
  4. Invoice financing: invoice financing (or factoring) involves selling or pledging accounts receivable to a third party (factor) at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. It helps companies unlock the value tied up in receivables and improve cash flow.
  5. Inventory financing: inventory financing allows companies to use their inventory as collateral to secure a loan. This type of financing is beneficial for businesses with significant inventory investments and helps them access funds without selling assets.

Benefits of working capital financing

Enhanced liquidity

Working capital financing improves liquidity by providing quick access to funds needed for day-to-day operations. This ensures that companies can meet their short-term obligations, pay suppliers on time, and avoid disruptions in business activities.

Flexibility

Unlike long-term loans, working capital financing options offer greater flexibility in terms of borrowing amounts and repayment schedules. Companies can adjust their financing needs based on seasonal variations, business cycles, and unexpected expenses.

Cost efficiency

Many working capital financing options, such as trade credit and lines of credit, are cost-effective compared to long-term debt or equity financing. They often come with lower interest rates and fees, reducing the overall cost of capital.

Improved cash flow

By optimizing the management of receivables, inventory, and payables, working capital financing helps improve cash flow. This enables companies to reinvest in growth opportunities, reduce reliance on external financing, and enhance profitability.

Challenges of working capital financing

Credit risk

Extending credit to customers or relying on trade credit exposes companies to the risk of non-payment or delayed payments. Proper credit assessments and monitoring are essential to mitigate this risk.

Interest rate risk

Short-term loans and lines of credit often come with variable interest rates. Fluctuations in interest rates can increase borrowing costs, impacting profitability. Companies need to manage this risk through interest rate hedging or by negotiating fixed-rate terms.

Inventory risk

Using inventory as collateral for financing carries the risk of inventory obsolescence or value depreciation. Companies must ensure that inventory management practices are robust and that collateral valuations are regularly updated.

Strategies for working capital financing

Forecasting and planning

Accurate forecasting of cash flows, receivables, and payables is crucial for effective working capital management. Companies should use historical data, market trends, and financial modeling to anticipate financing needs and plan accordingly.

Diversifying financing sources

Relying on a single source of working capital financing can be risky. Companies should diversify their financing sources by combining trade credit, short-term loans, lines of credit, and other instruments to ensure a stable and flexible funding base.

Negotiating favorable terms

Negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, lenders, and other stakeholders can significantly impact the cost and availability of working capital financing. Companies should leverage their creditworthiness and market position to secure better terms and conditions.

Implementing technology solutions

Adopting technology solutions such as automated invoicing, electronic payment systems, and inventory management software can streamline working capital processes, reduce administrative costs, and improve efficiency.

The meaning of working capital

Working capital tells us something about how liquid a company is. It provides initial answers to the following questions:

  • Can I meet my short-term liabilities from my funds? 
  • How well prepared is my company for times of economic crisis?
  • Can I handle a drop in revenue well or not?
  • If my business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, can I compensate for them? 
  • Am I in a position to finance further growth?
  • How well positioned is my company to receive fresh external capital?
  • How much capital is tied up in the company?

Consequences of positive working capital

Positive working capital helps a company to service its short-term liabilities from its resources. It can react to short-term costs and drive expansion and growth - either alone or with the help of third-party financing. Depending on the extent, companies can bridge even difficult economic times.

Consequences of negative working capital

If working capital is negative, the company needs external funds (equity or debt capital) to service its short-term liabilities. This can be an initial indicator that there are structural problems. Liquidity problems and payment difficulties may arise in the future.

Working capital that is too high

However, some companies want to avoid having too much working capital. It is because it indicates that too many funds are tied up, and profitability is suffering as a result. 

In that case, idle capital cannot be used for investments and growth projects. It does not add value in the long term. A sign of too much working capital is excessive inventories or large amounts in bank accounts.

Working capital assessment depends on the industry

A working capital analysis and its implications must consider the industry and market in which a company operates. If a business is subject to seasonal fluctuations (e.g., construction or gardening and landscaping), it is common for working capital to fluctuate significantly.

Such companies need to prepare appropriate measures: in months when revenues are high, they need to build up enough working capital to finance the months when revenues are low. Why? During these phases, companies still have to pay rent and salaries.

Distinguishing between working capital and liquidity

"Working capital" and "liquidity" should not be used synonymously. Although there is a connection, working capital should rather be seen as a reference point for evaluating a company's potential liquidity. It is not an exact measure.

Components of working capital

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is the most liquid asset and the primary component of working capital. Cash equivalents are short-term investments that are readily convertible to cash with minimal risk of value change. Managing cash efficiently involves ensuring that there is enough cash to meet immediate needs while investing surplus cash to generate returns.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable represent the money owed to the company by its customers for goods or services delivered. Managing receivables involves setting credit policies, monitoring collections, and reducing the time it takes to convert receivables into cash. Effective receivables management minimizes the risk of bad debts and improves cash flow.

Inventory

Inventory management is crucial for maintaining the balance between having sufficient stock to meet customer demand and minimizing holding costs. Techniques such as just-in-time (JIT) inventory and economic order quantity (EOQ) help optimize inventory levels, reduce carrying costs, and prevent stockouts or overstock situations.

Accounts payable

Accounts payable are the amounts a company owes to its suppliers for goods or services purchased on credit. Efficient payables management involves negotiating favorable payment terms, taking advantage of discounts for early payments, and ensuring timely payments to maintain good supplier relationships and credit ratings.

Working capital management

Now we know what working capital is, how it is calculated, and what influences the working capital ratio. But what if a company wants to improve its working capital? 

Then working capital management (WCM) can help. 

It describes how companies can influence their working capital. WCM relates to securing and optimizing liquidity. It enables companies to cover their short-term costs and liabilities. 

Working capital management strengthens financial stability 

Companies strengthen their financial stability through active working capital management. It can lead to higher profitability and company valuation

Efficient WCM also expands the scope for potential investments and provides an initial indication of how extensive these need to be. Startups in particular can use these measures to make themselves more attractive to investors in preparation for financing rounds.  

Three factors have a significant influence on working capital: receivables, liabilities, and inventories.

re:cap_Working Capital
The three elements of working capital management.

Factors that influence working capital

Receivables

Many outstanding receivables and long payment terms affect working capital. Companies should use working capital management to ensure a smooth collection of receivables to avoid long payment terms. Both affect their liquidity. 

If a company has to wait a long time for the payment of its invoices, it provides upfront payments. This puts a strain on its cash flow as the funds are tied up elsewhere. This restricts the financial scope for action. One solution to this can be working capital financing using factoring.

A company should consider the following points when dealing with receivables: 

  • Short payment terms I: The longer the customer's payment terms, the higher the level of receivables and the greater the risk of default on a receivable.
  • Short payment terms II: If you receive your money quickly, you directly improve your cash flow. 
  • Comprehensive assessment of creditworthiness: To keep payment defaults to a minimum, customers should undergo detailed due diligence.
  • Efficient collection system: This helps to reduce the amount of losses on receivables. 

Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)

One key figure to receivables is Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). It measures how long a company needs to collect receivables from outstanding invoices. A high DSO can state problems in receivables management. It offer a starting point for improvements.

Liabilities

As current liabilities directly impact working capital, companies should aim to keep them as low as possible. It can also be an expression of high margins and profits. 

However, companies should not just start converting short-term liabilities into long-term liabilities. This is because long-term interest obligations affect a company's liquidity – especially in an environment of rising interest rates. 

To improve working capital management, discounts or other reductions positively influence liabilities. 

Days Payable Outstanding (DPO)

When it comes to liabilities, companies can use Days Payable Outstanding (DPO). It indicates how long it takes a company to pay third parties. A high value indicates a delay in payments. 

A quick repayment leads to a better cash flow. If a company is too pushy in collecting its payable outstanding, it can lead to difficult relationships with suppliers or service providers. This can be a disadvantage in negotiations.

Inventories

For traditional retail companies, e-commerce, or manufacturing companies, inventory management is a way of improving their working capital. 

Excessive inventory levels tie up a lot of capital. Stock levels that are too low can lead to delivery bottlenecks and delays. 

Companies want to avoid both scenarios. It is important to build up and manage an inventory that is stable in value and able to meet ongoing customer demand. The evaluation of the annual inventory is an indicator of an efficient warehouse management.

Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO)

One key figure for this is Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO). It describes how many days it takes on average for warehouse goods to be sold. It shows how efficiently a company can convert its stock into sales – depending on the sales cycle.

Conclusion: working capital for companies

Working capital is not just a measure of a company's short-term financial health but also a powerful financing instrument that can drive business growth and sustainability.

With working capital financing, companies receive short-term fresh liquidity to settle liabilities, make investments, or improve their cash flow. This is particularly interesting for fast-growing companies.

When financing working capital, companies can access a variety of instruments. Usually, those are tied to debt capital. Depending on the industry and business model, companies can consider the following forms:

Companies have increasingly turned their attention to working capital in recent years. They have also found new ways of debt financing as a result.

FAQs

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How do SaaS companies work?

SaaS stands for Software-as-a-Service and refers to a licensing and distribution model by which companies offer software solutions online as a service.

What growth stages do SaaS companies go through?

After the preparatory early-stage phase, the product goes live, becomes better known, and establishes itself in the market, before the customer base ideally expands significantly and finally either a company sale, a merger, or further growth takes place.

Why is revenue financing ideal for SaaS companies?

In the important second growth phase, when SaaS companies are already on the market and generating recurring revenue, revenue financing provides flexible SaaS funding based on the ARR without dilution or loss of control.

What is ARR?

ARR refers to annual recurring revenue. Specifically, in the subscription economy, ARR refers to the annual value of regular revenue generated through subscriptions.

What does ACV mean?

ACV stands for Annual Contract Value and in a SaaS business, it refers to the average annual value of a subscription - i.e., the holistic contract value excluding one-time fees divided by the contract term in years.

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What is a corporate loan?

As a counterpart to the personal loan, the corporate loan serves entrepreneurial purposes - as a short-term cash injection for liquidity needs or as an investment for long-term growth. Entrepreneurs use the borrowed capital, for example, for new personnel, a larger office, marketing, better hardware, or the company's establishment.

What kind of business loans are there?

A short-term business loan runs for a few months or years, while a long-term loan runs for several years. If a company needs capital quickly, an overdraft is an excellent short-term loan financing option - there are not many conditions to be met for this, as the principle is similar to an overdraft.

What are the providers of business loans?

There are many providers of business loans. Three overriding types come into focus:
- via the principal bank
- state-subsidized
- digital solutions
The first way is via the branch banks. The options are diverse, whether long-term or short-term credit, investment or working capital credit, just like the linked conditions. Subsidized corporate loans are also run through the house bank, but regional or nationwide development banks (such as KfW) are involved here.
Modern solutions come from FinTechs that specialize in smart financing. Whether credit or alternative, this is where startups and large companies meet technology-savvy innovators of the digital age.

What is the advantage of corporate loans?

A corporate loan is usually available quickly. In addition, because it is debt financing, founders do not have to give up control as well as company shares and do not have to share profits with lenders.

What is the disadvantage of business loans?

Business loans come with interest and are often tied to a specific purpose, so entrepreneurs are limited in how they can use the capital. It is also usually a restrictive concept with strict repayment terms, warrants, and very little flexibility - which is why many companies are looking for a suitable loan alternative.

How do credit and loans differ?

Some refer to short-term financial assistance and a smaller amount as a loan and to longer terms and higher capital as a loan. However, the terms are usually used interchangeably.

What are the interest rates on corporate loans?

They can be less than 1% or in the double digits. The credit rating determines this: the higher the risk class, the higher the interest rates. The amount of capital, term and any collateral also determine the interest rate. Therefore, it is always a good idea to compare different corporate loans.

Who grants corporate loans?

Companies can obtain the traditional loan from their principal bank - a government subsidy via federal or regional development banks is also possible. Modern variants come from FinTechs, which use technology-driven solutions for smart financing.

What are the alternatives to corporate loans?

Various financing solutions work with equity and debt. With equity financing such as venture capital, founders lose valuable company shares and often have to give a say. A particularly smart alternative to corporate loans and equity financing is non-dilutive, non-restrictive and very flexible turnover financing.

What is the best credit alternative?

There is no all-comprising answer to this question, as financing is always an individual solution. However, recurring revenue financing is increasingly establishing itself as a particularly attractive and popular alternative to loans and equity financing.

What makes re:cap stand out as an alternative to loans?

With re:cap, SaaS companies can obtain growth capital very easily and quickly - up to 50% of ARR. The innovative funding works with planned revenues and also flexibly aligns repayments accordingly. In addition to on-demand financing, re:cap offers valuable insights and benchmarks on request.

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What does debt financing mean?

In debt financing, companies receive a certain amount of money from an external investor. The company holds the debt capital for a limited period and must be repaid - usually with interest and within a fixed time duration.

What does debt capital include?

Debt capital includes typical liabilities of a company, such as loans, bonds, and provisions, as well as unique forms like deferred income.

What are examples of debt financing?

There are various types of debt financing, which can basically be divided into short-term and long-term debt. Unique and mixed forms are also possible - examples:
- Short-term: overdraft, trade credit, acceptance credit
- Long-term: promissory note loans, bonds, long-term bank loans
- Special form: leasing, factoring, asset-backed securities
- Mixed form: mezzanine as a mix of equity and debt financing

What is short-term debt capital?

Short-term debt capital is provided to companies for a short period of time - repayment usually takes place within a few months. Such capital is primarily used to meet short-term liquidity needs.

What is long-term debt?

Long-term debt capital is provided to companies for a longer period of time - repayment usually occurs within several years. The capital is used for investments.

What is the difference between equity and debt financing?

From the perspective of the capital providers, it is primarily a question of liability because, in the case of equity financing, capital providers are liable for entrepreneurial activities. In return, they usually receive a share and benefit directly from the profits. Because founders relinquish shares and entrepreneurial control, this is referred to as a dilutive type of financing. This is not the case with debt financing, which involves interest and is generally more restrictive.

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How can I finance my startup?

From bank loans to private savings to equity financing: There are many ways to finance a startup - through external providers and your own capital. As a novel and popular solution, so-called revenue financing is also becoming more and more established in Germany.

Which companies fund startups?

In addition to investment companies from the venture capital segment, there are innovative FinTech companies such as re:cap. They innovate to create modern funding solutions. re:cap enables companies in the subscription economy to trade future revenues for on-demand, non-dilutive capital. Fast, transparent and easy.

Who is startup funding with re:cap suitable for?

The funding solution from re:cap is specifically aimed at subscription companies that reach a growing customer base with their already launched product and generate predictable, recurring revenues. In addition, the legal entity must be at least partially located in the EU.

How quickly can I get startup funding?

As long as you are within your financing limit, you can access new funds as often as you like. The financing limit will be increased based on the growth of your business and the track record on the re:cap platform.
The funding will typically arrive in your bank accounts within two business days once it gets approved.

FAQs

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What is working capital?

Working capital is also called operating working capital. It is the difference between current assets and current liabilities and, as a balance sheet ratio, provides information on companies' capital stock and financial strength.

What does working capital tell us?

The working capital figure shows which funds are tied up in regular company operations - it can also be used to determine whether working capital financing is necessary.

Is high working capital good or bad?

A positive value shows that current assets can cover current liabilities - this is important in terms of the golden rule of the balance sheet. A negative value conveys a risk, because affected companies are considered to be illiquid. This can lead to financial bottlenecks.

Can working capital be too high?

The question of working capital levels is answered differently depending on the company or business model - especially across industries. However, working capital levels that are too high often indicate that working capital is being used less wisely and that too much cash is being tied up.

What are examples of working capital?

In business management, working capital is usually indirect and long-term goods that companies need for their products and services. A distinction is made between tangible resources, such as warehouse and office space, and intangible ones, such as licenses.

How does working capital financing work?

Working capital financing allows companies to increase their working capital and generate positive value. It provides them with short-term cash to pay liabilities or make investments.

What are the different working capital options?

Working capital financing is multifaceted. Depending on the industry and business model, various types may therefore be considered, such as drawing on the credit line, receivables credit, factoring, and inventory lending. Increasingly popular are alternative solutions such as non-dilutive and non-restrictive sales-based financing.

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What is a convertible loan?

The definition of a convertible loan is simple: it is a normal loan in which the company does not repay the borrowed amount after the expiration of the term, but converts it into company shares. It is therefore technically a combination of both equity and debt.

How does a convertible loan work?

The following scenario is a typical example of a convertible loan: A company receives capital with a predefined interest rate. The parties agree on a term and also a discount on the company's shares, which acts as a risk compensation. At the end of the term, the investor receives the shares in the amount of the convertible loan plus interest - so-called qualified capital for the company.

How high are convertible loans?

Usually, convertible loans are around 100,000€ - but they can also be up to 400,000€ and more. To collect as much capital as possible, start-ups often arrange several convertible loans with different investors.

What should a convertible loan agreement regulate?

In principle, there is freedom of contract here - a convertible loan agreement is therefore not subject to any legal rules. The following components are the basis: the amount of the loan, the interest rate and discount, and the term. In addition, some parties agree on a cap (maximum valuation) or a floor (minimum valuation). Subordination is also included in many convertible loan agreements.

What is an alternative to the convertible loan?

Founders can obtain convertible loans quickly and easily and use them flexibly. These advantages also characterize re:cap's convertible financing. However, convertible financing involves giving away shares. This is not the case with re:cap's solution, which is non-dilutive funding for sustainable growth. Therefore, it is an ideal alternative to the convertible loan.

FAQs

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Is crowdfunding free of charge?

No. In case of success - i.e. if your project reaches its target budget - you pay platform and transaction fees between 4 and 12 percent to the crowdfunding platform. The exact amount depends on the platform. If your campaign fails, you pay nothing.

Why is crowdfunding so popular?

Crowdfunding brings many advantages. The fact that the legal form and creditworthiness of the project do not play a role in crowdfunding certainly plays a major role in its popularity. Thus, especially creative people and artists of all kinds, as well as non-profit initiatives, can collect money for their projects. The positive marketing effects, as well as customer proximity and loyalty, also ensure the good reputation of crowdfunding.

Who is crowdfunding suitable for?

Crowdfunding originates in the artistic sector for financing various creative projects in the fields of music, film, theater, and art. Today, however, it is also used by private individuals, non-profit organizations, and companies of all kinds - whether in the startup phase or as a boost in ongoing operations.

What are the different variants of crowdfunding?

There are four types of crowdfunding, which differ primarily in the consideration:
1) In equity based crowdfunding, investors receive returns on their investments.
2) In reward based crowdfunding, the initiators provide non-cash or intangible compensation for the investment.
3) In donation based crowdfunding, investors donate their contribution.
4) In lending based crowdfunding, the investors grant private loans with a fixed interest rate to the initiators.

How do I receive crowdfunding?

Whether you are a startup or a medium-sized company: crowdfunding can theoretically be 'applied for' by anyone. However, success depends on how many investors are convinced by the project. Anyone who wants to try their hand at crowdfunding must first create a campaign on one of the common crowdfunding platforms and advertise it on their own channels.

Does crowdfunding make sense?

Crowdfunding offers particularly many advantages for private, non-profit, and creative projects - or as a supplement to public funding. In addition, crowdfunding can be particularly worthwhile for early-stage startups that have largely completed their product development and now need fresh capital for growth. Young companies that want to test their business model or product can also benefit from the communication and participation of a crowdfunding campaign - providing an indicator for other forms of financing.

Is crowdfunding proprietary or debt financing?

Crowdfunding is financing based on debt capital. The capital provided comes from a large number of investors, mostly private individuals and companies - the so-called crowd or swarm. Hence the term 'crowd financing'.

What are the alternatives to crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is considered an alternative financing option, which is opposed by several common alternatives (or supplements). Among them are public funding, corporate credits, venture capital, or even founder competitions. Newer forms of financing, such as re:cap's recurring revenue financing, offer another alternative to crowdfunding.

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What is factoring?

The definition of factoring is simple: to quickly receive the money from open invoices and generate liquidity, companies hire a factor who settles the outstanding payments as an advance and takes over the accounts receivable management. It is therefore a sale of receivables.

How does the selling receivables work?

The factor checks the verity of the invoice and the creditworthiness and default risk of the debtor. Then the factor pays the majority of the outstanding invoice amount to the contracting company, usually within 48 hours. After the factor has collected the receivable from the debtor, the company receives the remaining gross amount that the factor has retained as security.

What types of factoring are there?

Anyone interested in factoring should take a closer look at their options because there are differences. In recourse factoring, the factor bears the full risk of default. Less secure - from the point of view of the selling company - is non-recourse, in which there is no protection against bad debts. If companies do not want their customers to know about factoring, they can choose the silent option.

What are the risks involved in factoring?

Since there is a large number of factoring companies, companies can quickly end up with a provider whose credit rating itself is weak. However, the performance of a factor is not always directly apparent. In the worst case, the assigned factor goes insolvent and the company loses a lot of money. In addition, some customers see it as a sign of mistrust if it is not the company providing the service that demands payment but a third party unknown to them - this could be circumvented by silent factoring.

What are the costs of factoring?

There is no single answer to this question because the fees are very opaque - based on various key business figures. In addition, the total costs are not only made up of a clearly defined factoring fee but of several items. Interest often accrues as well.

What are the most popular alternatives to factoring?

TexSince factoring is revenue-based financing, other revenue financing options are also great alternatives to factoring. This is also true for re:cap's solution - it is tailor-made for companies with a subscription business model that generate predictable, recurring revenue.t

FAQs

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What are venture capital alternatives?

Venture capital is not suitable at all times - and not for every type of company. Common alternatives are:
- Venture debt (hybrid debt financing),
- Founder competitions,
- Government subsidies
- or alternative forms of financing,such as crowdfunding.
Companies with subscription business models can also exchange their future revenues for immediately available capital - with re:cap financing.

When is venture capital worthwhile?

Generally for founders and entrepreneurs in the growth phase. But not every startup is attractive to investors. Venture capital funding is worthwhile when the business idea is innovative, the sales argument is clearly recognizable, and the founding team is convincing. In addition, the market must promise growth.

How do I get venture capital?

Private venture capitalists, also known as business angels, and so-called venture capital companies provide equity capital. But not just like that. If you want to go into fundraising, you have to be convincing. Prerequisites are a watertight pitch, a realistic understanding of the current company valuation, the amount of capital needed and the time frame in which the capital is needed.

How does venture capital work?

Venture capital is a form of private equity financing in which venture capital companies provide capital to promising unlisted companies in exchange for a stake in the company. Those who want to grow their company with venture capital must first contact investors and convince them of the company's merits.

How long does venture capital take?

Often several months pass between the start of fundraising and the receipt of venture capital. The pitch only follows after the founding team has identified potential investors. Afterward, the company is preliminarily reviewed by the potential investors. If this goes well, a term sheet is signed, followed by due diligence. The capital will flow only when the investment documentation has been completed.
If you can't or don't want to wait that long, you can look for alternative forms of financing like the one offered by re:cap. With re:cap you can bridge the time to the next round and thus, optimize the upcoming financing round. At the same time, this increases your options when looking for investors.

FAQs

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What is alternative financing?

These are forms of financing that companies can use as an alternative to established models such as loans - they are often modern solutions that are quickly and easily available digitally.

What are the different types of alternative financing?

The market for alternative financing options is growing, so companies can already choose a model that suits them individually. The better-known ones include convertible loans, factoring, crowdfunding, and venture debt. Alternative debt instruments, including recurring revenue financing or revenue-based financing, which have been successfully established in the U.S., are still rather new in Germany but becoming increasingly well-known and popular.