Every startup founder faces the same fundamental challenge: how to make the most out of limited resources. In the early stages, you need to move fast, test ideas quickly, and keep costs under control. But here's the paradox: while cutting costs is essential, skimping on your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can actually cost you more in the long run. The post How Much Does an MVP Cost? A Founder’s Guide to Smart Spending in Early-Stage Startups first appeared on ASPER BROTHERS.| ASPER BROTHERS
Convertible notes are a popular funding tool because they’re fast, flexible, and keep your startup moving when traction is building but valuation debates feel premature. Here’s a founder-friendly guide to the most common questions about convertible notes.| Lighter Capital
We field a lot of questions from SaaS founders about raising convertible and priced equity rounds in their early stages. We’re here to help you answer the most frequently asked question.| Lighter Capital
When your startup is fresh out of the garage with little more than a pitch deck and a dream, valuing your company can feel like signing up to run a marathon without any preparation. That’s why convertible debt remains popular among early-stage startups and investors| Lighter Capital
The SaaS market in 2025 is a different beast than it was even three years ago, and it’s raised the bar significantly for SaaS entrepreneurs. Capital is more expensive, investors are more selective, fundraising rounds are smaller, AI can’t be an afterthought, and proof of capital efficiency is required.| Lighter Capital
For SaaS founders, especially those balancing growth and capital efficiency, VC 3.0 presents both challenges and abundant opportunities. Find out what VC 3.0 is, how fundraising has changed, and what founders need to know to adapt and succeed.| Lighter Capital
Like financial nitroglycerin—powerful, fast, and volatile—short-term financing solutions may get your startup through a cash crunch, but they can easily trap you in a cycle of expensive debt. A recent SBA rule change (effective June 2025) closes off a major escape route startups once had for MCA loans and factoring debt. What can founders do now to offload expensive debt and keep growing?| Lighter Capital
2024 marked a record-breaking year for U.S. venture debt deals, which reached $53.3 billion in investments. According to PitchBook’s NVCA Venture Monitor, the dramatic increase in venture debt funding—up 94% from 2023—was driven by evolving venture capital (VC) dynamics.| Lighter Capital
Short-term financing—a loan that's paid back in 12 months or less—often attracts startup founders looking for lower capital costs and quick access to cash, but those benefits can fade quickly if the loan terms don’t line up with what the business needs. How do you know if short-term debt can help your SaaS business grow without adding unnecessary risk and costs? Start here.| Lighter Capital
As the Trump administration claws back money for sustainable modes, states have a big opportunity to fill the gap.| usa.streetsblog.org
More oversight for the funds created was the key to get SB 63 to the Assembly Floor.| cal.streetsblog.org
Explore the latest AI startup funding and investment trends, and learn alternative capital raising strategies for early-stage startups.| Lighter Capital
We walk you through everything you need to know to grow your SaaS business from idea to $50 million in annual revenue. Between building your product, your internal processes and your startup team, there are a lot of moving parts to manage to keep the business moving in the right direction. Here's what to do to complete the journey in 3 stages.| Lighter Capital
When you’re just beginning to build your startup, funding options are limited. Traditional banks won’t talk to you. VCs want to see traction; and angels want to see a great MVP. Debt financing isn't an option yet, because you don’t have revenue. And on the off chance that you can pique the interest of investors at this early stage, you’ll give up a large chunk of equity for their money. So what are your options?| Lighter Capital
Learn how to manage cash flow for your SaaS startup with our comprehensive guide that covers all the cash flow fundamentals.| Lighter Capital
Learn strategies for improving cash flow in your growing SaaS business and circumnavigate the challenges of startup funding.| Lighter Capital
If you’re considering raising equity at some point, learn what defines each startup funding round and how they work.| Lighter Capital
Follow these principles for building aggressive, yet realistic financial projections for your startup when raising capital from investors.| Lighter Capital
Explore non-dilutive funding for your startup, find out how to get it, and learn to evaluate its cost and value.| Lighter Capital
Learn to navigate startup equity dilution with our easy-to-follow guide. We show you how equity dilution works and how to assess its costs.| Lighter Capital
There comes a time in a startup's journey to success when entrepreneurs need to raise their first round of growth capital.When you first had that great idea, you may have raised money from friends and family or seed capital from angel investors to get your startup off the ground. What's next? Well, of course, it depends.Let’s make some assumptions on where you might be at this point, and then think about when and how you might want to raise a series A round to really grow your business.What...| Lighter Capital
Don't let opportunities pass you by! Check out these SaaS-friendly funding solutions to extend your runway and help your startup grow.| Lighter Capital
We guide you through the types of investors, where to find them, and how to effectively reach out and think like them.| ASPER BROTHERS
We’ve seen how debt can help and hurt a young startup. Learn how to recognize and avoid bad debt that could sink your startup.| Lighter Capital
SaaS startup financials often report cost of goods sold wrong, or don't account for it at all! Here's how to get it right.| Lighter Capital
Though VC funding can be the right fit for some startups, it’s important to ask yourself whether it’s the right fit for your startup.| Lighter Capital
