We launched back in March with an expensive hardware product. For the first wave of manufacturing we needed some financial outsource so we got a 300K USD loan from an individual. We have had a good amount of sales, and now in order to speed up the process of manufacturing and scale we need a big cheque from the VC's. Now the question is, will that loan be a negative point for us? Or they will look at the process and the time to cashflow-positivity? We need to return the loan 6 months from now.
It's certainly not unusual to see debt on the balance sheet when we look at opportunities. I wouldn't let it hold up your process of trying to find additional new investors, as it can usually be worked around to all parties satisfaction. Having said that - a specific answer to your question would depend on a number of things, including the payback terms, cash on the balance sheet, amount you intend to raise, strength of the underlying business etc. VC's will not fund you $500K just to have $300K walk out the door in 6 months for example. Have you considered having your debt holder convert to equity along with the new investors?
Answered 9 years ago
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