In this article, we gently want to remind you that startups that seek funding through FiBAN have the chance to get an excellent credit deal from our partner, Nordea. The idea was born from this simple question: How can we, as partners, better serve the startup ecosystem and make the funding process more straightforward for startups, business angels, and other key players?
Nordea offers conditional pre-approved credit decisions to startups who have gone through the FiBAN deal flow process and are selected to pitch at Pitch Finland. The credit approval depends on whether the equity round raises the required minimum amount of funds. The loan terms and conditions are determined in advance, case by case.
Equity and credit – the benefits of different funding combinations for startups
Combining debt and equity can help startups gather more funds to help grow their companies to the next level. Getting an approved credit decision will also help you establish trust: showing that a bank has qualified you is a good sign for investors.
The upside of debt compared to equity is that, naturally, debt won’t dilute your shares. This can, however, improve investors’ return on investment and accelerate the growth of companies. Having a pre-approved credit decision in your pocket is a positive signal to investors that your company is ready to be invested in and can speed up discussions. It also shows that you’re willing to take risks to make your entrepreneurship dream come true.
How to access the funding opportunity by Nordea?
- Apply for funding from FiBAN business angels at fiban.org/submit. One application covers both services. All FiBAN services for startups are free of charge.
- Be well prepared. It is crucial that you send all of the necessary information that FiBAN needs for pre-screening and that Nordea needs to make the credit decision.
- Once you’re approved to Pitch Finland, you can impress business angels with a pre-approved credit decision from Nordea in your pocket. The credit approval is conditional and is dependent on the equity round.
And a few bonus D’s, Dream, Do, Dare, and Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
More Information
Miikka Miettinen
Deal Flow Manager, FiBAN
Vesa Riihimäki
Head of Startup and Growth, Nordea
vesa.riihimaki@nordea.fi
