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Finance to scale your business

Venture and growth finance

Start. Disrupt. Scale. Succeed.

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What is venture and growth finance?

The UK’s Innovation Economy is powered by ambitious founders and businesses developing breakthrough ideas, creating new markets, and transforming established industries.

At NatWest, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of high-growth businesses. From AI and deep tech to life sciences, fintech and beyond, we understand the opportunities and challenges that come with building and scaling innovative companies.

Scaling a business requires access to the right capital at the right time. For venture-backed companies, equity isn’t always the only answer. As businesses grow, founders need flexible funding solutions that complement their equity investment, support their ambitions, and help them make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Our venture debt solutions are designed to support ambitious, high-growth companies with flexible financing that can extend cash runway, accelerate expansion, and provide additional capital between equity rounds or on the path to profitability.

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Finance is subject to status. Security may be required. Product fees may apply.

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How it works

NatWest’s Venture Debt product is a flexible debt finance solution for companies at the scale-up stage.  The product is targeted towards the specific needs of high-growth UK technology enabled companies, which have already secured the backing of institutional Venture Capital investors.

Venture Debt augments an equity fundraising, providing a lower cost source of capital to fund a range of business development objectives. Most borrowers will be targeting a transition to sustainable profitability over the term of the facility. 

Eligible borrowers can often achieve a higher debt quantum and a more flexible facility through our Venture Debt facilities than other early-stage debt products, such as, for example, invoice finance or revenue-linked facilities. 

As a debt instrument, we provide Venture Debt over a defined period with an interest cost payable monthly throughout the term and repayment of the principal made over the life. The loan is senior-ranking, meaning that it is repaid first with security over the company’s assets. 

At NatWest, we understand high-growth businesses and as a result we aim to offer as much flexibility as possible. This includes, amongst other things, the ability to offer revolving credit facilities in addition to more standard term loans.

How borrowers benefit

No loss of control

Unlike equity and some debt investors, NatWest doesn’t seek any control over your business or representation on your board.

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Lower cost capital

The all-in cost of debt to drive business growth is materially less than new equity, which helps ensure the most efficient funding mix whilst boosting the return to equity investors.

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Faster time to raise

The transaction process for Venture Debt typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks, considerably less than what is usually required for an equity raise.

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Strong bank partner

NatWest’s support for Venture Debt borrowers extends beyond a single debt transaction. With a sector-specialist relationship manager at your side and access to tailored support from product specialists across the bank, we’re focussed on accelerating your business growth.

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Why choose NatWest?

Unmatched experience and scale: as the UK’s biggest bank for business, we bring deep sector expertise and a proven track record of supporting high-growth companies across technology and software, fintech, life sciences, consumer and retail, and climatetech.

Tailored solutions for high-growth businesses: our venture debt product is designed specifically for VC-backed, UK-based companies. Whether you're early-stage, scaling up, or preparing for IPO, we offer flexible financing that evolves with your business.

Efficient, non-dilutive capital: venture debt complements equity funding, providing a lower-cost alternative that preserves ownership and boosts returns for existing investors.

Speed and simplicity: our streamlined process typically completes within 6 to 12 weeks—significantly faster than equity fundraising—so you can focus on growth, not paperwork.

Relationship-driven support with NatWest: you gain more than a lender—you gain a strategic partner. Our sector-specialist relationship managers and product experts are committed to helping you scale with confidence.

Our venture and growth finance team

To find out more about our venture and growth finance and how we could support your high-growth business, contact us today.

Email Ruari Phillips

Head of Venture & Growth Finance

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Related solutions

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Security may be required. Subject to status and eligibility criteria. Fees apply. You must hold a business current account with NatWest.

Invoice financing services are provided by RBS Invoice Finance Limited. Any property or asset used as security may be repossessed or forfeited if you do not keep up repayments on any debt secured on it.

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Looking for fresh perspectives?

Visit our insights hub to explore the latest thinking from our specialists on the bond markets, currency trends, sustainable finance and what’s ahead this year and beyond.

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