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SaaS · Platform · App · Early-Stage Tech

Business Loan for
Tech Startup

Name: Mortgagefy
Address: Sydney, NSW, AU
Telephone: +61432634648
Price range: Free

By the Mortgagefy Team · Credit Rep 532656 of ACL 348324 · Published 2026-10-15 · Last reviewed 2026-10-15

Non-dilutive capital options for tech startups beyond equity rounds - revenue-based financing, convertible debt, government-backed loans and venture debt.

Start Your Free Assessment 0432 634 648

Free Business & Commercial Assessment

Takes under 3 minutes. We'll match you with the right lender for your situation.

Who this is for

Early-stage tech founders who want capital that doesn't dilute - whether to extend runway, bridge to a round, or fund growth between funding events.

SaaS or platform business with first revenue
Post-seed, pre-Series A looking to extend runway
Between funding rounds, want to raise at higher valuation later
Have recurring revenue (even small) that supports lending
Government R&D tax incentive refund in the pipeline
Avoiding dilution if growth metrics are strong

The real challenge

Early-stage tech startups rarely fit mainstream business lending criteria - no plant, limited trading history, often loss-making while they invest in growth. But if you have recurring revenue, R&D tax incentive refunds coming, or venture backing already, non-dilutive capital options exist.

Four main categories: revenue-based financing (3-4x MRR for SaaS), R&D tax refund bridging (advance against ATO's refund), venture debt (sits alongside venture equity rounds), and government-backed startup loans (where currently open).

How Mortgagefy helps

Non-dilutive panel. We know the Australian and international lenders by product (RBF, venture debt, R&D bridging) and their current thresholds.
R&D tax refund bridging - advance against your expected ATO refund so you don't wait 12-18 months after year-end.
Venture debt matching - the right venture debt lender depends on your equity backer, growth rate and runway needs.
Honest fit assessment. Non-dilutive is cheaper than equity if growth is strong - more expensive if it isn't. We help you decide which lane.

Need to model repayments first? Try our Sydney home-loan calculators for an indicative figure.

How it works

Metrics review

60-min call - MRR / ARR, growth rate, churn, GM, runway, cap table, R&D spend.

Options comparison

RBF vs venture debt vs R&D bridging vs equity - comparative cost/dilution modelling.

Lender shortlist

2-3 lenders matched to the chosen path.

Settlement

4-10 weeks depending on structure complexity.

Get a personalised answer in 2 minutes

Free, no obligation. We'll match you with the right lender for your situation.

Frequently asked questions

What's R&D tax refund bridging?

Loan advanced against your expected ATO R&D tax incentive refund (which can take 12-18 months to receive post-year-end). Advances 70-80% of expected refund, repaid when the ATO refund lands.

What's venture debt?

Term loan that typically sits alongside a venture equity round - lender advances 20-30% of the equity round size, with warrants giving upside participation. Common structure for US-style tech lending; growing in Australia.

Can my startup qualify without revenue?

Hard but possible. R&D tax refund bridging works without revenue (just needs eligible R&D spend). Venture debt usually requires existing venture equity backing. Pure pre-revenue needs equity or founder-funded.

Does non-dilutive debt prevent my next equity round?

No - most non-dilutive providers accept subordination to future equity rounds. Many SaaS startups use RBF between rounds to extend runway and raise at a higher valuation.

How does the pricing compare to equity?

Depends on your growth rate. For high-growth companies, non-dilutive at ~15-25% annualised cost is far cheaper than the dilution equivalent of a flat round. For slow-growth companies, equity is often cheaper.

What documents will the lender want?

Billing API access (Stripe, Chargebee), 2 years of financials, cap table, pitch deck, product metrics (MRR / churn / NRR / CAC). Lender wants to see the recurring revenue mechanics directly.

Get your free tech startup finance assessment

RBF, venture debt, R&D refund bridging - the right non-dilutive capital path for your stage. Avoid unnecessary dilution.

Start Your Free Assessment Call 0432 634 648

Related guides

Revenue-Based Financing Australia

RBF detail - the main non-dilutive option.

IT & Tech Business Loan

Broader tech business lending.

Startup Business Loan Sydney

Non-tech startup finance.

Business Expansion Loan Sydney

Expansion capital once established.

Business Acquisition Finance

Acquisition alternative.

Working Capital Loan

General working capital.

Information checked October 2026. This information is general in nature and does not take account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Business, commercial and development finance eligibility, pricing and documentation varies by lender and changes frequently. Confirm current requirements with your chosen lender and seek professional advice before applying. Mortgagefy — Credit Representative 532656 of ACL 348324.

Business Loan forTech Startup