Revenue-Based Financing for Startups and MSMEs in India - Anupam Finserv

Top 5 Signs Your Business Is Ready for Revenue-Based Financing in India

What Is Revenue-Based Financing?

RBF is a model where you receive a lump sum of capital and repay it as a percentage of your monthly revenue until a predetermined cap (usually 1.3x–2x) is met. There’s no collateral, no equity dilution, and repayments are flexible — you pay more when you earn more.

Top 5 signs your business qualifies for revenue-based financing - infographic

🧾 Top 5 Signs Your Business Is Ready for Revenue-Based Financing

In today’s funding landscape, Revenue-Based Financing (RBF) has emerged as one of the most flexible, founder-friendly capital options available. But while it’s a great model for many, it’s not for everyone.

So how do you know if your business is ready for RBF?

This blog outlines five clear signs that your startup, D2C brand, or MSME may be the perfect fit for revenue-based financing.

📍 Sign #1: You Have Predictable Monthly Revenue

Revenue-based financing works best when you have a consistent stream of revenue — typically ₹5–10 lakhs or more per month. This predictability gives both you and the lender confidence in repayment.

Examples of businesses with recurring revenue:

  • D2C brands with repeat customers

  • SaaS startups with MRR

  • Retailers or traders with seasonal demand cycles

If your sales are regular and trackable, you’re in a great position to leverage RBF.

📍 Sign #2: You’re Scaling Quickly But Don’t Want to Dilute Equity

Equity funding can be helpful — but it comes at a cost: ownership.

With RBF, you:

  • Keep 100% of your equity

  • Retain full decision-making control

  • Don’t deal with investor interference or board seats

Founders who want to preserve ownership while accelerating growth (e.g. scaling ads, hiring, inventory buying) often choose RBF as a safer, smarter option.

📍 Sign #3: You Need Flexible Capital — Not Rigid EMIs

Traditional loans come with rigid repayment schedules. That’s tough during slower months or seasonal dips.

With RBF:

  • Your repayment adjusts automatically with revenue

  • If you earn ₹10 lakhs, you may repay ₹50,000 (5%)

  • If you earn ₹4 lakhs, your repayment might be just ₹20,000

This flexibility protects your cash flow and allows you to focus on operations, not repayment anxiety.

📍 Sign #4: You Don’t Want to Pledge Collateral

Most bank loans and NBFC funding require security — property, FDs, or invoices.

RBF requires none of that. It’s completely unsecured.

If:

  • You don’t want to mortgage your home or office

  • You don’t have large assets yet

  • You want approval based on revenue, not CIBIL score

Then RBF could be your best bet.

📍 Sign #5: You Have a Clear Plan for Capital Deployment

RBF is ideal when you know exactly how you’ll use the funds. Lenders prefer founders who can clearly articulate their growth plan.

Top use cases:

  • Scaling Facebook/Google ad campaigns

  • Buying festive season inventory

  • Expanding into new geographies

  • Hiring sales or tech talent

If you’re capital-efficient and know how to generate returns quickly, RBF will amplify your growth without long-term liability.

🧠 Bonus: When You Might NOT Be Ready for RBF

  • If your revenue is very inconsistent or too early stage

  • If your business model is pre-revenue or grant-based

  • If you need funds for R&D or long-term projects without immediate ROI

In such cases, equity, grants, or venture debt may be better suited.

🏢 Why Anupam Finserv 

At Anupam Finserv, we offer:

  • RBF deals from ₹10 lakhs to ₹1 crore

  • Fast approvals (within 48–72 hours)

  • Founder-friendly terms

  • No collateral, no equity dilution

We’ve helped dozens of Indian D2C brands, SaaS startups, and seasonal businesses scale with flexible, transparent funding.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How fast can I get RBF from Anupam Finserv?
A: Typically within 3–5 business days once documentation is complete.

Q: What’s the minimum revenue required?
A: Ideally ₹5 lakhs per month and at least 6–12 months of operating history.

Q: Do I need a strong credit score?
A: Not necessarily. We look at your revenue streams, not just your CIBIL.

Q: Is this available in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities?
A: Yes, our funding is pan-India.

Anupam Finserv Revenue-Based Financing services infographic

Revenue-Based Financing vs Venture Debt vs Bank Loan: A Complete Guide for Indian Startups

🧾 Revenue-Based Financing vs Venture Debt vs Bank Loan: What Should Your Startup Choose?

Raising capital is one of the most critical decisions for any startup. But choosing the right funding instrument can feel overwhelming—especially when options like Revenue-Based Financing (RBF), Venture Debt, and traditional Bank Loans each offer different benefits and trade-offs.

In this article, we’ll break down the three models to help you make the best choice for your business stage, revenue model, and goals.

Infographic comparing Revenue-Based Financing, Venture Debt, and Bank Loan for Indian startups

💡 What Are the 3 Funding Models?

Let’s define each type briefly:

  1. Revenue-Based Financing (RBF)
    You receive a lump sum in exchange for a fixed percentage of future monthly revenue, until a pre-agreed return cap is repaid. No collateral or equity dilution involved.

  2. Venture Debt
    A debt instrument given alongside or after venture capital. Involves fixed EMIs, warrants (equity-like instruments), and typically a 12–36 month term.

  3. Bank Loan
    Traditional debt from banks or NBFCs, requiring strong credit scores, collateral, and detailed documentation. Repayment is via fixed EMIs.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

Feature

Revenue-Based Financing

Venture Debt

Bank Loan

Equity Dilution

❌ None

⚠️ Often includes warrants

❌ None

Collateral Required

❌ No

✅ Usually not

✅ Yes (property/assets)

Repayment Method

% of monthly revenue

Fixed EMI

Fixed EMI

Flexibility

✅ High

❌ Medium

❌ Low

Speed of Approval

🟢 Fast (2–5 days)

⚠️ Moderate (2–4 weeks)

🔴 Slow (2–6 weeks)

Ideal For

D2C, SaaS, subscription

VC-backed startups

Established businesses

Total Cost (Repayment)

1.3x–2x of funding

EMI + Warrants

EMI + Interest

🚀 When to Choose Revenue-Based Financing

RBF is ideal if:

  • You have monthly revenue above ₹5–10 lakhs

  • You want to scale ads, inventory, or growth spend

  • You don’t want to dilute ownership

  • You value repayment flexibility

Best for: D2C brands, SaaS companies, seasonal businesses, creators/solopreneurs

Example:
A fashion e-commerce startup raises ₹30 lakhs from Anupam Finserv through RBF. They repay 5% of revenue monthly until ₹45 lakhs is repaid. No equity, no stress during low-sales months.

📈 When to Choose Venture Debt

Venture debt makes sense if:

  • You’ve already raised venture capital

  • You’re on a defined growth path with clear milestones

  • You’re okay with giving warrants (small equity kicker)

  • You have a burn rate that supports EMI-based repayments

Best for: Late-seed to Series B+ startups with VC backing

Caution: Many venture debt firms in India insist on board observer rights or equity-linked clauses. Read the fine print.

🏦 When to Choose a Bank Loan

Bank loans are suitable if:

  • You have audited profits, stable revenue, and strong credit

  • You own collateral (property, FD, equipment)

  • You can wait 4–6 weeks for approvals

Best for: Traditional SMEs, manufacturers, service businesses

Downsides: Rigid EMIs, collateral lock-in, complex paperwork

🤔 Which Is Right for You?

Ask these questions:

  1. Do you want to avoid equity dilution?
    → Choose RBF or Bank Loan.

  2. Do you have VC backing?
    → Venture Debt is an option.

  3. Is your revenue predictable?
    → RBF suits recurring income models.

  4. Do you own collateral?
    → Bank loan becomes accessible.

5. Are you growing fast but without profits?
→ RBF gives you breathing room.

🏢 Why Anupam Finserv Recommends RBF for High-Growth Startups

At Anupam Finserv, we’ve seen firsthand how founder-friendly capital drives growth. Our Revenue-Based Financing solutions offer:

  • Fast disbursals (within 72 hours)

  • No EMI pressure

  • No equity dilution

  • Tailored repayment caps

We work closely with D2C brands, SaaS businesses, and MSMEs across India to unlock growth without compromise.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is RBF suitable if I haven’t raised venture capital?
A: Absolutely. That’s one of its biggest advantages.

Q: What if my revenue fluctuates?
A: No problem. Your repayments adapt automatically.

Q: Can I combine RBF with other funding?
A: Yes. Many businesses use RBF alongside equity or grants.

Q: Will this affect my credit score?
A: No, as long as repayments are made on time.

Illustration of revenue-based financing model in India – showing flexible repayments based on revenue

Revenue-Based Financing in India: A Game-Changer for Startups and D2C Brands

In the rapidly evolving world of Indian startups, cash flow is king. Whether you’re a D2C skincare brand scaling ad spend or a SaaS company navigating seasonal churn, traditional funding routes often fall short. That’s where Revenue-Based Financing (RBF) steps in — offering flexible, founder-friendly capital without giving up equity or collateral.

In this guide, we’ll break down what RBF is, why it’s growing in India, and how businesses like yours can benefit.

Infographic of how a D2C brand repays revenue-based financing over time

 What is Revenue-Based Financing?

Revenue-Based Financing is a type of funding where a business receives a lump sum of capital in exchange for a fixed percentage of future revenues. Instead of paying fixed EMIs, you repay based on your monthly revenue — more when you earn more, and less when you don’t.

Here’s a simple example:

  • You borrow ₹50 lakhs from a lender.

  • You agree to repay 6% of your monthly revenue.

  • Once you’ve repaid 1.5x (₹75 lakhs), the agreement ends.

Think of it as a flexible bridge between a traditional loan and equity funding — but without the dilution or rigid repayment structure.

🚀 Why RBF is Perfect for Startups & D2C Businesses

Startups today need speed, flexibility, and control. Here’s why Revenue-Based Financing hits all the right notes:

- No Equity Dilution: You stay in full control of your company.
- Performance-Based Repayments: You repay based on what you earn, not a fixed EMI.
- Fast Disbursal: Funds can be deployed within days, not months.
- Collateral-Free: No need to mortgage assets or personal guarantees.

This makes it ideal for:

  • D2C brands scaling marketing spend or inventory

  • SaaS companies with steady MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue)

Subscription-based businesses with predictable revenue

📊 How Revenue-Based Financing Works in India

Let’s say a D2C footwear brand needs ₹40 lakhs to fund inventory for the festive season. Through RBF:

  • They raise ₹40 lakhs from Anupam Finserv.

  • Agree to repay 5% of monthly revenue until they reach ₹60 lakhs (1.5x).

  • If their monthly revenue is ₹20 lakhs, they repay ₹1 lakh that month.

  • If sales dip to ₹8 lakhs the next month, they repay just ₹40,000.

The business retains full ownership, while getting access to cash tied to future growth.

📋 Who Can Apply for RBF?

While flexible, Revenue-Based Financing is best suited for growth-stage businesses with steady income. Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Monthly revenue of ₹5 lakhs or more

  • 12+ months of revenue history

  • Incorporated business (Private Limited, LLP)

  • Strong gross margins (ideally 30%+)

  • Use cases: inventory, working capital, marketing, hiring

Documents typically required:

  • Last 12 months’ bank statements

  • GST returns or audited financials

Revenue analytics (Stripe, Razorpay, Shopify, etc.)

🏢 Why Choose Anupam Finserv for Revenue-Based Financing?

At Anupam Finserv, we don’t just offer capital — we partner with you on your growth journey.

Here’s what sets us apart:
- Custom Repayment Plans: Adjusted to your business cycle
- Fast Approvals: Decisions within 48–72 hours
- Founder-Friendly Terms: No equity, no pressure
- Multisector Expertise: From D2C and SaaS to seasonal retailers

❓ Is RBF Right for Your Business?

Ask yourself:
✅ Do you have regular monthly revenue?
✅ Are you looking to grow without giving up equity?
✅ Do you want flexibility in repayments?
✅ Do you need funds fast for inventory, ad spend, or hiring?

If yes, Revenue-Based Financing could be the perfect fit.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Revenue-Based Financing available across India?
A: Yes, Anupam Finserv offers RBF to businesses pan-India, especially in Tier 1 and 2 cities.

Q: What happens if my revenue drops?
A: Your repayments drop too. That’s the beauty of RBF — it’s performance-based.

Q: Is there a penalty for early repayment?
A: No. You can finish the repayment faster and move on — no extra charges.

Q: Is my equity safe?
A: 100%. We don’t take equity or board seats.