How it differs from an advance
The mechanics rhyme: a multiple, a revenue share, no fixed maturity. The differences are in degree and are substantial - repayment periods measured in years rather than months, multiples commonly at the low end of the advance range, and monthly rather than daily collection.
The variants aimed at subscription software and e-commerce businesses underwrite by connecting directly to Stripe, Shopify, or a bank feed. That produces faster decisions and, for businesses whose recurring revenue is predictable, pricing well below general-purpose advance rates.
Reading the true cost
As with an advance, the multiple alone tells you nothing until you know how long delivery takes. A 1.2× delivered over 24 months and a 1.2× delivered over 9 months are very different instruments. Faster revenue growth means faster repayment means a higher effective APR - so success makes this capital more expensive, not less.
Commonly used for
- Subscription software and e-commerce with predictable recurring revenue
- Funding marketing or inventory where the return is measurable and quick
- Founders unwilling to dilute equity for growth capital
What to check before signing
- Growing faster shortens the term and raises the effective APR
- Revenue share reduces operating cash every month regardless of margin
- Some agreements add a minimum monthly payment that removes the flexibility you paid for
Revenue-based: common questions
- Is revenue-based financing dilutive?
- No equity changes hands. It is generally cheaper than equity for a business that will keep growing, and more expensive than a bank loan for one that qualifies for a bank loan.