Startups
& VC Funds

Our experienced team supports institutionally backed startups, from Series A to late stage, across the United States. With team members in major innovation hubs nationwide, we work with companies in leading venture markets such as the Bay Area, New York and Boston — as well as emerging and high-growth regions across the Midwest, Southeast, Southern California, Texas and beyond.

At this time, we focus exclusively on businesses based in the United States.

Yes, we offer a full suite of treasury solutions designed for technology, life sciences and healthcare startups and their investors to support operations and growth.

Bootstrapped companies are built using personal capital, without institutional investment. Alternatively, angel investors are typically high net worth individuals who provide early-stage financing, capital and mentorship to startups using personal funds.

Our Tech & Venture team focuses on institutionally backed startups — those supported by direct investments by venture capital and growth equity firms. However, if you’re planning to raise capital in the near future, it’s a great time to connect and explore how venture debt can complement your fundraise.

If a fundraise is not on the horizon, you can explore commercial financing through our Regional Commercial Banking teams that offer tailored solutions across the Mid-Atlantic,  California and Nevada.

Yes. Our Venture Capital Services team provides tailored lending and treasury solutions for venture capital funds with less than $1 billion in assets under management (AUM). Funds with more than $1 billion AUM are supported by our Fund and Specialty Finance practice.

Subscription credit facilities — also known as capital call lines — allow funds to borrow against committed but uncalled capital from their investors.

Instead of calling capital for each investment, funds can draw on the facility to move quickly on opportunities, then repay once capital is called. The result is faster execution, smoother cash flow for investors and greater flexibility in managing fund operations.

We work across a wide range of private fund structures, including, but not limited to, venture capital, private equity, credit, real estate, energy and secondary funds.

Our solutions span subscription credit facilities (capital call lines), NAV lending, GP financing and lender finance — each tailored to your fund’s stage, strategy and timeline.

Yes. We partner with both established managers and emerging funds, including first-time teams.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we look at the full picture — team experience, portfolio strategy and the strength of your investor base — to structure the right solution.

With a relationship-driven model and deep industry expertise, we help emerging managers move quickly, build credibility and grow with confidence from day one.

Speed and certainty of close are critical — and we’re built to deliver both.

Our dedicated teams work directly with you throughout the process, with no handoffs or competing priorities. That means faster decision-making, clear communication and consistent execution from start to finish.

Most facilities move efficiently from term sheet to close, with timelines tailored to your needs — so you can act quickly when opportunities arise.

The difference comes down to how each evaluates your business.

Traditional banks typically focus on historical performance — things like cash flow, profitability and assets. Venture debt providers take a forward-looking approach, placing greater emphasis on your growth trajectory, the strength of your investors and your ability to raise additional capital. Other factors like flexible terms, ownership impact and risk tolerance also play an important role.

Venture debt gives high-growth businesses access to capital without relying solely on equity. It can help extend runway, reduce dilution and provide flexibility as you scale.

Key benefits include:

Minimize equity dilution – Venture debt is typically non-dilutive, allowing founders and investors to raise capital without giving up additional ownership.

Extend your cash runway – Access additional capital between funding rounds, giving you more time to hit milestones and potentially improve your next valuation.

Greater strategic flexibility – Use venture debt to support growth initiatives, manage timing between raises or navigate changing market conditions.

Built for high-growth companies – Venture debt lenders take a forward-looking view, focusing on your growth potential, investors and market opportunity, not just historical performance.

Structured for disciplined growth – Agreements often include clear milestones and covenants, helping align expectations while supporting a focused, sustainable growth strategy.

Access to experienced partners – Beyond capital, you gain a banking partner with industry expertise — offering insights that help strengthen financial and operational decision-making.

Venture debt is typically used alongside equity financing to provide additional capital without increasing dilution. It can be a strong fit when a company is looking to extend runway, execute on key initiatives or bridge to its next funding round.

Common scenarios include:

After raising equity – Venture debt is most often used once institutional funding is in place, providing complementary capital to support continued growth.

Extending cash runway – Startups may use venture debt between funding rounds to maintain momentum and reach the next set of milestones.

Supporting strategic initiatives – Whether investing in growth, expanding into new markets or navigating changing conditions, venture debt offers added flexibility.

Evaluating financial risk – Companies should carefully assess their ability to manage repayments and ensure the debt supports their long-term strategy.

The difference comes down to structure, oversight and approach.

Venture lenders offer consistent, well-structured financing backed by strong regulatory standards. Private credit lenders (non-bank lenders) may offer more customized solutions, often with a greater focus on return dynamics.

Key differences include:

Regulation and stability – Banks operate within strict regulatory frameworks, providing greater consistency, transparency and predictability. Private credit lenders typically have more flexibility but less regulatory oversight.

Approach to lending – Venture banks deliver structured solutions designed for long-term partnership. Private credit lenders may tailor terms more aggressively, often with a stronger emphasis on return outcomes.

Product offerings – Banks provide a broader range of lending and treasury solutions supported by a proven track record.

Pricing and flexibility – Bank terms are generally more standardized, offering clarity and consistency. Private credit lenders may provide more customized terms, which can come with added complexity.

Venture debt agreements often include covenants and performance milestones agreed upon at the start of the term. These may require the business to meet specific targets within a defined time frame. Depending on the structure, agreements may also include warrants, giving the lender the option to purchase equity in the company at a predetermined price.

Unlike traditional secured loans, venture debt typically does not require significant physical collateral. Many startups are asset-light and focused on growth, so lenders look beyond hard assets.

Instead, decisions are based on the company’s performance, growth potential, investor syndicate and ability to generate future revenue. This allows businesses to access capital while continuing to scale.

Venture lenders take a forward-looking approach to risk — focusing on growth potential, financial position and the strength of the company’s backing.

While early-stage companies are evaluated differently from more mature businesses, the goal is the same: to understand how the business will perform over time and its ability to repay.

Key factors include:

Investor backing – The quality and reputation of existing investors matter. Strong institutional support signals credibility and increases confidence in the business.

Revenue trajectory – Lenders evaluate current performance and projected growth, along with the strength of the company’s value proposition and market fit.

Burn rate and runway – Cash position is critical. A sustainable burn rate and sufficient runway help demonstrate the company’s ability to manage capital and meet obligations.

Milestones and execution – Progress against key milestones — such as product development, revenue growth or market expansion — helps lenders assess momentum and future potential.

Venture debt can support a higher valuation by giving startups the capital they need to reach key milestones before raising their next equity round. Extending cash runway allows businesses to grow, execute on their strategy and potentially raise future funding at a stronger valuation.

At the same time, venture debt introduces repayment obligations. Companies should carefully assess their ability to manage debt alongside growth to ensure it supports — not constrains — their long-term plans.

Yes. See our full suite of personal banking services.

Customers Bank was founded in 2009 with one goal in mind: to enable our customers’ prosperity. Founded and built by bank industry veterans, we understand that true innovation is powered by people. We pride ourselves on:

1. Customer focus, first and always. Our success is defined by our ability to serve our customers — today and in the future. We invest in new product solutions and industry innovations that translate into a better banking experience for our customers.
2. Exceptional service, redefined. Our Single Point of Contact model means that we know our customers by name, deliver personalized service and identify business solutions that address the unique needs of each customer.
3. A strong and sustainable model. Customers Bank is one of the nation’s top-performing banking companies. Founded in 2009, today we are among the 80 largest bank holding companies in the U.S. — all powered by organic growth.

Read more about what sets us apart — including our industry-leading Net Promoter Score.