Retain Control: The Case for Smarter Capital

Many founders underestimate the true cost of venture capital. Every dollar invested comes with a price: ownership. Early rounds are the most expensive, as your company’s valuation is at its lowest. A typical seed round can dilute your ownership by 20%. Raise multiple rounds, and you might wake up one day owning less of your company than your investors. Worse, if you lose board control, your investors could remove you entirely. For founders, this loss of control can be catastrophic.

Smarter capital is the answer. Proven Ventures offers a unique debt/equity model designed for founders who prioritize control. We provide growth capital with far less dilution than traditional venture capital. Here’s how it works: we hold equity as collateral for our debt, giving you the option to repurchase most of that equity once the debt is repaid. While we retain a small ownership stake, the majority of your company remains yours—preserving your leadership and vision.

Venture debt is an ideal solution for revenue-generating startups that value control and flexibility. It empowers you to scale on your terms, avoiding the heavy dilution that traditional VC imposes. With Proven Ventures, you get more than capital: you gain strategic partnership, customer connections, and optionality.

Founders, your vision deserves to stay in your hands. Pursue smarter capital early and often. At Proven Ventures, we help you grow while keeping your future yours—where it belongs.