India's venture debt market is witnessing steady growth, emerging as a key funding avenue for startups in capital-intensive sectors such as fintech and electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report released by global investment institution Lighthouse Canton.

Founders are increasingly leveraging venture debt to bridge funding gaps without diluting equity, a shift driven by limited equity funding availability and the need to preserve ownership while securing growth capital.

The report highlighted that 40% of founders prefer venture debt for its less dilutive nature, with repayment flexibility also being a significant factor for 30% of respondents.

Driving Innovation and Growth "India's startup ecosystem holds immense potential, and the growth of venture debt funding is pivotal in driving its development," said Sanket Sinha, Managing Director at Lighthouse Canton. Venture debt is proving essential in enabling startups to innovate, manage cash flows, and fuel expansion across India's dynamic business landscape.

Sectoral Impact The fintech sector, the world's third-largest, has been a significant driver of venture debt adoption. Innovations like UPI have propelled the industry forward, with venture debt helping startups manage cash flows and support onward lending.

Similarly, the EV sector relies heavily on venture debt, with 67% of startups in the space using it for more than half of their debt funding. Traditional lenders often perceive the EV industry as high-risk, making venture debt a vital alternative to sustain growth.

As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, venture debt continues to solidify its role as a strategic funding tool for emerging businesses navigating rapid growth and capital-intensive challenges.