How can I fund growth without giving away equity?

IP-backed lending allows you to borrow against your intellectual property (patents, trademarks, software) while retaining 100% ownership. Typical facilities range from £250K to £10M at 6-12% annual interest, compared to 20-40% equity dilution from a typical funding round.

What do I need to qualify for non-dilutive IP finance?

You need a strong IP portfolio (patents, registered trademarks, or proprietary software), the ability to service debt from operating cash flow, at least 2 years of trading history, and audited accounts. An independent IP valuation is required as part of the application process.

Solutions

Fund Your Growth Without Giving Away Equity

Your intellectual property can unlock £250K–£10M in growth capital. IP-backed lending lets you borrow against patents, trademarks, and software while retaining 100% ownership of your business.

Founder at a boardroom window looking out at morning cityscape, having decided on non-dilutive growth finance

0% equity dilution with IP-backed lending

6–12% annual cost of debt vs 20–40% dilution per equity round

10–16 weeks application to drawdown vs 3–9 months for equity

The Equity Dilution Problem

Every equity round reduces your ownership stake. A Series A at 25% dilution followed by a Series B at 20% leaves founders holding just 60% of their company — before the exit. For IP-rich businesses generating cash flow, there is a better way.

IP-backed lending provides the growth capital you need at a fraction of the long-term cost. You keep your equity, maintain full control of the board, and avoid the 3–9 month fundraising distraction that equity rounds require.

How Non-Dilutive IP Finance Works

Value Your Intangible Assets

Start with a free Opagio Valuator assessment to understand the value of your IP portfolio. This gives you an indicative collateral base for lending conversations.

Check Eligibility

Use our IP loan eligibility checker to assess whether your IP meets lender requirements. Green-rated assets are ready for lending; amber assets may need preparation.

Access Capital

Choose the right lender for your profile. NatWest for loans up to £5M, HSBC for larger technology facilities up to £10M. See the full application process guide.

Is This Right for Your Business?

Non-dilutive IP finance works best for businesses that meet these criteria:

IP-rich: You own granted patents, registered trademarks, or proprietary software generating revenue
Cash-flow positive: You can service regular debt repayments from operating income
Growth-focused: You have specific, defined initiatives that additional capital would accelerate
Control-conscious: Maintaining ownership and board control matters to you

If you are pre-revenue, unable to service debt, or need strategic investors alongside capital, equity funding may be the better path.

Explore the Full Range of Options

IP-backed lending is one form of non-dilutive finance. Brand-backed facilities, data asset lending, and revenue securitisation are also available for businesses with different intangible asset profiles. Visit the Opagio intangible asset lending hub for the complete guide, or see the IP-backed lending hub for bank-specific details.