Resources
Deal news, market insights, sector deep-dives and more from the ATEL team.
Latest Articles
What European Startups Understand About Venture Debt—That Many in the U.S. Still Miss
European founders, often operating with more constrained funding options and fewer mega-rounds, have adapted by being more strategic. They understand that equity is expensive—and not always the right tool for every job. Venture debt is used proactively: to extend runway, bridge to milestones, or fund large capital expenditures (like equipment or infrastructure) that equity investors may hesitate to back. In contrast, many U.S. startups still regard venture debt as a signal of weakness—a stopgap measure when equity financing falls through. That perception, while slowly evolving, continues to limit how founders think about capital strategy. Even as equity rounds take longer to close and valuations compress, some U.S. founders avoid debt entirely, leaving valuable financing options on the table.
What VCs Are Thinking in 2025—and What It Means for Founders
Founders looking to raise in this market need to understand what investors are prioritizing—and how they can build financing strategies that reflect this new reality. One of the most overlooked tools in that toolkit? Venture debt.
Scaling in a Market Where Timing is Everything
According to the recent PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor, the median time between venture rounds is increasing, meaning startups need to be more strategic about how they manage capital. For many founders, timing has never been more critical. With IPO markets still...
Latest News
ATEL Ventures Provides $10M Venture Debt to Emerging Biotech Company, Vial
ATEL Ventures has completed an agreement to provide $10M of growth capital to Vial, a next-generation pharma company.
ATEL Ventures Finalizes Agreement with Menlo Micro to Help Support Ideal Switch® Demand
ATEL Ventures has finalized its support for Menlo Micro, a pioneering manufacturer of efficient micro-electrical-mechanical switches. This initial round of financing will help accelerate the acquisition of additional manufacturing equipment for Menlo Micro’s facility...
ATEL Leasing Corporation Ranks Among Top 20 Railcar Lessors in North America
ATEL Leasing Corporation has solidified its position as one of the Top 20 railcar lessors in North America, according to Progressive Railroading and the Official Railway Equipment Register. With a fleet serving a diverse range of industries, ATEL plays a critical role...