Company Stage

As a company moves through its life cycle, the sources it uses for capital change. In the early formation phase, capital is generally raised through sources independent of the operations of the organization. Capital is acquired chiefly through the personal resources of the owner or his immediate relations, and investor-related debt. Any cash generated from operations is generally used for setup costs including purchases of inventory and equipment. This initial phase calls for the use of techniques that maximizeor “stretch”- current funds, such as seeking longer credit terms from suppliers, procuring advances from customers, subcontracting, and leasing equipment, among other methods.

As the company grows, it begins to generate capital through its operations, and as it establishes a track record of profitability, it will have more opportunities to obtain outside financing. Capital needed for expansion may be available from external sources, including a greater emphasis on debt financing through commercial lenders or equity financing through private investors and firms. As the company matures, operations generally provide cash. Mature companies are in a better position to be able to afford the costs of further expansion through combinations of debt and equity financing, such as private placements or initial public offerings (IPOs).