What Is a Down Round? How to Survive One — or Avoid It
A down round is a financing at a lower valuation than the previous round. Here's what triggers one, who it hurts most, and how to structure around it.
Venture capital has its own vocabulary, incentives, and mechanics. Our VC explainers break down complex topics — from liquidation preferences to fund economics — so founders and analysts can make better decisions without wading through jargon.
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A down round is a financing at a lower valuation than the previous round. Here's what triggers one, who it hurts most, and how to structure around it.
Corporate venture arms write some of the biggest checks in 2026. Here's when strategic capital helps, when it hurts, and what to negotiate first.
A convertible note is short-term debt that converts into equity at the next priced round. Here's how interest, maturity, cap, and discount actually work.
A cap table is the single source of truth for who owns what in your company. Here's how to build, maintain, and model one for every round.
A bridge round is interim financing between two priced rounds. Here's when bridges help, when they signal distress, and how to structure them cleanly.
The board controls major company decisions. Here's how board composition, protective provisions, observers, and fiduciary duties work in VC-backed companies.