For many small business owners, the world of venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) can feel like a distant dream. Maybe you’ve heard of it, or you’ve seen big companies raise millions, but when it comes to your biashara, it often feels like those investors are speaking a different language. If you’ve ever struggled to pitch to venture investors or felt like your business doesn’t fit their model, know that you’re not alone.
Here in Kenya, most small businesses don’t need flashy equity deals; what you need is straightforward, practical funding that helps you grow—whether it’s buying stock in bulk, getting the latest equipment, or expanding your team. At Kua Ventures, we understand this. We’re not looking for the next tech giant; we’re here to support the everyday entrepreneurs who are making a real impact in their communities.
That’s why we offer a range of funding options that are simple, flexible, and designed with your specific needs in mind. Whether you’re looking to stabilize cash flow or invest in growth, we have solutions that can help you achieve your goals without the hassle of trying to fit into the venture capital mold.
1. Straight Debt
For many small businesses, debt financing is the backbone of growth. In fact, across markets, debt remains the most common form of funding for SMEs. Why? Because it offers a clear, predictable path forward. With Straight Debt, you can plan your finances knowing exactly what your monthly payments will be over the next 3-6 years.
What makes this option attractive is its simplicity. While your monthly repayment remains the same, the interest is calculated on a reducing balance. This means that as you pay down the principal, the interest portion decreases, and you end up paying off more of the loan itself each month. Essentially, the sooner you pay off the loan, the less interest you’ll end up paying overall. It’s a straightforward approach that lets you focus on growing your biashara without unexpected financial surprises
Now, we understand that many banks can be strict with collateral requirements, making it tough for small businesses to access funding. But at Kua Ventures, we’re more flexible. We assess the collateral you have and work with you to secure the facility, rather than turning you away at the door. This way, you get the support you need to keep your business moving forward, backed by a financial partner who understands your journey.
2. Revenue Share
Every biashara has its ups and downs—whether it’s due to seasonal sales, market changes, or other factors. For businesses that don’t have a steady cash flow month after month, a traditional loan can sometimes feel like a heavy burden.
Instead of locking you into a fixed repayment schedule, Revenue Share lets you pay back a percentage of your gross revenue. So, when business is slow, your payments are lighter, easing the pressure on your finances. And when you’re doing well, you can pay a bit more, potentially shortening the overall loan term. This flexibility means your repayments match the rhythm of your business, giving you room to breathe.
But here’s the thing—because this loan is directly linked to your business’s growth, it comes with a higher risk for us as the investor. We’re essentially saying, “We’re in this together.” When your business thrives, we share in the success, and when things slow down, we share in that too. It’s a partnership built on shared risk and reward, giving you the support you need without putting unnecessary strain on your operations.
3. Convertible Note
Some businesses are at that exciting stage where growth is not just a goal—it’s happening right now. But to keep that momentum going, you need the right kind of funding that doesn’t tie you down. The Convertible Note is a flexible option designed for businesses that are ready to scale and are open to future equity investment.
Here’s how it works: It starts as a loan, giving your business the immediate capital injection it needs to fuel growth. For the first 24 months, you won’t have to worry about repayments—that’s your grace period, allowing you to focus entirely on using the funds to expand, hire, innovate, or whatever your business needs to hit that next level.
After those 24 months, you have a choice. If your business has grown significantly, you can convert the loan into equity. This means bringing in investors who believe in your long-term vision and are ready to take that journey with you. Alternatively, if you prefer to maintain full ownership, you can choose to repay the loan over an additional 24-36 months.
But here’s the catch—this option is best suited for businesses with high growth potential. If your biashara can promise strong returns and you’re aiming to attract investors who value your future trajectory, the Convertible Note could be your perfect match. It’s for those who are ready to bet on their own success and want a financing option that grows with them.
4. Asset Financing
When your business is ready to level up, sometimes the key to growth is investing in the right tools—whether it’s machinery, vehicles, or new equipment. But we know that big purchases can strain your cash flow. Asset Financing is an option that lets you spread the cost of those essential assets over 3-6 years, making it easier to manage your finances while still getting the equipment you need.
With Asset Financing, the asset itself acts as collateral, so you don’t have to worry about putting up additional security. It’s straightforward—get the asset, use it to grow your business, and pay for it over time. The beauty of this approach is that as your business starts benefiting from the new equipment, you’re not bogged down by a huge upfront cost.
This option is ideal for businesses that need to invest in physical assets to scale but want to avoid disrupting their cash flow. It helps you make smart investments that drive growth while keeping your finances manageable. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your machinery, expand your fleet, or equip your team with the latest technology, Asset Financing gives you the flexibility to do it all without the financial strain.
Why this opportunity is perfect for You
Running your own business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference. As a faith-driven entrepreneur, your work is part of a bigger purpose. At Kua Ventures, we get that. We know you want to grow your business, but you also want to stay true to your values.
That’s why we’ve designed our funding options to help you do both. We’re here to offer you the support you need, with the kind of financing that fits your business and your beliefs. We understand the challenges you face and want to make sure you have the right tools to overcome them.
When you work with Kua Ventures, you’re not just getting money. You’re joining a community of other business owners who believe in making a positive impact, just like you. We’re here to help you succeed, not just in business, but in your mission.
So if you’re ready to grow your business while staying true to what matters most, we’re here to help you take that next step.