Venture debt is a loan made to startups that have already raised equity. It provides extra capital with far less dilution than selling shares, but it must be repaid with interest and usually comes with covenants.
Where in the journey
Post-Series A, with institutional backing.
What the money is for
Extend runway, fund equipment/working capital, reduce dilution.
Common investors
Specialized venture-debt lenders, some banks.
Watch out for
Repayment obligations and covenants can bite if growth stalls.