Startup Equipment Financing
Most equipment lenders quietly require two years in business. That rule exists because a startup has no payment history to underwrite, not because new companies are uncreditworthy — and it means the honest conversation with a startup is about which levers replace that missing history. There are four that actually move a file: personal credit, industry experience, a contract in hand, and cash down.
Equipment financing for businesses under two years old. What actually gets a startup approved, how much down, and which asset classes are realistic.
Price startup equipment financing
Two quick steps. An advisor responds within 24-48 hours.
The numbers on this asset
Who finances startup equipment
- Operators leaving an employer to start the same business with the same customer relationships
- First-truck owner-operators moving off a leased unit
- New franchisees whose brand approval is done but whose entity has no history
- Second businesses started by an owner with an established, provable track record elsewhere
A first machine on a signed contract
A machinist with eleven years at a Tier 2 aerospace supplier left to start his own shop, with a written commitment from a former customer for roughly $40,000 a month of work. No business history, no financials. He put 20% down on a $215,000 3-axis VMC with tooling; we underwrote personal credit at 712, the eleven-year work history, and the customer commitment letter. Approved at 48 months. Eighteen months later he financed a second machine on the shop's own credit.
What underwriting actually looks at
Approvals on this asset class turn on a short list of specifics. Have these ready and most files get an answer inside 24-48 hours.
Startup Equipment financing questions
Get startup equipment financing priced
Send the unit, the invoice or auction lot, and three months of bank statements. Approvals typically come back in 24-48 hours and funding follows in 5-10 business days.