Growth Financing – Julien Zerbib

An innovative alternative to traditional financing

Julien began by highlighting the limitations of classic financing methods for growing entrepreneurs. The two main historical options each have their constraints: bank loans, which often require personal guarantees and a track record of several fiscal years, and fundraising, which leads to capital dilution and a gradual loss of control for founders.

Unlimitd offers a revolutionary third way: financing without personal guarantees, granted in less than 48 hours, and repayable based on revenue. This approach, inspired by the American revenue-based financing model, popularized by unicorns like Pipe, allows entrepreneurs to finance their growth while retaining control of their company.

How revenue-based financing works

Unlimitd’s model is based on three fundamental pillars:

• a 100% digital platform connected to existing management tools (bank accounts, CRM, transactional tools)
• automated data analysis to assess the risk level, and
• a repayment system proportional to the revenue generated.

For entrepreneurs, this flexibility is key: if revenue increases, repayment accelerates; if it decreases, repayment slows down. This approach aligns the interests of the financier and the entrepreneur, creating a true partnership rather than a classic credit relationship.

Eligibility criteria and targeted sectors

To be eligible for Unlimitd financing, a company must have at least six months of activity and generate at least 10,000 euros in monthly revenue. It must also be an online business, using digital tools in its daily management, to allow for rapid and automated data analysis.

Contrary to popular belief, Unlimitd is not limited to B2C companies. The platform also finances B2B companies with recurring revenue, marketing agencies, and SaaS businesses. The key criteria are customer retention rate and the ability to generate predictable revenue.

The competitive advantages of revenue-based financing

Julien highlighted several major benefits: speed of execution (48 hours compared to several months for fundraising), absence of dilution (the entrepreneur retains 100% of their capital), and absence of personal guarantees.

Financial conditions are on average between 6% and 8% commission, depending on the risk level, the chosen repayment percentage, and the quality of the management team. Financing durations range from 4 to 12 months, with an assumed logic of growth leverage rather than long-term financing.

American Inspiration and European Expansion

Unlimitd is directly inspired by the American success of Pipe, valued at 3 billion dollars in just 18 months. By observing the adaptation of American models by European unicorns, Julien decided to create a European equivalent of revenue-based financing.

The ambition is clear: to become a global financing platform, capable of serving all types of businesses. Expansion into Italy and Spain is planned, accompanied by the development of management tools to help entrepreneurs sustainably improve their performance.

In a nutshell

Here are the key takeaways from this Masterclass with Julien Zerbib:

• Revenue-based financing: a non-dilutive alternative: Finance your growth without losing control of your company, with repayment indexed to actual performance.
• Speed and simplicity for the entrepreneur: Financing in 48 hours, without administrative burden, thanks to automated data analysis.
• The importance of network and mentorship: Leverage your network for initial funding and surround yourself with mentors to avoid mistakes and accelerate growth.

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