For innovation companies looking to redefine possibilities and grow rapidly, it's crucial to have a banking partner that tailors lending solutions* to their growth stage and future trajectory.

Here's why: Pitchbook reports that early-stage startups have reached their highest level of venture debt funding since 2019 — making up 34.7% of total U.S. venture debt money this year.

As more early-stage companies rely on venture debt, selecting a bank that fosters collaboration and adapts to a company's evolving needs provides a competitive edge.

Emma Whelan, CFO of restaurant management platform MarginEdge, experienced this firsthand, after selecting a proposal from the Innovation Banking Group at Western Alliance Bank (formerly known as Bridge Bank), Member FDIC.

Worth a mention: Bridge Bank is now Western Alliance Bank, one strong bank delivering best-in-class service and even easier access to the solutions that help companies achieve their ambitions.

• "While most banks offer off-the-shelf structures, the Innovation Banking Group worked with us to create a customized solution that aligns with the way we operate today and where we're headed. That level of customization and relationship-building has been what sets them apart from any other banking experience we've had," says Whelan.

Relationships built on trust and flexibility

Western Alliance Bank is more than capital; they're a banking partner, supporting high-growth companies from the earliest startup days through each stage of growth, all the way to a successful exit.

Plus, plus, plus: They've been doing so for more than 20 years — Western Alliance Bank is a financial institution with more than $85 billion in assets.

Rather than piecing together funding from alternative sources, choosing a banking partner opens the door to new growth possibilities, to scale and reach that next growth phase.

Chermaine Hu, CFO and Co-Founder of Episode Six Inc., a global payments technology provider for banks and businesses, has worked with Western Alliance Bank for three years.

• "Having a strong banking partner like Western Alliance Bank signals that we have reliable access to capital and a financial institution that understands our business and is committed to our growth," says Hu.

What you need to know: The Innovation Banking Group at Western Alliance Bank serves innovation, turning pre-revenue startups to market leaders through:

• Trust and reliability.
• Industry knowledge.
• A proven track record.
• Resources beyond lending.

Security in any climate

Another important piece of the puzzle: selecting a bank that provides steady support and can keep pace in any economic cycle.

Western Alliance Bank has been essential across day-to-day operations and sustained long-term expansion for both Episode Six and MarginEdge.

For Hu, Western Alliance Bank has provided crucial support managing Episode Six's liquidity and expanding their larger customer base.

• "We were focused on being able to manage our capital efficiently and ensuring real time access to our funds as we scaled our business globally. The team at Western Alliance Bank acted quickly and collaboratively to find a solution, which allowed us to maintain and preserve operational flexibility," says Hu.
• "They also brought in specialists to support international treasury and cross-border payments as both our employee and customer base expanded internationally," Hu explains.

For Whelan, Western Alliance Bank's program backing and support of Mergers & Acquisitions activity facilitated MarginEdge's growth and differentiation.

• "They've backed our recent Buy Now, Pay Later program, giving us the runway to test and scale innovative financing models for our clients. Their collaboration makes a real impact on our ability to grow and adapt quickly," says Whelan.
• "The Innovation Banking Group has supported us through growth and change, including M&A activity, where their team played a key role in helping us move quickly and strategically," Whelan continues.

Personalization for every stage

As innovation companies evolve, so do their financing needs. Western Alliance Bank helps companies move seamlessly from early funding to institutional capital, and ultimately to reinvestment or exit.

The impact: In a challenging market, a banking partner who tailors strategies specifically to your company's growth phase matters more than ever.

• "The Innovation Banking Group has been pivotal in our growth stage, providing the capital to scale quickly and the strategic teamwork to deploy it effectively. Their support has enabled us to expand operations, pursue key initiatives, and maintain the momentum needed to reach our next milestones," says Whelan.

Western Alliance Bank's impact is also clear at the onset and conclusion of a startup's growth.

• For pre-revenue, the Startup Banking Program delivers founder-friendly solutions that go far beyond traditional banking.
• At the end of the journey, the Business Escrow Services (BES) Group provides expert guidance through mergers, acquisitions and shareholder distributions — giving a smooth exit path.

As a banking partner, Western Alliance Bank plays the pivotal role of shaping a company's strategic financing choices by delivering expertise, flexibility and guidance tailored to each stage of growth.

An expert take: "They are responsive, flexible and always willing to engage — whether it involves navigating a time-sensitive request or anticipating our evolving needs as a fast-growing global technology company," says Hu.

Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, the right banking partner collaborates with leadership to understand a company's roadmap and risk profile. With deep industry knowledge, the Innovation Banking Group works side by side with clients to protect liquidity, extend runway and fuel expansion.

The takeaway: The difference between scaling successfully and stalling often comes down to the strength of your financial partnerships. Western Alliance Bank's Innovation Banking Group is more than a lender — it's a collaborator, strategist and steady source of support for scaling companies.

Learn more about the Innovation Banking Group.

* All offers of credit are subject to credit approval, satisfactory legal documentation, and regulatory compliance.