Key differences
- They price differently, so compare the effective annual cost for your numbers in the calculator.
- Friends & family is usually faster to fund (about 4 weeks vs about 4 months).
- Friends & family is open to smaller companies (no stated ARR minimum vs $1M+).
Side by side
| Friends & family | Series A VC | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Early equity or SAFEs | Priced round |
| Funding type | Equity investors | Equity investors |
| Estimated rate as of today | Equity — you sell a share of the company | Equity — you sell a share of the company |
| Pricing source | Estimated as of today | Estimated as of today |
| Time to cash | About 4 weeks | About 4 months |
| Typical size | Up to $250K | Up to $25M |
| Term | — | — |
| Requirements | No hard minimums listed | $1M+ ARR |
| Regions | US · UK · EU · Global | US · UK · EU · Global |
| What they underwrite | Your team, market & traction | Your team, market & traction |
| Collateral | None | None |
| How you repay | Never (ownership sold) | Never (ownership sold) |
| Dilution | Yes — equity sold | Yes — equity sold |
Friends & family
Fast and flexible; keep terms standard (post-money SAFE).
Friends & family vs Series A VC FAQ
What is the difference between Friends & family and Series A VC?
They price differently, so compare the effective annual cost for your numbers in the calculator. Friends & family is usually faster to fund (about 4 weeks vs about 4 months). Friends & family is open to smaller companies (no stated ARR minimum vs $1M+).
Which is faster, Friends & family or Series A VC?
Friends & family usually funds in about 4 weeks; Series A VC takes about 4 months.
Which is cheaper for you?
The answer depends on your amount, term and revenue. The calculator prices both on the same basis — fees, warrants and dilution included.
Related comparisons
Rates are estimates as of today, not a lender's quoted interest rate. Not an offer of credit, investment, legal or tax advice. B2B Agent may receive a referral fee when we introduce you to a provider; it never changes rankings or what we publish. Lenders: send your current terms so we can refresh the estimate, which also makes you eligible for the Transparent Pricing and Lowest Rate awards. Update your listing.