Maximise Your R&D Investment Without Waiting on the ATO

Australia offers some of the world’s most attractive R&D incentives—but waiting for rebates can slow progress on global innovation programs.

Rocking Horse helps established enterprises and international companies access early funding against their eligible Australian R&D spend—keeping capital flowing and projects progressing on schedule.

Why It Matters for Innovative
Enterprises

Australia is a global R&D destination—offering generous tax incentives, world-class infrastructure, and a stable business environment. But waiting on rebate timelines can create friction in fast-moving, multi-market operations.

Whether you’re scaling local teams, managing cross-border innovation, or running multi-year programs, we help keep capital flowing and enterprise momentum strong.

Preserve Capital Efficiency

Convert R&D spend into working capital—supporting local teams, infrastructure, and new product development.

No Delays from Lodgement Timelines

Access funds well before your R&DTI claim is lodged or processed, helping you manage planning cycles and cash flow with greater certainty.

Satisfy ongoing cash flow needs

Flexible, Unrestricted Use

Use the capital wherever it supports your goals—whether that’s talent, tech, regulatory approvals, or commercial readiness.

Enterprise-Ready Turnaround

We move at your pace—with reliable, timely funding that integrates seamlessly into your broader financial strategy.

Are You Eligible?

To access R&D Finance as a startup, you’ll need:

  • To be conducting eligible R&D activities as defined by the ATO and AusIndustry
  • To be planning to claim the R&D Tax Incentive this financial year
  • To have already spent on R&D activities during the current financial year
  • To operate through an Australian company (Pty Ltd)

How it Works

Get the Funding You Need in 6 Easy Steps

We’ve designed our application process to be fast, simple, and hassle-free, so you can focus on what matters—growing your business. Follow these six easy steps to access your R&D financing quickly.

01

Get In Touch

Reach out for a free consultation with our R&D finance experts. Whether you prefer a quick call, an online inquiry, or a direct message, we’re here to help.

02

Check Your Eligibility

If you’re eligible for the R&D Tax Incentive, you qualify to apply for R&D finance with Rocking Horse Group. We’ll assess your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.

03

Gather Your Documents

To process your application smoothly, we’ll need key documents such as:

  • Your AusIndustry registration letter
  • Your previous financial year’s tax return

04

Confirm Your ATO Position

We’ll verify your tax position using your business activity statements (BAS) to ensure everything is in place for a successful application.

05

Apply With Confidence

Once your eligibility is confirmed and documents are in order, we’ll guide you through the application process, making it simple and straightforward.

06

Receive Your Funds

Once approved, you’ll receive your funds within 2 weeks. We offer funding amounts ranging from $50K to $10M, depending on your year-to-date R&D spending.

Supporting Leading Industries
and Global Innovators

We partner with ambitious companies across Australia’s most dynamic sectors. Whether you’re a homegrown enterprise or a global innovator expanding into Australia, our R&D finance solutions help unlock capital tied up in eligible R&D spend—so you can move faster, invest deeper, and stay competitive.

Technology
& Software

From AI to SaaS development, we help tech companies fund research, testing, and product development without cash flow bottlenecks.

Pharmaceuticals
& Healthcare

Developing life-saving drugs, cutting-edge treatments, or medical technologies? Our financing solutions help biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare innovators sustain their R&D efforts and accelerate breakthroughs.

Manufacturing
& Engineering

Innovation in materials, automation, and processes requires ongoing investment. We provide funding to keep projects moving forward.

Renewable Energy & Sustainability

Pioneering new energy solutions? Our funding supports research into sustainable technologies and environmental advancements.

Agriculture & Food Technology

From precision farming to food innovation, we help agtech companies develop and commercialise their R&D.

Mining &
Resources

Advancing exploration, improving extraction processes, and developing sustainable mining technologies all require significant investment. Our financing helps mining companies continue R&D efforts without disrupting cash flow.

Customer testimonials

We support businesses of all sizes, helping them unlock the power of R&D financing to drive innovation and growth.

“Allowing us to access cashflow critical to our R&D and commercialisation in an incredibly painless and efficient manner”

Daniel Stinton

Founder

We use/d Rocking Horse’s R&D Finance to access funds that would otherwise being come back to us at year end, but we can access it throughout the year to further invest in development and commercialisation of our products.

Lisa Spiden

Founder and CEO

“Rocking Horse stood out for their expertise in R&D financing, their streamlined processes, and their excellent customer service. They offered a solution that was quick, reliable, and tailored to our needs”

Martin McCann

CEO and Founder

Ready to Unlock Capital from Your R&D?

Don’t let long rebate cycles slow down strategic initiatives. Access funding tied to your Australian R&D investment—without equity dilution or operational delays.

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about R&D financing for your business.

R&D financing allows businesses to access early funding based on their accrued R&D spend, giving them quicker access to the expected R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) rebate. Rather than waiting until tax time, companies can bring forward their rebate and use the funds to support growth, operations, or continued R&D. This improves cash flow without compromising their claim process.

Any company engaged in eligible R&D activities can qualify for R&D tax incentives. This includes start-ups and established businesses across various industries. The key is that the work must aim to advance scientific or technological knowledge.

Yes. As long as your Australian entity is conducting eligible R&D activities and planning to claim the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI), you may be eligible. We support many international businesses operating in Australia who want to unlock early access to their rebate.

We can work with consolidated group structures, subsidiaries, or joint ventures—as long as eligible R&D spend can be clearly identified and attributed to an Australian tax entity. Our team collaborates with your internal finance team or advisors to streamline the process.

We typically lend up to 80% of your accrued eligible R&D rebate. Once we’ve reviewed your documentation, funds can usually be released within days, depending on the complexity of your group and claim.

  • Yes. Many large enterprises choose to draw down funding progressively throughout the financial year as their eligible R&D spend increases. We structure funding to match your needs and cash flow cycles.

Yes. R&D Finance is a non-dilutive, debt-based funding option that doesn’t interfere with your capital structure. It can be an efficient alternative to shifting internal capital or raising equity—especially when you're scaling investment in Australia.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help you navigate R&D financing.

How it Works

Insights for Global Innovators & Enterprise Leaders

Expert commentary, strategic guidance, and industry insights for large-scale R&D investment in Australia.

  • Maximise Your Benefits with R&D Tech: A Guide to Driving Innovation, Growth, and Industry Transformation

    Maximise Your Benefits with R&D Tech: A Guide to Driving Innovation, Growth, and Industry Transformation

    Tech companies are moving faster than ever, and the key to staying ahead of the competition is innovation. This is where R&D (Research and Development) comes into play. By investing in R&D technology, companies can drive growth, transform industries, and maximise their benefits for clients. It helps organisations develop cutting-edge products, streamline operations, and adapt…


  • Mining Tech: Innovation for Safer, More Productive Operations | Rocking Horse Group

    Mining Tech: Innovation for Safer, More Productive Operations | Rocking Horse Group

    Mining Tech: Driving Innovation for Safer and More Productive Mining Operations Mining might be one of the world’s oldest industries, but it’s undergoing a tech revolution that’s anything but old-school. From autonomous haul trucks rumbling through remote sites to AI tools predicting equipment failures before they happen, “mining tech” is transforming how we extract resources…


  • EOFY Is Coming: How to Claim R&D Tax Credit in 2025

    EOFY Is Coming: How to Claim R&D Tax Credit in 2025

    As the end of the financial year approaches, it’s essential for Australian companies engaged in innovation to prepare their R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) claims.  This guide walks through what the incentive is, who qualifies, how to claim it step by step, and what’s changing in 2025, so you’re not caught scrambling at tax time. What…