R&D-Active Startups: Turning Investment into Innovation

For startups that have begun investing in eligible R&D activities, cash flow timing can be the difference between momentum and stagnation. You’ve committed the spend on development, prototyping, testing—but the R&D Tax Incentive refund is months away. That gap can slow progress at exactly the stage where speed matters most.

Rocking Horse provides non-dilutive R&D financing to help you access funds earlier—based on R&D expenditure you’ve already incurred and a planned or active R&D Tax Incentive claim. No equity dilution. No personal guarantees. Just early access to capital you’ve already earned, giving you the flexibility to:

  • Develop prototypes and test new concepts without waiting for your rebate
  • Cover operational costs while your team focuses on core R&D
  • Invest in talent, technology, and early commercialisation
  • Extend your runway and reduce reliance on equity funding

By accessing your refund earlier, you can iterate faster, gain a competitive edge, and turn your R&D investment into real outcomes—without giving up control of your business.

R&D financing is available to startups with incurred eligible R&D expenditure and intent to lodge an R&D Tax Incentive claim. Funding starts from $50K.

Growing Businesses: Scaling Through R&D Investment

As your business grows, so does the scale of your R&D commitment. You’re expanding operations, entering new markets, and refining your products—but sustaining that innovation takes continuous investment. For businesses with ongoing eligible R&D expenditure, the timing gap between spend and rebate can constrain growth at the moment you can least afford it.

Without the right funding strategy, cash flow pressure can force difficult trade-offs: delay a hire, push back a development milestone, or slow your path to market.

For businesses actively investing in eligible R&D, R&D financing helps you keep momentum by unlocking your rebate early, so you can:

  • Expand your R&D efforts without financial strain
  • Invest in automation, technology, and efficiency improvements
  • Hire skilled professionals to drive innovation forward
  • Maintain a strong cash flow while continuing to grow

By reinvesting sooner, you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead. With Rocking Horse, you can scale confidently, knowing your innovation is backed by the capital it needs.

R&D financing is available to businesses planning to lodge or already lodging an R&D Tax Incentive claim.

Innovative Enterprises: Pushing Boundaries Without Limits

For established businesses, innovation is what keeps you ahead of the competition. But large-scale R&D projects can tie up significant capital, limiting your ability to invest in new opportunities. For enterprises with substantial eligible R&D expenditure, accessing capital earlier through the R&D Tax Incentive can unlock growth without balance-sheet strain.

Rocking Horse R&D financing keeps your cash flow strong while you continue to lead in your industry—including multi-year facility agreements for businesses with ongoing R&D programs.

For enterprises planning to lodge an R&D Tax Incentive claim, early access to your R&D rebate allows you to

  • Take on ambitious, high-impact research projects
  • Invest in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure
  • Manage financial risk while committing to long-term innovation
  • Strengthen your position for venture capital and strategic partnerships

By accessing funding when you need it, you can push boundaries, drive industry change, and innovate with confidence, without financial constraints holding you back.

R&D financing is available to established businesses with substantial eligible R&D expenditure. Funding is available up to $10M.

Industries We Support

Innovation happens everywhere—and we support businesses across a wide range of industries that invest in eligible R&D activities. Our R&D financing helps companies claiming the R&D Tax Incentive access funding sooner, so innovation doesn’t stall.

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.

Proven R&D Financing for Growing and Established Businesses

Hear from Australian businesses using R&D financing to access their R&D Tax Incentive earlier and reinvest in innovation.

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

Daniel Stinton

Founder

We used Rocking Horse’s R&D Finance to access funds that would otherwise have come back to us at year’s 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 Access Your R&D Refund Early?

If your business has eligible R&D expenditure and an active or upcoming R&D Tax Incentive claim, we can help you unlock funding sooner. No equity. No personal guarantees. No catch.