Keep Innovation Moving Without Waiting on the ATO
You’ve built momentum. Your R&D is driving results—but tying up capital while you wait for your R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) rebate can stall your next big move.
At Rocking Horse, we help growing businesses access early funding against eligible R&D spend, so you can maintain cash flow, reinvest faster, and stay focused on what’s next.
Why It Matters for Growing
Businesses
R&D Finance helps growth-stage companies turn eligible R&D spend into early capital—without waiting on tax time or giving up equity.
Whether you’re scaling operations, investing in new tech, or entering new markets, we help you keep cash flowing so your growth stays on track.
Strengthen Your Cash Position
Turn R&D expenditure into working capital you can use now—for expansion, innovation, or hiring.
No Delay Waiting on Lodgement
You don’t need to complete your R&DTI claim to unlock funds. We finance against what you’ve already spent this year.
Total Flexibility
There are no spending restrictions—use the capital wherever it drives the most value in your business.
Fast, Reliable Funding
We move quickly, so you can take advantage of new opportunities without delay.
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
02
Check Your Eligibility
03
Gather Your Documents
- Your AusIndustry registration letter
- Your previous financial year’s tax return
04
Confirm Your ATO Position
05
Apply With Confidence
06
Receive Your Funds
Supporting Innovation Across Australia’s Growth Sectors
As your business scales, sustaining innovation becomes even more critical. We work with growth-stage companies across diverse industries to turn their R&D investment into accessible capital—helping them fund ongoing development, manage cash flow, and keep momentum strong. Whatever your sector, our R&D finance solutions are built to support what’s next.
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 Scale Your Business Without the Cash Flow Strain?
Don’t let tied-up capital hold you back. Unlock funding from your R&D spend and keep your growth plans on track—without raising equity or slowing down.
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.
Absolutely. For businesses with ongoing R&D projects, we offer progressive drawdowns—giving you flexibility to access capital as your eligible spend increases over time.
Loan size depends on your accrued R&D spend to date. We typically lend up to 80% of your year-to-date R&DTI rebate, which can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars depending on the scale of your investment.
We can assess funding for companies with group structures or consolidated R&D operations, as long as the eligible R&D activities and spend can be clearly identified. We’ll work with your advisors to ensure the right setup.
- Yes—for many growing businesses, R&D Finance offers a non-dilutive funding option that preserves ownership and avoids the time and cost involved in raising new equity. It’s often used to bridge the gap between funding rounds or delay dilution.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help you navigate R&D financing.
How it Works
Insights for Scaling Businesses
Actionable advice, strategic ideas, and expert insights for businesses investing in R&D at scale.
-
How Much Do Tech Companies Spend on R&D? Insights for Driving Innovation
Research and development (R&D) plays a critical role in driving growth and innovation in the tech industry. It fuels groundbreaking ideas, strengthens competitive advantage, and helps companies establish market leadership. However, effectively allocating R&D resources is key to maximising its impact. This article explores essential benchmarks and strategies for successful R&D spending, along with funding…
-
How to Start a Tech Start-Up: From Idea to Market Success
Starting a tech startup can be an exhilarating yet challenging journey. From developing an innovative idea to scaling your business in a competitive market, this process demands creativity, determination, and strategic planning. With the right approach, you can turn your vision into a thriving venture. This practical guide will walk you through the essential steps…
-
Smart Farming in Australia: How Tech Is Revolutionising Agriculture
Smart Farming in Australia: How Tech Is Revolutionising Agriculture Australia’s agriculture sector is under pressure. With rising costs, unpredictable climate conditions, and growing demand for sustainable production, traditional methods are no longer enough. Smart farming offers a new approach. By integrating technologies like sensors, automation, and data analytics, it enables more precise, efficient, and scalable…
