Turn Big Ideas into Reality Without Waiting for the ATO
If you’re building something new, chances are you’re pouring time and resources into R&D. But waiting until tax time for your R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) rebate can stretch your runway and limit your ability to move fast.
At Rocking Horse, we help startups unlock early access to their expected R&D Tax Incentive—turning R&D spend into working capital now, not months from now.
Why it Matters for Start-Ups
R&D finance gives you fast access to capital—matched to your eligible R&D spend to date. Unlike equity, it doesn’t dilute your ownership or take months to secure.
We help you turn past R&D investment into immediate cash flow so you can keep building, hiring, and growing.
Boost Your Cash Flow
Turn your R&D investment into capital you can use now—for growth, hiring, product development or runway extension.
No Need to Complete Your R&DTI Claim First
We can fund you before your claim is finalised, based on the eligible R&D spend you’ve already accrued this financial year.
No Restrictions On How You Use the Funds
It’s your capital—use it where your business needs it most.
Fast Turnaround
We move quickly, so you can keep innovating without delays.
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
Built for Founders Like You
Innovation happens everywhere—and we’re here to help businesses across a wide range of industries access the funding they need to push boundaries and create impact. Whether you’re developing breakthrough technology, advancing healthcare solutions, or revolutionising manufacturing, our R&D financing ensures you have the cash flow to innovate without delay.
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 Accelerate Your Growth?
Don’t let funding gaps slow your momentum. Turn your R&D into capital—without raising a round.
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.
If you’re a startup that has already begun spending on eligible R&D and you’re expecting to claim the R&DTI this year, then yes—R&D Finance can help improve cash flow without giving up equity or control.
We don’t provide R&DTI consulting or prepare claims ourselves—but we work closely with many specialist R&D tax advisors and are happy to connect you with the right support if needed.
Yes—many startups are pre-revenue or not yet profitable, and the R&D Tax Incentive is still accessible. In fact, loss-making companies often receive the rebate as a cash refund, which is what R&D Finance is based on.
- That’s okay. As long as you’ve accrued eligible R&D expenditure within the current financial year, you may still be eligible for a loan. We assess each application individually and can provide top-up funding as your R&D spend grows.
Yes, you can apply, and we’ll guide you through what’s needed. While Rocking Horse doesn’t assess eligibility (that’s up to the ATO and AusIndustry), we work closely with partners who can help you verify whether your activities meet the R&DTI criteria.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help you navigate R&D financing.
How it Works
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