Lending to startups in Silicon Valley has become more difficult and tight following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. The credit availability in the innovation ecosystem is expected to worsen as a result. Find out how the lending landscape is changing and the potential impact on the startup ecosystem.
The Changing Landscape of Lending in Silicon Valley: Credit Availability Tightens
Lending to startups in Silicon Valley has become more difficult and tight following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. The credit availability in the innovation ecosystem is expected to worsen as a result. This article explores the changing lending landscape in Silicon Valley and its potential impact on the startup ecosystem.

( Credit to: Bizjournals )
One year after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, many banks and fintechs are trying to fill the void left by the former bank. However, they still have a long way to go. The credit availability in the innovation ecosystem is expected to tighten, making it more challenging for startups to secure funding.
The changes in Silicon Valley banking can be traced back to the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes in March 2022. These rate hikes devalued Silicon Valley Bank’s longer-duration Treasury bond holdings and led to a run on the bank, resulting in its collapse. As a result, loans have become more expensive, leading to a decrease in credit availability.
The Impact of Credit Availability on Startups
At the Newcomer Banking Summit in San Francisco, Laurence Tosi, founder and managing partner at investment firm WestCap, expressed his belief that credit’s presence in Silicon Valley will tighten for a long time. This tightening of credit availability can have a significant impact on startups in the area.
Peter Hébert, managing partner at Lux Capital, described the former Silicon Valley Bank’s lending approach as “old school” and based on trust and personal relationships. However, going forward, Hébert believes that more lending decisions will be made algorithmically. This shift marks a departure from the previous approach and may have implications for startups seeking funding.
Furthermore, the reliance on venture capitalists as a backstop for startups may diminish as mainstream banks try to serve the startup ecosystem. While there will likely be banks catering to startups, credit conditions may not be as favorable as they were before the SVB crisis. Startups will need to adapt to these changes and explore new avenues for financing their growth.
The Role of Non-Bank Lenders and Fintech Companies
Although Silicon Valley Bank still exists as a division of its new owner First Citizens Bank, it no longer offers venture-debt lending, which was crucial for the innovation economy. This has created an opportunity for non-bank lenders like TriplePoint Capital to step in and fill the void.
Despite the challenges, many banks and fintechs are seeking to serve the innovation economy. Some have even hired talent from Silicon Valley Bank. JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Stifel Financial, and fintech company Jiko are among those trying to cater to startups.
Jiko, in particular, offers a unique banking service that allows companies to invest their cash into U.S. Treasury bills, providing yield, safety, and scale. This enables startups to better manage their cash and invest it in a way that maximizes returns.
Adapting to the Changing Landscape
Overall, the lending landscape in Silicon Valley has changed, and credit availability is expected to tighten. However, new players are entering the scene, and alternative lending options are emerging. Startups will need to adapt to these changes and explore new avenues for financing their growth.
While the lending environment may be more challenging, it also presents opportunities for startups to think creatively about their financing strategies. Building strong relationships with lenders, exploring alternative lending options, and seeking guidance from experienced investors can help startups navigate the changing landscape and secure the funding they need to grow.
In conclusion, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has had a significant impact on the lending landscape in Silicon Valley. Credit availability has tightened, and startups will need to adapt and explore new avenues for financing. However, with the emergence of new players and alternative lending options, there are still opportunities for startups to thrive and secure the funding they need to fuel their growth.