Business finance is a rather broad term encompassing concepts that deal with the development, management, accumulation, utilization, and disposition of funds and investments. A business finance manager is responsible for managing a company’s funds, as well as ensuring that these funds are used appropriately to support the business’s objectives. The primary functions of business finance managers are to ensure that the resources of a business are correctly expended to support its operations. They are also involved in ensuring that an adequate cash flow is maintained so that operations do not become disrupted and so that financial debts and other financial risks are reduced. By definition, business finance therefore focuses on the management of financial transactions related to investments, purchasing of assets, and provision for payments.
There are three basic types of business finance: non-recourse, asset-based, and debt finance. Non-recourse business financing refers to financing that does not require an asset to be repaid. Asset-based business financing involves borrowing money based on an asset, whereas debt financing is obtained by borrowing money based on an obligation.
Venture capital is one of the forms of short-term business finance that can be used to launch new ventures. A venture must be based on a legitimate business idea that will create a significant market for the product or service to be sold. In venture financing, the venture generally requires investors to put up some of their own capital in return for some shares of the business. Venture capitalists typically have a good track record of returning cash to their investors on a regular basis, although it can take years before a company becomes successful and profitable.