Runway’s inclusion on the 2025 list underscores its continued leadership in providing minimally dilutive capital solutions for founders.
Runway Growth Capital LLC. (“Runway”), a leading provider of growth loans to venture and non-venture-backed companies seeking an alternative to raising equity, is thrilled to announce its inclusion in Inc. Magazine’s 2025 Founder-Friendly Investors list. This marks the third consecutive year Runway has been selected to appear on Inc.’s Founder-Friendly list. It also highlights the firm’s reputation as a trusted financial partner providing capital solutions that preserve founder ownership and control.
“Raising capital is no small feat for today’s entrepreneurs. That’s why discovering investors who offer more than just financial backing—those who bring mentorship, resources, and a true spirit of partnership to your growth journey—is both rare and invaluable,” says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. “The 2025 Founder-Friendly Investors are collaborators and dedicated to helping their portfolio companies succeed.”
The distinguished list recognizes investors who actively support founder-led businesses and play a meaningful role in their success. Honorees have a proven track record of partnering closely with founders and maintaining deep engagement throughout the life of their investments.
“Earning a place on Inc.’s Founder-Friendly Investors list for the third year in a row underscores the trust we’ve built with founders who want to scale their businesses without giving up ownership,” said David Spreng, Founder and CEO of Runway Growth Capital. “We are committed to being long-term partners that offer flexible capital, honest guidance, and the freedom for founders to stay in control.”
To date, Runway has partnered with over 80 businesses, committing more than $3.0 billion in loans to companies on the path to profitability. Since its founding in 2015, the firm has become a leader in venture lending, delivering tailored, non-dilutive financing to high-growth companies across a range of industries. At the core of Runway Growth Capital’s investment approach is a collaborative ethos built on trust, transparency, and long-term alignment.
In January of 2025, Runway Growth Capital was acquired by BC Partners Credit, a move that united Runway’s founder-focused approach to late-stage lending with BC Partners’ global capabilities and $40 billion in assets under management. The partnership extends Runway’s reach across structured equity, fund finance, and equipment leasing, enabling the firm to serve more companies with greater flexibility while retaining its existing leadership team and disciplined credit culture.
To compile the list, Inc. went straight to the source: entrepreneurs who have sold to private equity and venture capital firms. Founders filled out a questionnaire about their experiences partnering with private equity, venture capital, and debt firms and shared data on how their companies have grown during these partnerships.
For more information or to view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors.
Legal Disclosure
The award for Runway’s advisory services has been given by a non-advisory client. A cash compensation entry fee was given in association with the award. Any compensation may create a conflict of interest. For more information on Inc.’s award selection process.
