In this short conversation, Kal Jamshidi sits down with Mighty Investor and StakeFounder Matt Leibowitz to unpack how funding options for founders have evolved,and why having debt in your toolkit is becoming essential.

Matt reflects on the early days of Stake, when growth credit simply didn’t exist in Australia. Today, as the ecosystem matures, founders have more optionality, and smart ones are using it to their advantage.

The takeaway? Blending equity with debt isn’t just a financial tactic it’s a way to grow without giving too much away. Whether it’s raising $3 million inequity and $2 million in venture debt, or just having both options on the table, it’s about staying in control while scaling fast.

As Kal and Matt discuss, the future is hybrid andfounders who embrace both sides of the capital stack will be better positionedto win.

Watch the video to hear their take on the rise of venture credit, how it complements equity, and what a healthier funding landscape could look like for Aussie startups.