Rocket Fuel Ep #9 — Unlocking Cash Flow: How Canadian Startups Can Thrive with SR&ED Credits

Pitch Please

Rocket Fuel Ep #9 – Unlocking Non-Dilutive Funding with SR&ED Credits

In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau dives into the world of non-dilutive funding with Kevin, co-founder and CEO of Humi, and Ali, an expert in SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) credits. For Canadian entrepreneurs, SR&ED credits are a game-changer—allowing companies to unlock cash flow, extend their runway, and reinvest in innovation without sacrificing equity. Kevin and Ali break down how founders can leverage SR&ED and other non-dilutive funding options, which have fueled thousands of businesses across diverse industries.

With insights drawn from years of experience, they cover everything from funding through customer dollars to SR&ED eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. They discuss common mistakes, how to streamline the SR&ED process, and why proactive planning can maximize funding and minimize operational strain.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Types of Non-Dilutive Funding: Why customer-funded revenue and SR&ED credits are often better alternatives than equity or debt financing.

• SR&ED Eligibility Explained: What qualifies as eligible R&D activities and why companies from diverse sectors—tech, food and beverage, manufacturing, and more—can benefit.

• The Documentation Process: Essential steps for successful SR&ED claims, including employee tracking and expenditure documentation.

• Working with SR&ED Experts: Tips for selecting the right partner to streamline the process and maximize your refund.

• Customer Funding vs. SR&ED Credits: Kevin and Ali explain how customer dollars and SR&ED refunds work as non-dilutive funding sources to drive growth without diluting ownership.

Chapters

00:00 - Unlocking Cash Flow: The Essence of Startup Funding

02:46 - Understanding Non-Dilutive Funding and Customer Outcomes

05:56 - The SR&ED Program: A Canadian Advantage

08:55 - Eligibility and Scope of SR&ED for Businesses

14:54 - Navigating the Application Process

23:35 - The Importance of Trust in Consultancy

26:51 - Essential Documentation

30:51 - Proactive Strategies for Funding

33:02 - Navigating the SR&ED Landscape as an Entrepreneur

35:54 - Understanding Refund Timing and Budgeting

38:39 - What Expenses are Covered?

43:05 - Final Thoughts and Resources

More About Ali

Ali Afshar is Humi's SR&ED director with extensive experience in navigating Canada’s SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) tax incentive program. With a solid engineering background, Ali brings a unique technical perspective to the field, helping companies in various industries maximize their tax credits and funding opportunities. Throughout his career, Ali has successfully guided hundreds of companies and projects from initial assessment to claim submission, ensuring compliance while optimizing benefits.

More About Humi

Humi is the leading employment platform for Canadian businesses. We know running a business is more than just paperwork and tasks – we make it easy to care for businesses and those who bring them to life. We’re the best choice for supporting Canadian businesses in being better employers with payroll, HR, benefits and SR&ED. To learn more about Humi, visit humi.ca

Want to Connect?

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/humi-hr/⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.humi.ca/

Ali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alireza-afshar-1401a514a/

Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkliman/

Want to Learn More?
Looking to maximize your SR&ED tax credits? Humi offers a comprehensive SR&ED solution to help Canadian businesses unlock up to 64% of their R&D spend. From technical reports to audit protection, Humi’s team of SR&ED experts ensures every claim is accurate and optimized for the best possible return. Visit Humi’s SR&ED page to learn how they can streamline your SR&ED process, integrate seamlessly with your payroll and HR, and support your growth with non-dilutive funding.