Define ‘equity financing’.

Equity financing refers to the process of raising capital by selling shares of ownership in a company. When a company opts for this form of financing, it allows investors to purchase shares, thus giving them a stake in the business. This method not only provides funds that can be used for various purposes, such as expansion, development of new products, or paying off debt, but it also helps in sharing the risk involved with the business since the investors are now co-owners.

This type of financing is important for companies, particularly startups and growth-oriented businesses, as it does not require repayment like a loan would. Instead, the expectation is that investors will gain a return on their investment through dividends or an increase in share value over time. Equity financing can thus facilitate long-term growth and investment without the immediate burden of debt repayments.