Key Takeaways
- Ukrainian and Venezuelan scientists with US lab revenue qualify
- Lab equipment financing — PCR machines, centrifuges, analyzers
- Working capital for consumables between grant disbursements
- NIH SBIR grant recipients qualify for advance funding
- No green card required
Ukrainian and Venezuelan scientific parolees on humanitarian parole are building successful US biotech and life sciences businesses — generating real revenue that traditional banks ignore because of their visa status. Bankable evaluates your business on what matters: monthly revenue, operating history, and business fundamentals.
Ukrainian Scientists in US Biotech
Ukraine's scientific community was world-class before the invasion — Ukrainian molecular biologists, biochemists, and biomedical engineers worked at leading European and US research institutions. Parolee scientists are launching CROs (contract research organizations), diagnostic labs, and biotech companies that serve pharmaceutical and academic clients. Bankable funds the equipment and working capital that operationalize their scientific expertise.
Funding Products
- Lab Equipment Financing: PCR systems, flow cytometers, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, HPLC systems — financed with equipment as collateral.
- Consumables Working Capital: Reagents, cell culture media, plasticware — high turnover consumable costs funded through revolving working capital.
- SBIR/STTR Bridge Funding: NIH and NSF grants take months to disburse. Bankable advances against awarded SBIR/STTR grants to fund operations during the disbursement gap.
- BSL-2 Facility Build-Out: Biosafety level 2 laboratory construction requirements financed as build-out capital.
Equipment Financing
Finance the physical assets your business needs with the equipment as collateral.
Explore →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ukrainian or Venezuelan scientist-parolee humanitarian parolees with valid EADs and US biotech lab revenue that exceeds $20K/month qualify for Bankable's funding products. We do not require green card or permanent residency.
Valid EAD, parole documentation, 3 months of US business bank statements, business EIN, and a voided business check. No tax returns required for amounts under $250K.
Working capital advances are decided within 48 hours. Equipment financing decisions typically take 48-72 hours. Funds wire within 2-3 business days of approval.
We prefer 620+ for working capital and 640+ for equipment financing, but we evaluate the full picture — revenue strength, time in business, and industry risk can compensate for lower scores.
Revenue-based working capital requires no collateral beyond a general business lien. Equipment financing uses the financed equipment as collateral. Larger term loans may require personal guarantee.
Qualifying businesses can access up to $5M. Most early-stage businesses qualify for $25K-$500K based on revenue. Businesses doing $100K+/month can access larger facilities.
Bankable structures funding terms to your remaining authorization period. Parole renewals are typically straightforward for CHNV and Ukrainian U4U programs. See our guide on parole expiry and business funding.
Yes, as long as the majority (51%+) ownership is the parolee with EAD. Mixed-status business partnerships are acceptable. Each partner's immigration status is reviewed but majority ownership by a parole holder qualifies.