How the “Big Beautiful Bill” Could Shift the Startup Money Game

If you’re a founder or small business owner in 2025, you’re probably feeling the squeeze right now. Maybe you’ve already thought about winding down? Maybe you’re holding out for a pivot or capital raise? But there’s one thing we don’t always talk about: the way national policy can subtly (but powerfully) affect your ability to make those decisions on your own terms.

The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) extends many of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s provisions—but at a steep fiscal cost. The Congressional Budget Office now projects the OBBBA will add $4.1 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade, driven largely by higher debt‐service costs on a $37 trillion national debt. That’s $718 billion more than earlier estimates, raising borrowing costs for everyone.

This isn’t about politics. We’re talking about timing, control, and clarity. And it might help you finally make the call you’ve been circling around for months.

What’s Actually in the “Big Beautiful Bill”?

At a glance, the OBBBA may look founder-friendly, because it makes permanent—or restores—several key tax breaks entrepreneurs rely on:

1. Permanent 20% QBI deduction The Act permanently extends the 20 percent Qualified Business Income deduction for pass-through entities such as LLCs and S-corps, removing the sunset originally set for after 2025.
2. 100 percent bonus depreciation The OBBBA restores full expensing (100 percent bonus depreciation) for qualified capital assets placed in service after January 19, 2025—a reversal of the scheduled phase-down under prior law.
3. Retroactive R&D expensing Domestic research and development costs incurred from 2021 through 2025 can now be fully expensed in the year paid, rather than amortized, providing near-term cash-flow relief for tech- and product-heavy startups.
4. SALT deduction cap increase The Act raises the state-and-local tax (SALT) deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for 2025 (then phasing down by 30 percent for high-income filers through 2029).

All of these measures can ease tax burdens and offer significant near-term savings—especially for founders nearing the end of their business life cycle. But making them permanent comes with a massive price tag.

Why Deficits Matter in the Startup World

When federal deficits climb, the U.S. Treasury sells more bonds to finance them. With the federal funds rate held at 4.25–4.50 percent since December 2024, Treasury yields remain relatively high, making government debt more attractive compared to riskier startup equity. As a result, investors may shift capital toward bonds and away from early-stage ventures.

If you’re already weighing a shutdown, you might find that the current environment is nudging you from indecision into action. This isn’t about failing—it’s about recognizing a shift in the game and deciding to play smarter.

What this looks like on the ground:

• More conservative venture capital: Investors may require stronger metrics, profitability paths, or exit options before writing checks.
• Fewer early-stage deals: Pre-revenue or experimental ideas may struggle to get past first meetings.
• Increased competition for fewer dollars: Startups at every stage are chasing the same shrinking pool of attention and capital.

And most importantly: You may start to internalize this as your fault. It isn’t. This is systemic, not personal. But how you respond? That’s where you reclaim power.

Why Timing Your Closure Matters More Than Ever

In a market where capital is tightening, waiting too long to close can turn a difficult transition into a damaging one. Vendors may stop being flexible. Your team could lose morale. And investor goodwill—built over months or years—can quietly disappear.

Acting sooner, while you still have resources and options, gives you leverage:

• The ability to distribute capital cleanly to stakeholders.
• The chance to wrap up operations with integrity and clarity.
• And the space to process emotionally and plan strategically—not just reactively.

Choosing to shut down now may not be a failure—it may be a smart response to a rapidly shifting capital environment. You can close cleanly, regroup faster, and be in a stronger position for whatever you decide next.

What This Means for Founders Today

If you're on the fence about winding down, the market is not giving you much room for delay. With investor expectations tightening and capital harder to come by, dragging things out could mean missing your opportunity for a smooth exit.

Here’s what to consider:

• Expect slower fundraising timelines: Rounds will likely take longer to close, especially without strong traction.
• Valuations may drop: Less competition among investors means fewer premium offers.
• Burn matters more than ever: Watch your cash runway closely. Many founders wind down too late—not too early.

A founder’s strength isn’t measured by how long you can hold on—it’s measured by how well you choose your moment. Let this be one of intention, not default.

How Starcycle Supports Founders Through This Shift

At Starcycle, we don’t just help you shut down—we help you reclaim clarity, preserve your relationships, and build the groundwork for what’s next.

Here’s how we support you:

• Custom exit planning: Every step is outlined, from BOI reports to tax filing and investor communication.
• Regulatory compliance: We stay on top of policy shifts—like those introduced in OBBBA—so you don’t have to.
• Emotional and strategic clarity: Our team brings experience, empathy, and structure to the decisions you’re already carrying.

You don’t need to walk this path alone. We’ve been here ourselves—and we’ve helped hundreds of founders move forward, not just move on.

The Bigger Picture

When the world around you becomes harder to predict, what’s within your control becomes even more valuable. The timing of your closure. The story you tell. The care you take with your team, your partners, and your investors.

Starcycle exists to make those moments easier. To strip away shame and friction. To let you make decisions with confidence, clarity, and dignity.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready to know your options, we’re here to help.