Startups in China use patents as collateral for loans, but younger startups struggle to get this financing while older ones don't need it. The study found that there is an optimal age for startups to use patents for loans. Innovation and experience help younger startups get financing, with innovation showing the quality of the startup to lenders and experience helping with communication between borrowers and lenders. This research shows how the age of a startup, its innovation capabilities, and experience with pledges all play a role in getting loans using patents as collateral in China.