And they did get a loan[0]. I think you overestimate the ability of Robinhood to get an infinite amount of money in debt from banks within a few days notice. Then they even sold more equity[1].

[0]https://finance.yahoo.com/news/robinhood-said-draw-credit-li...

[1]https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhood-raises-1-billion-to-m...

They're a financial institution in the age of zero interest, in no danger of defaulting. I mean come on?

You sure it wasn't just money they were about to raise anyway? Just jam some friends in pre IPO?