The investment process begins with our research and analysis to determine a fundamental value, which is then compared to the market price. Typically, the investment cycle includes the following steps:

Deal Origination

Sources of deals include our portfolio companies, entrepreneurs, academic institutions, research organizations, other venture firms, attorneys, investment bankers, business associates, search firms, private investors and limited partners.

Due Diligence

The due diligence process includes business plan review, presentation by management to us, site visits, market and competitive analysis, business model and financial analysis, management team reference checks, corporate review including credit checks as well as an examination of corporate structure and legal issues.

Deal Structuring

Deal structuring includes negotiating transaction terms, establishing anticipated capital needs, finding sources of financing, as well as addressing accounting, tax and legal issues.

Management of the Investments

Responsibilities at this stage include providing strategic guidance, working with executive search firms to recruit senior management if necessary, establishing banking and credit relationships, giving advice on strategy and marketing, as well as providing board representation and/or leadership.

Liquidation and Exit

The final stage of the cycle involves establishing investment banking relationships, identifying appropriate merger or sale candidates, facilitating "road shows" through the selected underwriters and providing assistance during investor due diligence.

Each investment decision is based on frequent company and industry contacts, along with thorough research analysis and a comprehensive understanding of industry prospects and market valuations.

Our goal is to deliver lower risk and higher rewards. Our core values - diligence, discipline and integrity - guide our investment practices.

Diligence in researching investment decisions

We depend on the expertise of our financial professionals to research, analyze and make sound investment decisions. Our financial experts have the ability and resources to do their own in-depth research and analyses, so you can be assured that their decisions are based on fundamentals that stay true to our investment strategies. The result is a team of seasoned financial professionals working together to add value and a measure of safety to your portfolio.

Discipline in executing our investment strategies

Our investment is designed to achieve a specific objective, such as long-term capital growth, and is founded on sound investment principles. Our financial team takes pride in remaining disciplined to these principles so that you can feel more secure in your investments.

We base our decisions on strong fundamentals, such as earnings growth, cash flow and relative value. Instead of attempting to time the market, we believe we bring more value to your portfolio by staying fully invested in what we believe are the best opportunities.

Integrity in all endeavors

Protecting and enhancing your assets is the most important aspect of our job. We honor the trust, hard-earned dollars and hope that has been placed in our hands. To protect your long-term interests, we maintain a fundamental and disciplined approach to investments.

As part of our due diligence process we review the target market, the management team, the product or service, competitive positioning and the company's current customers, suppliers and partners. If the company is still attractive to us as a potential investment we will issue a term sheet to the company. Once a term sheet is accepted by both parties, we conduct more intensive due diligence on the company including reference checks for senior management.