Our Approach

Our process is strategic and focuses on relationship building, value creation and growth. We evaluate markets, business models, competitive positioning, and intellectual property strengths. We invest from seed to growth stage, and our process is highly selective and competitive and will generally take from three to six months. This selectivity is important because it allows us to provide each of our portfolio companies with the attention and time they need from our team to be successful. We look for a strong combination of the following attributes:

Strong and committed management team: proven track records, operational skills, commitment to the venture, willingness to be open to suggestions, understanding of good corporate governance including open and consistent communications

Innovative technology or product: unique product that demonstrates real customer product “pull” addressing markets of substantial size

Strong IP protection or early mover advantage: patent-protected core technology or distinct first to market advantage

Strong technical team: significant technical knowhow among the team

Significant market potential: products that can address substantial (and preferably multiple) commercial markets with significant profit margins

Financing background: knowledge of venture capital financing terms and fundraising experience are a plus

Founders: commitment and alignment of founders with a vision and strategy for rapid growth

Investment Geography: our focus is companies in upstate New York or those with a significant Cornell University technology connection