Investment Criteria

We typically invest in businesses that meet the following criteria. However, it is important to understand that obtaining an equity investment is not like applying for a bank loan. When applying for a bank loan the applicant can be reasonably certain of obtaining the loan so long as all of the bank's criteria are met. This is not the case with finding investors. Not only does the business need to meet their criteria, but in addition, the business needs to be something that the investors are keen to become attached to for several years. Therefore, some individual preferences will go into any one person's decision such as sector, location etc.

The following are criteria that most of our investors will require:

The company is led by a woman: she must be the CEO with significant equity in the company. Usually she is the founder and CEO.
The management team is well rounded and has strong business experience, particularly in the sector in which the product is being placed.
The market size is large enough to present an addressable market of a minimum of $1bn.
The product and the business model are scalable.
The product is in beta (versus alpha) stage of development and has been developed with input from clients or potential clients.
The company has at least one or two paying clients.
There are some tangible barriers to entry for competitors or potential competitors, such as an intellectual property portfolio.
There must be a clear exit strategy.
The company is a C corporation (not LLC).
The company’s valuation is typically less than $5m, particularly if it is a pre-revenue company.
Brokers: Please note that we do not work with brokers.

Location: When applying from outside the New England or Mid Atlantic regions, it should be noted that it is preferable for companies to have already secured an investment from a local angel group or venture capital firm.