We seek to identify and work with extraordinary entrepreneurs who have the passion and drive to fulfill a dream. MV’s first criteria must be, and is, the people: do we trust them; do they have the drive to succeed; do they have the energy and perseverance to build a great business? MV’s second criteria is a systematic analysis of the viability of the enterprise. If we believe in the soundness of the business model, the partnership can nourish and build the plan; support and grow the team and provide the hands-on experience derived from many a successful and failed start-up. Finally, the Partners believe that proper strategic positioning and market development rapidly supercede most technological advantages. The successful commercializing of a technology is about building the right team and developing the right markets.

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While the entire space of early stage investing is attractive, we focus on opportunities that are well understood by the Partners—this includes infrastructure and application software, networking and communication products and services, bio and medical systems, and technology-driven consumer products and services. We are particularly interested in applications of technology (rather than technology platforms), and opportunities in which Monitor can provide competitive advantage through its expertise and resources.

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Our focus is early-stage companies. We are willing to be the first professional investor, working with management, to further develop the business plan, team, initial revenues and on-going financial opportunities. But we will also invest in A and B rounds if we feel we can bring distinctive value to our investment. In addition we will make selective investments in re-starts and new companies that are founded by the Partnership in conjunction with established entrepreneurs.

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If we are looking at seed opportunities we will make relatively small initial investments--$250,000 to $1,000,000 and work with management to develop and successfully execute on certain milestones in order to raise further financing from institutional investors. We will typically reserve anything from $5 to $10 million for follow-on positions. When we look at A or B rounds the relative position and achievements of the company will determine the scale of our investments and this can range from $1 to $4 million with follow-on capacity. We do not seek majority ownership in our investments but require sufficient ownership (from 10% to 30%) to support our sustained active involvement.

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Our evaluation process is characterized by extensive due-diligence including an in-depth understanding of your target market and underlying industry. In that role we will draw on our experience, that of our advisors and the resources of the Monitor Group. Each investment must have a sponsoring General Partner, but our collaborative approach will often mean that partners will build on the strengths of individuals within the Partnership to fully evaluate an opportunity.

Our assessment looks both at risk and opportunity. Broadly we will consider people, market, technology and financial risk in our assessment.

We put a particularly strong emphasis on our assessment of the entrepreneur and management team. Does the team have the ingredients to win including: a track-record of success; energy and motivation; perseverance; intellectual brilliance; vision; integrity; work ethic and focus.

We carefully evaluate proposed markets and business models. Particular attention is paid to scalability and the ability of MV to significantly assist in the company’s development. Potential customer and competitive interviews are an important component in this process. A key consideration is becoming convinced of the unique value proposition of the product or service. Finally we will undertake product, technical and legal due-diligence.

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Once we become an investor we become your partner. And, we are partners who bring extensive operating experience and the perspective and sensibilities of entrepreneurs. We have all built our own companies and have lived some of the challenges and frustrations you may face. As a team we can bring functional operating expertise and provide invaluable strategic and marketing support. We will help you build your management team; implement fund raising strategies; and, establish strategic alliances.

To that end we can also draw on resources from the Monitor organization (typically at little or no cost to you) to support your growth strategy. These might include market development expertise; increased customer access; and, assistance in globalization of the opportunity.

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