Funk Ventures

Funk Ventures is an entrepreneurial, early-stage impact investing and acceleration firm. For over 15 years, our philosophy has been grounded in the belief that businesses can make a significant and positive contribution to people, society and the environment.

Our portfolio companies and our focus on healthcare, wellness, medical technologies and cleantech put this philosophy into action every single day.

We invest in highly promising companies that can significantly impact people, society or the environment in a positive way. The more impact a company can have to make our world a better place, the more excited we become to be part of it.

We understand the scope of value-add venture investing from start-up to acquisition, merger or IPO because we’ve sat on both sides of the table. Our passion to make a difference, our desire to help others, our entrepreneurial spirit and our hands-on expertise are just some of the reasons talented entrepreneurs have sought to partner with us for the experience, strategy and vision we continue to bring to every investment.

QUESTIONS?

Over more than 15 years, we have met with hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs. Some of the most common questions we have been asked over these years are summarized here.

You don’t sign Nondisclosure Agreements?

Like the majority of VC’s, we do not sign NDA’s because it would open us up to potential litigation and would seriously limit the number and type of opportunities we may want to evaluate.

What happens after I submit my summary?

After we receive your executive summary, we will review and evaluate your opportunity to see if it is a good fit. If we determine that your opportunity may be a good fit, we will contact you to request more information (often a full business plan, management resumes and any other relevant information). If we are interested in learning more after reviewing this information, we will setup a video call or face-to-face meeting to get to know you, your team and your opportunity in more detail.

What type of exit strategy are you looking for?

Our preferred exit strategy depends on what is most suitable for the portfolio company and can include an initial public offering (IPO), merger, acquisition or management buy-back.

What time period is expected for an exit?

An attractive time period for an exit would be 3 to 6 years. However, many liquidity events take longer, and we do not regard a longer timeframe to an exit as an obstacle or reason to decline an investment opportunity.

Can I raise venture capital if all I have is an idea?

Raising venture capital with just an idea is quite difficult. Most traditional venture firms will focus on companies that have established operations and management and have developed or completed its products or services. Raising capital for an idea-only business almost always requires seed capital from Angel investors, which is typically accomplished through a private placement. Entrepreneurs with companies at seed-stage should review our acceleration business to see whether there may be a fit.

Do you invest in reverse mergers or PIPE’s

We are early-stage investors with an entrepreneurial spirit. We do not invest in public companies, reverse mergers or PIPE’s.

How much equity do I have to give up?

It depends entirely on the amount of the investment, the valuation of the company, the stage of the company, the future potential for growth and the proposed exit strategy. Our best investments so far have been those where the founders and management of the company maintained significant ownership.

Do you participate on my Board?

It depends. We have, at one point or another, maintained board seats for approximately half of our portfolio companies.

What is your management involvement?

We’re not bankers, lawyers or financial sharks interested in taking over your company. We’re entrepreneurs turned venture capitalists with extensive operating experience. We think like you, work with you and support you by taking an active role without limiting your overall control.

What type of return are you looking for?

At liquidation (merger, acquisition, IPO, buy-back, etc), most early-stage VC firms are looking for returns of about 5 to 10 times of their investment. While returns vary greatly by industry and deal structure, a company with lower than 3x return on investment will have difficulty obtaining venture capital and should consider alternative funding sources.

Are your investments debt or equity based?

We primarily make equity investments. Sometimes debt is used to supplement an equity transaction, but it is rare. We are not lenders and do not participate in debt-only investments.

CONTACT US

info@funkventures.com

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