INVESTMENT PROCESS

The first step in the investment process is to get a written description of your company’s business to Windward Ventures. Typically, company executives have arranged an introduction to a Windward Ventures partner via a law firm, accounting firm, a bank, a venture capital firm, a portfolio company, or others associated with Windward Ventures. The executive summary of the company’s business plan (or a PowerPoint presentation) along with a cover letter is usually sent in advance of a complete copy of the business plan (see Business Plans). If the business opportunity is interesting and meets our investment criteria (see Investment Criteria), Windward Ventures will request a copy of the complete business plan.

After the business plan review, Windward Ventures will determine if the investment opportunity is sufficiently attractive to warrant arranging a meeting with the senior executives of the company. If we proceed, Windward Ventures will commence its due diligence investigation of the key aspects of the business including: markets, technology, competitors, management background, interviews with key customers/prospects, legal issues, and financial projections. Windward Ventures often co-invests with other venture firms and, accordingly, may introduce the company to other venture firms. If our interest continues, the company may be presented with a term sheet (a non-binding outline of the terms of a venture investment in the company), which may be followed by definitive legal agreements. Although Windward Ventures can work quickly for the right opportunities, entrepreneurs should be aware that the venture investment process might take as long as 2-3 months.

For qualified opportunities, the relationship with Windward Ventures begins early and typically lasts for many years. Windward Ventures Partners take an active role on the board and provide valuable advice as well as participation in building the right management team, a sound board of directors, industry contacts and corporate partners, and most importantly in growing your business. Since most businesses require multiple rounds of venture financing, Windward Ventures can provide valuable assistance to streamline the process.

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