Capital

Capital

Investments and News

Articles/Press 04/16/24

KORE Power / Company Spotlight

Battery cell technology plays a pivotal role in the transition to renewable energy. 

Articles/Press 11/30/23

Rigorous / Company Spotlight

Founded in 2020, the Williston-based company creates robots that elevate the quality of work for those who need it most. 

Articles 06/06/24

IRL is back.

In 2019, the Burlington startup scene was saturated with in-person meetups. It felt like every night of the week I was at some brewery or coworking space, networking my little heart out. It was exhausting.

VCET makes early stage investments into Vermont-based teams and companies. Our aim each year is to make a few select investments into undeniable founders who are offering a specific insight within inevitable markets.

Our approach is to be authentic, empathetic, and a trusted expert for innovators and founders.

Investment Portfolio

View a selection of these companies below:

• View full portfolio

$9M Vermont Growth Fund 2 (2024)
$6M Vermont Seed Capital Fund 1 (2010)
Funds are evergreen for revolving investments.

VCET can fund you alone (or join a syndicate); lead a transaction (or not), and take a long-term view. We have been through the “start, scale, and sale” lifecycle, and are with you until you are bought or buried.

Vermont-based teams and operations, tech-enabled and scalable. Most all sectors and some fund eligibility conditions exist.

Investing Process

We evaluate the Team (Why you?), Tech (Why this?), Timing (Why now?), and the transaction’s Terms (What benefit?). We do our best to give clear and candid decisions on our level of investment interest and eligibility for funding. We don’t like formal pitches, nor do we need flashy slides. Just come as you are with what you’ve got.

Initial Screening

Firms will be reviewed for Fund eligibility, suitability, team, and an initial opportunity assessment. A response declining to pursue, offering alternative funding sources, or seeking follow up information typically results.

Initial Due Diliegence

Firms experience an in-depth review and assessment on their markets, business model, financials & capital path, existing & prospective management team, technology & products, sales & distribution, and comparative advantages, among other areas.

Advanced Due Diligence

Transaction structure, valuation, terms, corporate and legal due diligence and remaining questions are completed. If an investment is considered desirable and fund objectives can be attained, then an Investment Recommendation is prepared for the Investment Committee and any invited domain or subject matter experts.

Investment Decisions

The independent Investment Committee has final determination on the proposed term sheet and investment recommendation. This committee is responsible for the approval of all investments.

Adding Value and Infrastructure

VCET is actively engaged with firms on building teams, accessing critical first customers, strategic partnerships, corporate strategy, networking and training opportunities, mergers and acquisitions, and executive mentoring. All of which lowers burn rates, lowers investment risk, hastens progress towards “value-changing” events, and increases probabilities for market-based returns and success as Vermont-based employers.

Follow-On Capital and Investment Exit

For most seed stage firms, follow-on funding is necessary to achieve their potential. We offer an exceptional network of local, regional, and national venture firms, corporate investors, angel investors, grant and debt options to fund firm growth and next stage development. Our team will be involved in sourcing follow-on capital and active regarding exit and liquidity opportunities.

If you are interested in investment from the VCET funds, or in finding another local source for an immediate need, then please tell us about your company: venture@vcet.co (not .com).

Hey, and while you’re at it, here is a sheet of other Vermont-based investors and startup resources.