The Next Big Thing
Wanted: The Next Big Thing
With $15M across two evergreen venture funds, VCET is looking to make new investments into Vermont-based teams and companies. Our aim each year is to make a few “smart” investments into undeniable founders who are offering a specific insight within inevitable markets.
But before pitching to us, let us pitch to you.
Our Capital
Our capital includes the new $9M Vermont Growth Fund 2 using grant proceeds to VCET secured by former Senator Patrick Leahy, and the $6M Vermont Seed Capital Fund 1 which launched in 2010.
Our Process
We evaluate the Team (Why you?), Tech (Why this?), Timing (Why now?), and the transaction’s Terms (What benefit?). While not perfect, we do our best to give clear, quick, 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.
Our Style
Venture capital funding is not for everyone, and by design it has a high threshold to obtain. VCET can fund you alone (or join a syndicate); lead a transaction (or not), and take a long-term view on the return of capital. We have been through the “start, scale, and sale” lifecycle many times, and as we tell our portfolio companies, “we are with you until you are bought or buried.”
Most capital seekers also benefit from VCET’s free business advisory work and mentoring, whether we make a direct investment or not (a resource that is not often available from private funds). In fact, 350 people accessed our advising this past year alone. Companies range from student startups, scaling Series A level firms, to profitable companies with $40M+ in revenues. Each one trusts us to be authentic, provide expert advice, and remain empathetic…understanding where they’re coming from and what they’ve overcome to get where they are today. Having and maintaining their trust gives our team purpose and duty to perform every day for each Vermonter we serve.
Our Interests
Our investments are focused on Vermont-based teams and operations, technology-enabled and scalable. We do not fund retail, restaurants, real estate projects or companies…or algae biofuels. What’s getting me most excited are technologies and companies using graphene, building for industry 4.0+, or almost anything to do with water.
So, that’s our pitch. If you like what you’ve heard, please consider emailing venture@vcet.co to chat about your company or one you’d like to refer. There is no such thing as too early to #StartHere.
Let’s talk,
Dave
