Receiving funding from a venture capitalist has often been compared to getting married. The "getting to know you" process is arduous, but the early dates are intriguing; the evaluation process is a combination of "art" and "science" with the correct emphasis on the "art;" getting engaged can be thrilling, but then discussions about the "pre nup" start; and planning the wedding is tiring but more fulfilling than dealing with investors' counsel. Once the "wedding" actually takes place, the company and venture capital firm are truly linked at the hip, through thick and thin, but unfortunately, there is no honeymoon right afterward. If there is ever a "honeymoon," it usually takes place at the end of the relationship, not the beginning. And to make the analogy complete: "divorces" do occur from time to time in our business, but hopefully, both sides are a lot more mature than in real life marital situations.

That said, at Symmetry Growth Capital, we hope to have close working relationships with ten to twelve management teams of portfolio companies over the life of our fund.

The Due Diligence Process

Our first step with a new investment opportunity is to discuss management's vision for the future. This vision is typically elaborated upon in the company's business plan, which we will evaluate in great detail. The critical areas we look at include:
 

  The overall concept and strategy
  The market opportunity (size, growth, etc.)
  The products and services and the value they bring to customers; is there
    a real "need?"
  The fundamental economics of the business and the operating plan
  Management's philosophy and approach
  Backgrounds and references of the management team

If we decide to further analyze the company, we will meet several times with the management team to expand our understanding of each of the above areas. We also typically meet with employees, customers, suppliers, and other key stakeholders in the company's success. If we are truly bringing expertise to the relationship, it is likely we will be able to suggest ways to improve the business plan. Our goals need to be consistent with the goals of management --- we are looking for ways to optimize growth and profitability; we are looking for ways to accelerate success from a time perspective; and we are looking for ways to minimize risk to the extent possible. In this same context, however, we are "upside" focused, and we understand that venture capital portfolios are not successful by having the fewest losers.

One consistent requirement we have is a passionate commitment across the management team to achieving the goals of the enterprise. The business plan should be a flexible roadmap for attaining those goals, and not just a sales tool for raising capital. The time required to make our investment decision, from initial discussions to the closing of the financing, could vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the nature and complexity of the venture.

What to Look for in a Venture Capital Partner

The management/investor relationship is a "two way street." Entrepreneurs should carefully evaluate the qualifications of prospective investors. A private equity firm should possess basic characteristics: integrity, flexibility, responsiveness, industry-specific expertise and the ability to make timely, independent decisions on specific investments. We encourage you to evaluate us and other prospective investors by considering these questions:
 

  Do the investors have the capabilities, background and judgment to
    contribute positively to the growth of the enterprise? Can they make a
    positive difference?
  Are the investors able and willing to make long-term financial and time
    commitments to the relationship?
  Do the investors have breadth and depth of experience in entrepreneurial
    company-building and strategic planning?
  Are the investors respected investors with a superior track record?
  Are these the kinds of people I want as my partners for the next four to
    seven years?

How Symmetry Growth Capital Can Help

Few entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial management teams can "do it alone." Thus our logo depicts what we believe to be the key to success for entrepreneurial management teams: optimizing the working relationships among a variety of key contributors to best manage the growth process. Symmetry Growth Capital can help accomplish this, adding value in such key activities as:
  Strategy development and re-orientation
  Marketing planning and creativity
  Operational excellence
  Management development
  Financial goal setting and budget development
  Common sense board member and advisor
  Pacing of growth
  Liquidity generation contacts and thinking
  Sounding board
We know we really can't "leap tall buildings in a single bound." We also know that we will pledge to do our best to help wherever that help is truly beneficial. Facilitating, helping, advising, contributing, but not managing.