Where possible
The ERA Foundation will work with other investors providing
early-stage ("angel") funding. These
investments may follow support for projects at the
early stage of commercialisation.
To help identify investment opportunities The Foundation is a
member of Hotbed, Library House and Oxford Early Investments -
and will also work with other independent deal makers.
The ERA Foundation's investments in start-ups and young
technology companies will be based on the following premises -
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An initial first-round investment is likely to be of
order £0.2M to £1M. |
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The ERA Foundation will expect to invest in following
rounds to protect its share of ownership, although it is
unlikely to invest more than £2M in any one company over
successive funding rounds. |
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The ERA Foundation will favour companies with business
plans that demonstrate a convincing "exit strategy" within
five years (for example by flotation, trade sale, or
recapitalisation), thus allowing The ERA Foundation, if it
chooses, to refresh its investment portfolio and help new
companies. |
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The ERA Foundation will wish to nominate a board member
to companies it invests in
(via a co-investor if this is appropriate). |
The ERA Foundation is not actively seeking later-stage
investments - an area already well supported by the traditional
Venture Capital market.
Nevertheless opportunities may arise occasionally, where to
maintian a balanced portofilio the Foundation may invest at a
later stage (including MBOs). |
