Specific criteria.Every time.
We apply the same written criteria to every company, and we tell founders early whether they fit.
I. What we look for
Seven tests. One standard.
Vertical fit
Inside one vertical’s lane and its boundaries.
Technical proof
A prototype or lab data, validated by a technical adviser.
A measurable gain
Over what customers use today.
Customer signal
A pilot, letter of intent or design partnership with a named customer.
A capital path
To first revenue on less than about $50 million of total funding.
A team
A technical founder and a commercial lead.
Strategic buyers
At least three plausible acquirers we can name at the start.
II. Terms of engagement
How we invest.
Stage
Seed to Series B, with pre-seed through Dreamers
Initial check
Typically $1–5 million, set by each vertical fund
Ownership
Target 8–12% at entry
Follow-on
Reserved for companies that hit agreed milestones, not automatic pro rata
Later-stage purchases
We may buy existing shares in later-stage companies inside our verticals
Board role
Board seat or observer role, deal by deal
III. Governance
How we govern ourselves.
Investment committee
An investment committee chaired by Alexandra Pohl, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, with William Pohl III, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, as Co-Chair, approves every investment.
Conflicts of interest
Written policies govern conflicts of interest, personal trading and outside business activities. Our Chief Compliance Officer reviews every conflict.
Advisory Committees
Each fund’s Advisory Committee of independent limited partners reviews conflicts, including conflicts between our funds.
National security screen
We screen every investment for national security and export control issues.
Ready when you are
Founders, buyers and investors each have a path in.
Start with the one that fits you.
Next chapter
For founders