 |
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
 We invest in early stage technology-driven companies with outstanding growth prospects. We back entrepreneurs who seek to build major enterprises in the Midwest. We are active investors who work hard to understand an entrepreneur's goals, business plan and industry over the life of an investment. The basic elements of our investment strategy are set forth below. Early Stage We invest in early stage opportunities where the prospect of building a valuable company is compelling. Most investments we make are in companies where an entrepreneur, an emerging technology and a promising market opportunity are identifiable and consistent with the venture model. We will invest in seed stage and start up companies. Technology Driven We focus on markets where fundamental advances in software and communications technology are creating the opportunity to build major enterprises in the Midwest. While we actively pursue enterprise software and e-commerce investments, we are also drawn to sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and materials science where these basic drivers are creating fundamental change. We often target companies developing niche technologies where the potential to address broader markets exists. Leverage We look for partnerships as a critical source of leverage for the companies in which we invest. North Coast co-invests with other corporations and venture capital firms whose experience and participation bring added value to the business. Geography We believe that geographic proximity is important in building close relationships with entrepreneurs and their companies. By investing in companies in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, we can provide active, sustained assistance with strategy, business planning and recruitment. Investment Size We expect to invest between $500,000 and $4 million over the life of an investment. Most of the investments North Coast makes are in the form of preferred stock. An initial investment may be as little as $100,000 in a seed stage or start up company. For opportunities with larger capital requirements, we also have strong relationships with commercial bankers, non-traditional financing sources and investment bankers throughout the Midwest.
|
|
||
|
 |
|
|
||