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What kinds of companies does UNITY USA invest in?
With deep operating experience in technology, we invest broadly in companies that, for the most part, offer products or services that can be categorized as a ‘technology solution’. We tend to focus on hard-to-do, disruptive technologies - innovative ideas that have the potential to create a significant market impact.
Not every brilliant idea is web-based, as such we also invest in other worthwhile industries. We carefully look at all propositions to ensure there is a good match between our investors, our expertise and the entrepreneur’s goals.
When, how much does UNITY USA invest?
The great majority of the companies we work with are at the earliest stages of development. We typically provide seed capital to people with a compelling idea and a plan. It is never too early to approach us.
We have invested as little as $10K to help develop an idea. We also invest at later stages, providing up to $5 million per round. However, we only provide further financing to companies we already have a relationship with, generally companies we had worked with from the start up stage.
Where does UNITY USA operate?
We invest worldwide, with the U.S. being our primary focus and center of operations.
How do I approach UNITY USA about investing in my company?
The best way to reach us is through someone we already know - an introduction through a common friend or business partner is the preferred approach.
Of course, you can also contact us directly. Email info@unity1.net, with a presentation that answers the following questions:
Opportunity
Solution
Team
Money
How do we decide to invest?
Since it is often difficult to evaluate the earnings potential of new business ideas or very young companies, the two major factors in our decision process will be a well-considered plan and the quality and experience of the management team.
In general, we only support companies with the kind of leaders that map well with our work culture and ethic. In addition to leadership that exhibits capacity for self-direction and future promise, we look for a proposal that ‘shows all the signs’ of future profits. Most attractive are innovative companies in rapidly accelerating industries with few competitors. Ideally, the company and its product or service will have some unique, marketable feature to distinguish it from imitators (patent or patent pending status would be great).
The decision process, from initial review to due diligence and closing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. If at any point we choose not to move forward, we will give you honest feedback on why.
What kinds of companies does UNITY USA invest in?
So you got the money. Now what? UNITY USA is devoted 100% to helping your company succeed, beginning with front-end due diligence on potential investments and then working closely with your team post-funding.
While we take an active role in our portfolio companies, especially in the beginning to establish the infrastructure, we tend to take a laissez-faire approach as the operation matures. We understand entrepreneurs are so fiercely focused on seeing their idea succeed, they have little time for ‘process’. We offer our technical and operations expertise as well as connections with consultants, strategic partners and service firms to help entrepreneurs build successful companies. For instance, we might advise on strategy, recruiting, partnerships and ideas to solve a technical challenge.
A portfolio company typically has one UNITY USA partner on its board of directors, providing input as necessary.