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Investment Thesis

Geography

Emerging Markets, specifically in Asia and Africa.

Verticals

Fintech, SaaS, E-Commerce, Logistics, Healthcare, Ag Tech

Stages

Pre-Seed to Series A

Models

B2B and B2B2C

Operational Traction

Post-Revenue

Preferable Minimum ARR / Gross Margins

USD 250K

Target Valuations:

USD 5MM to USD 30MM

Initial Cheque Size

USD 250K

Investment Strategy

Hands-on Approach

Advise on Strategy Participating in Follow-On Rounds

Corporate Governance

Regular Interactions with Founders Accountability | Aligning Interests

Financial Coaching

Assistance in Financial and Liquidity Planning as well as Fund Raising

Hands-on Approach

Advise on Strategy Participating in Follow-On Rounds

Corporate Governance

Regular Interactions with Founders Accountability | Aligning Interests

Financial Management

Assistance in Financial and Liquidity Planning as well as Fund Raising

Risk Mitigation

Derisked Business Models (10-20x target) Derisking with Due Diligence / Financial Coaching

Rigorous Due Diligence

Rigorous Due Diligence (drivers, risks and financials) often > 3 months

Robust Founder Evaluation

Operational Track Record and Excellence Founder’s Self Awareness and Coachability

Company Selection Criteria

Business Model

  • Strong Use Case
    Driven by Need/Urgency/Impact
  • Scalability
    Large addressable markets, scalable internationally or across verticals
  • Low CAPEX
    Low upfront investment, inexpensive to scale
  • Preference of B2B or B2B2C over B2C
    Tackling inefficiencies in the corporate world, avoiding risky and costly marketing directly to the consumer

Founders

  • Balance between Visionary and Operator
    Profound industry knowledge coupled with operational talents
  • Conviction and Drive
    High intrinsic motivation to get things done
  • Communicative
    Regular updates (positive and negative/challenges) in a timely manner
  • Coachable and Collaborative
    Open to assistance and advice

Impact Investing Framework

Investing Framework Century Oak Ventures Focus on Investing in Emerging Markets leads to improving economic, social and environmental living conditions in the respective countries.

Creating a profitable company is the most sustainable way of development assistance.