Hands-on Approach
Advise on Strategy Participating in Follow-On Rounds
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
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.