Vanguard Ventures - For Entrepreneurs

We are often asked what makes a company interesting enough that Vanguard Ventures would choose to back it. There is no simple answer to that question. The investment decision process is more art than science, and involves the intuition, analysis, and judgment of all of our partners. The venture capitalist-management relationship is heavily influenced by trust, respect, personal chemistry, and shared vision. We do not back products, nor do we invest in markets alone. Vanguard's business is to invest in people who create pioneering products, and who have the intent to build a lasting company by serving customers with excellence.

There is no formula for the "perfect" venture capital investment. However, Vanguard does look for a few key elements in each company we back. Most notably:

A large, definable, approachable market
An expectation for the company to achieve market leadership
Breakthrough and protectable technology to address the market
Outstanding people who understand the importance of a balanced team in building a successful company

At Vanguard, we have observed that success is virtually never achieved in a straight line. Therefore, the most successful founders, managers and venture capitalists must bring to their business:

A superb ability to be in tune to the pulse of present and future market needs,
The flexibility to change rapidly as technologies and markets evolve, and
The execution skills to brilliantly implement against goals.

We attempt to assess these attributes, and others, each time we evaluate a founding team.

Over the past 25 years, our investment focus and expertise has centered on three primary areas: Communications, Life Science, and Information Technology.