Investment Criteria
Investment Criteria and Engagement
Get the Investment Criteria and Engagement Requirements in one handy file
While our mandate is flexible, we generally seek to make initial equity investments of $2m-$5m and often add follow-on investments as the business grows, generally investing $5m-$10m in equity over the life of a given investment
We look for companies with the following characteristics.
- EBITDA $1m - $3m
- History of profitability with a growth trajectory
- Operating in industries and markets with strongly positive macro trends
- Inherently strong gross margins and a sustainable competitive advantage via patents, know-how, trade secrets or other proprietary features
- Addressable underperformance factors
- Nucleus of exceptional management
- Opportunities to rapidly scale the business either through internal growth or add-on acquisitions
- US based headquarters with a preference for locations in the Northeast
We avoid start-ups, turnarounds, low margin businesses, and unstable business models. Some typical Use of Proceeds for our investments include:
- Recapitalizations of closely held or family owned businesses
- Management buyouts or ownership transitions
- Corporate divestitures
- Growth financing
Industry Focus
While we are generally opportunistic, we maintain the following sector perspective.
Core Sectors we are actively pursuing:
- Immune system/anti-inflammatory solutions (diagnostic tests, holistic health, immuno-oncology, immunotherapies)
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Healthcare (software, patient compliance, personalized and remote medicine)
- Miniaturization (nanoscale activities)
- Business services
- Niche manufacturing and value-added distribution
- Power storage and renewables
Sectors for which we are bullish, but guarded in approaching:
- Drones
- Self-driving technologies
- Cannabis
Sectors we watch but are likely not prepared to enter:
- Broadband/ISP
- Mobile access
- Data storage/hosting
Realizing Full Value
Corporate Fuel helps successful businesses address the challenges of growth.
Learn about our portfolio investments