See if you and MAVF are a good match. 

We seek to invest in young high growth potential businesses of almost any type. Our preference is to invest as early as possible - at what some call the "angel" stage.

Although we are normally the largest investor  in virtually every company in which we invest, our ownership position in our ventures will almost always represent less than a controlling interest, and frequently much less. We believe that entrepreneurs sleep better knowing that they are fully in control of their own destiny. 

While we do not seek to play an operational role in our investees, neither would our preferred role be called passive. We will generally hold a seat on the Boards of Directors of portfolio companies, and through it and other means, serve as a counselor on strategic or otherwise major decisions. All of us have been through countless small business wars, and bring that experience to the ventures we back. Our objective is to become a trusted, respected and valued outside partner to the entrepreneurs in whose companies we invest. 

Industry Focus
We do not restrict our investments to any particular industry, and with the exceptions of biotech, storefront retail, real estate, construction and natural resources, will consider ventures in any field. While many of the investments we make are technology-oriented, we are as interested in non-technology and service businesses. 

Stages of Investment
While we occasionally invest at the early expansion stage, we are best known for our seed and start-up stage investing. We generally provide the first outside money in our portfolio companies.  Turnarounds and small leveraged buy-outs are also of interest. 

Geographic Preference
We are primarily interested in investing in companies in the Mid-Atlantic, but will consider others, especially those located in the Boston or Research Triangle Areas.

Investment Amount
We are interested in placements which range in size from $500,000 to $8 million, although in special circumstances this range could be extended on either end. For placements whose size is closer to the larger end of this range, we would syndicate them with one or more other venture investors whom we know and respect. 

Other
We will invest only in companies whose key managers have invested, or are prepared to invest, in their own venture. They must also share our objective of achieving liquidity of the firm's equity within a 5-7 year time frame. Lastly, they must have prepared a business plan which fully describes the investment opportunity. 

 

Philosophy and Style

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MAVF's approach to its task is straightforward; select exceptionally capable and open-minded teams of entrepreneurs; win their trust and respect; and then, as an outside partner, support and serve them in every way possible as they move forward toward market leadership. Our style is light-handed, non-operational, constructive, responsive and supportive. 

To draw on our favorite axiom, "We're looking for a few great stage coach drivers, because we ride one helluva shotgun."  Most great entrepreneurs are born leaders, but they tend to focus on opportunity and promise, often to the exclusion of what can go wrong.  We've ridden thousands of miles as great drivers' "shotguns," and we've seen a lot of what can go wrong!  Accordingly, we can often help today's drivers avoid the mistakes made by those of, to carry the Western metaphor one step further, "yesteryear".

The CEO testimonials throughout this web site really say it all--we're a top-flight partner with a reputation to match.

Just ask the people we've backed.