At what stage does Empire invest?
Though we typically invest at the seed stage or in the first round of institutional investment, Empire also selectively invests in the second round, depending on the level of opportunity and our ability to add value.

What is the typical size of an Empire investment?
There is no set rule on investment size.  We look to invest as little as $50,000 to seed-fund a project, to more than $7.5 million in larger developing companies.  Empire typically plays a substantial role in its financings, serving as the lead or co-lead in many of the investments.

How do I contact Empire about investing in my company?
The best way to approach Empire is through someone with whom we already have a relationship. It might be a contact at Empire itself, or someone who is part of our network - an executive at one of our portfolio companies, a recruiter, a lawyer, an accountant, etc.  We believe that there are far fewer than six degrees of separation between the right business plan and Empire. 

If you are unable to come up with a mutual point of contact, you may e-mail a copy of the executive summary to plans@empireventures.com or send a hard copy to one of the following address. However, a reference from a trusted source is a much more effective approach. 

What is Empire's evaluation process for potential investments?
Though our decision process can last anywhere from several hours to several months, depending on the nature of the opportunity, a time frame of three to six weeks is most common.  A company can expect to make two or three presentations to the Empire team as the opportunity is being evaluated.  Members of the Empire team who are most involved in the relevant practice area drive the process, but everyone at Empire is exposed to the company during the evaluation.  In addition to direct presentations, product demonstrations and a business plan review, Empire places considerable weight on reference checks for both the company (customers and/or partners) and the entrepreneurs.

We also strongly believe that the investment evaluation process is bi-directional.  We are evaluating a potential investment opportunity, and the entrepreneur is evaluating a potential venture partner.  Personal chemistry, relevant previous experiences and relationships, and a shared passion for the company vision are all important components of the investment decision, for both the entrepreneur and Empire.  We encourage entrepreneurs to do as much homework on us as we do on them.

What involvement does Empire have post-investment?
Empire typically takes an active role in the companies it funds, assisting with recruiting, strategy, partnerships, technology and future financing.  We believe in a team approach.  A company might have one or two Empire partners on its board of directors, but each of us works to make that company successful.  We also believe that when a company works with Empire, it works with the entire Empire family.  The Empire network includes portfolio companies, strategic partners and service firms.  We work hard to make this network a vibrant and interactive community, available and valuable to all members.