For Entrepreneurs
Investment Criteria
"We look for passionate entrepreneurs, defensible businesses, outstanding technologies or products and high growth opportunities" - BR Ventures Investment Committee
BR Ventures ("BRV") is unique, truly value added seed stage capital. Bringing to bear more than just financial capital, BRV leverages the resources of a world-class research institution, a talented and driven student body and a diverse alumni network for the benefit of our portfolio companies.
BR Ventures is dedicated to supporting our entrepreneurs in their endeavors. Knowing what it takes to make your idea, discovery or technology into a viable, fundable business is what we do best. We team with entrepreneurs to create the winning companies of tomorrow.
BR Ventures looks for opportunities that meet the following criteria:
- Geography - While we prefer to work with companies in the Northeast, we consider opportunities throughout the United States
- Stage - BRV looks to invest at the seed stage where we bring the most value to our partner companies by taking their ideas and making them a reality
- Investment Size - We typically make investments between $50,000 - $250,000
- Investment Structure - BRV views itself as a faciliatory capital that enables portfolio companies to more easily raise future VC rounds from subsequent Series B investors and beyond. We will either co-invest in or lead the Seed round and will most often use structured preferred stock or convertible debt.
- Industry Preference - Due to the diverse resources and expertise at our disposal, we will look at opportunities in a broad array of industries
- Investment Horizon and Exit Strategy - BRV seeks opportunities with obvious, lucrative exit strategies within 3 to 7 years of initial investment
Key Characteristics We Look For
- Strong Management
- Viable Business Plan
- Defensible Market Niche
- Barriers to Entry
- High Growth Opportunity
- Obvious Exit Strategy
Cornell Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Are you an entrepreneur looking for an idea with which to launch a company? Take advantage of the technologies available for licensing at CCTEC (Cornell's tech transfer office).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a connection to Cornell?
-No, but it helps. The Fund will review plans submitted from outside the Cornell community and looks at every plan submitted as a chance to foster entrepreneurship. We do encourage those with a Cornell connection to submit plans, as we have proven very effective at helping to launch Cornell related ventures.
Does the Fund Take a Board Seat on its Investments?
-This varies according to each situation depending on the size and significance of the investment and company needs of the company. Regardless, we always take an active role in assisting the development and growth of our partners
Do you work closely with BR Incubator "BRI"?
-Absolutely. BRI is a major resource for business creation and we work closely together with them and other campus organizations to maximize our portfolio companies' value.
