Startups
Process
We believe in a transparent process. When you apply for funding from the Sawmill Angels, you will always know where things stand.
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If your startup doesn’t fit our criteria, we will let you know why. For those that do fit our criteria, our investment committee will review your application and follow-up if any additional information is required.
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If our investment committee approves your application, the information will then be sent to our membership with the goal of finding a sponsor. Each startup needs a member sponsor that will help the founder prepare for pitching the Sawmill Angels.
Once the sponsor believes the pitch is ready, the startup will be invited to a pitch meeting to present to the entire group of interested Angels. Within one week after the pitch, the startup will receive feedback from the group and discuss how we should move forward.
We invest through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) so that you only add one investor to your cap table if you receive an investment from the Sawmill Angels. From application to funding, the average length of time is two to three months.
Please see below for the criteria that we look for in prospective portfolio companies.
What We Look For
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Affiliated with Rose-Hulman alumni, faculty, or student
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Startups raising a pre-seed or seed round of $50,000 to $1,000,000
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Pre-money valuations no greater than $10MM
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A potential 10x cash-on-cash return for investors
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Innovations with strong commercial opportunities and talented teams
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Initial indications of product-market fit (e.g., early revenues, large beta community, etc.)
Do you meet the criteria and want to discuss funding opportunities?