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ANU Connect Ventures Investment Process

Investment takes time - anything from two to twelve months from first contact to the close of the first financing. The speed at which an investment opportunity can progress is highly dependent on the development stage of the opportunity, the nature of the opportunity and the preparation that the potential investee team has undertaken prior to seeking funding.

Typically, the investment process follows these stages:

First contact

Contact us to discuss the investment opportunity. This may result in an invitation to meet with us as well as a request for a written summary of the business idea, technological innovation, product or service.

If you are an ANU employee please link to additional information »

Business Plan

Subject to an initial review of the investment opportunity you may be invited to provide us with a business plan, or to work with us to prepare a business plan, outlining the potential of the technology, the people involved, the market and business opportunity and investment needs. We will also require any relevant data, papers, patents and other supporting information.

ANU Connect Review

ANU Connect Ventures, with the support of various technical and business experts, reviews the opportunity and business model against our [investment guidelines]. If the investment guidelines are met the ANU Connect Ventures team will work with you to develop an investment proposal, which may include a requirement for other investors to spread risk, deepen the available pool of investment capital and add to the pool of expertise. In addition, the management team will need to be identified, including the board and scientific advisors, for the new venture.

After significant internal review the opportunity will be referred to our external Investment Committee for approval to proceed.

Terms sheet

Terms Sheets will then be prepared outlining the investment to be made and any conditions precedent for that investment. This will include valuation of the company, milestones and ownership of the company after the investment. On signing of the Terms Sheet, formal due diligence will ensue as well as the preparation of legal documents necessary for the investment to made.

Detailed due diligence

ANU Connect Ventures will carry out formal due diligence that may include a full review of any accounts (if relevant), patents, legal documents and personnel.

Legals

A Company Constitution, Shareholders Agreement, Subscription Agreement, Deed of Accession, License Agreement and Option Agreement will need to drafted and finalised.

Investment decision

ANU Connect Ventures or the investment syndicate will make a final decision to invest on the basis that the agreed terms set out in the Terms Sheet have been met, perhaps with some adjustments to the terms that reflect issues raised during due diligence.

Final approval

Once the decision to invest is made and terms of the investment are finalised the appropriate legal documentation will be signed.

Transfer of funds

Once the appropriate documentation has been signed investment funds will be transferred to the Company.

Read more about the Investment Criteria »