Opportunity Triage

Entrepreneurs approach Gazelle in various manners and through various channels. Opportunities will immediately be assigned a team consisting of a relationship contact and analytical resources. In some cases, this may be one staff member for both functions. Gazelle makes a quick assessment to determine whether the fundamental concept, regardless of the quality of the plan, should receive further review.

For early and middle stage companies, where Gazelle is interested in pursuing the opportunity, Gazelle makes contact with the entrepreneur, and depending on the quality of the plan and supporting information, offers guidance on developing the plan or the company to the point of "fundability." If Gazelle views the opportunity as potentially very attractive, it dedicates resources to actively assist the entrepreneur on the plan, with staffing or with networking in exchange for some form of commitment or preferred treatment in the coming funding round.

Certainly, there are plans and teams that don't need such attention. In these cases, Gazelle's diligence process will more closely resemble traditional venture capital diligence.

For emerging and later stage companies, Gazelle is sometimes in a position of leading syndication where it has previously invested or it will join other investors in a more passive role. However, Gazelle still seeks to be actively informed and involved and offers resources where it can add value.

In cases where Gazelle chooses not to invest, it will attempt to close the relationship with an explanation of its position, and if possible, some guidance on possible alternative capital sources for the entrepreneur.