PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The EDC Invest Program creates a pathway for connecting early stage firms to second round venture capital investment. The program consists of three stages:
- Identification, assessment and technical assistance to early stage firms, assisting in their preparation for pitching to equity investors. This activity is led by EDC’s Small Business Development Center and Matter Labs.
- Firms that are determined to be potentially ready for second stage financing present their business plans and capital requests to a panel of six to ten local industry leaders. Each panel is customized to assure industry and topical expertise. Panel members complete a rigorous evaluation of the presentation and business plan.
- The panelist’s evaluations are shared in confidence with a group of over 200 capital groups, organized through a partnership with OCTANe LaunchPadTM, a stakeholder partner in the California Small Business Development Center network. The ultimate goal of the program is for businesses to secure new capital investment through this network.
Through expert technical assistance and panel guidance, EDC Invest provides meaningful, analytical, and actionable feedback to our region’s entrepreneurs. The program supports their ability to prioritize and focus resources on areas that are most critical to success and prepare them for venture capital partnership.