APPROACH

We Back People Who Want to Change the World

We are inspired by people of vision and courage, eager to take their innovative thinking and craft it into the next big, industry-changing company.

  • ABOUT CRV
  • OUR APPROACH
  • OUR CORE VALUES
  • CRV NETWORK
  • WHAT WE LOOK FOR

    Seeking Unexpected Ideas—and the People Bold Enough to Pursue them

    CRV’s best investment prospect is an early-stage startup with a disruptive market-changing idea. We’re looking for opportunities where we can take smart, innovative founders and help drive them to success.

    No venture is too early for us. The bulk of our investments have been to companies with fewer than 10 employees—many have as few as 2 or 3. CRV doesn’t require a complete management team, since we can often help in bringing the right talent to the mix.

    The best way to get our attention is not with a 100-page business plan. A concise executive summary, an expense budget for the first two years, the revenue model, and a PowerPoint presentation are the materials we’re interested in seeing. It helps if one of our portfolio companies, or a member of our contact network recommends you.

    Okay, we like your idea. Now what?

    We want to sit down with you face-to-face, getting the complete picture. We ask ourselves, “Can this become a significant company?” We assess the capabilities and charisma of the founding team, “Can they attract the best employees? Do they have the capability to shift the direction of an industry?”

    If we can visualize greatness, and are convinced that the founders share the same vision to create an industry giant, we’re excited. We use our network of contacts to gain perspective on the company’s strategy and key executives.

    Our most important due diligence comes in whiteboard sessions with the venture’s founding team, brainstorming about the business’ potential. A small team from CRV engages with the company and generally stays with the venture, post-financing.

    Unlike many venture firms, we don’t lurk on the sidelines waiting for a strong lead investor to step up. When we believe in a project, we want to be the lead investor.