Although most of our investments are made in companies that were referred to us by our limited partners, existing portfolio company executives, and other professionals with whom we have a relationship, that is not the only way to get our attention. Yes, it helps if you know “someone who knows someone at Sierra,” but if you don’t, you should still submit your executive summary or investor presentation to us at info@sierraventures.com. We look at every submission that comes in—whether through a referral or not.

Once we receive the required materials, one of our investment professionals reviews it to determine whether the company meets our criteria. If it does, we will contact you to begin the due diligence process.

While our investment decisions are often made quickly, the due diligence process that follows—including meetings between your company’s management team and the Sierra investment team, a market analysis including a review of your company’s competitors, reference checks on your management team, and customer reference calls—necessarily takes up to four to six weeks to complete.

After the due diligence process is complete, Sierra’s managing directors meet to make an investment decision. We require consensus that an investment is attractive before we make an investment. Once we decide to invest, the legal process can take up to four weeks to complete before we make our initial investment.