1. In what types of companies and at what stage does City Light Capital invest?
2. What are the key decision criteria CLC uses to determine whether to invest?
3. Do you emphasize business profits or social impact in evaluating investments?
4. How long is the investment process at CLC?
5. How much does CLC invest in a company?
6. After making an investment, what does CLC do to support the growth of its companies?
7. Does a CLC partner always join the company’s Board of Directors when CLC makes an investment?
8. How can I submit a business plan to CLC?
9. Does CLC only fund businesses on the East Coast?
10. Does CLC lead deals?
11. Does CLC accept interns?
1. In what type of companies and at what stage does City Light Capital invest?
We invest in early stage, high growth businesses in the Safety and Security, Education and Information Services, and Energy and Environmental sectors. These companies all have launched a product/service, generated some revenue and are typically below $25 million in pre-money valuation.
We do not invest in non-profit organizations or companies which generate limited returns by design. We do collaborate as a firm and through our portfolio companies in specific circumstances with relevant non-profit and social enterprise organizations in our areas of interest.
2. What are the key decision criteria CLC uses to determine whether to invest?
We evaluate among other factors the market opportunity, management team, product, business model, business mission, social, economic and environmental impact and our firm’s ability to add value post-investment.
3. Do you emphasize business profits or social impact in evaluating investments?
We emphasize both. We believe that companies that build great products and services to help customers solve social, economic and environmental problems will generate superior financial returns and measurable impact. In fact, companies with a clear social mission and measurable impact can realize significant competitive advantages in the marketplace.
4. How long is the investment process at CLC?
We try to make a decision within a reasonable period, typically around a month after beginning due diligence. We continually keep management and other investors in the loop during the investment process.
5. How much does CLC invest in a company?
We typically make an initial investment of between $1-2 million and reserve capital for follow on rounds.
6. After making an investment, what does CLC do to support the growth of its companies?
CLC supports companies in many ways, including (but not limited to) management team support, recruiting, vendor selection, operational support, market expansion, business development, corporate strategy, lending relationships, investment banking relationships, deal structuring, and transactional support.
7. Does a CLC partner always join the company’s Board of Directors when CLC makes an investment?
In most cases, CLC will have either a Board seat or Observer rights.
8. How can I submit a business plan to CLC?
Simply use the contact information or special e-mail on this site.
9. Does CLC only fund businesses on the East Coast?
We are open to funding companies anywhere in the US and have completed investments to date in most regions.
CLC can lead deals, but does not have to. When we co-invest, we typically do so with other venture capital firms with complimentary strengths and relationships.
CLC does have an active internship program that accepts applications on a year-round basis. Please use the following contact for more information: info@citylightcap.com
