FAQ
General questions
When is the right time to reach out?
When is the right time to reach out?
It is never too early to start a conversation. We most commonly talk to founders as they're starting their pre-seed or seed fundraising process.
What industries do you invest in?
What industries do you invest in?
SVA primarily invests broadly in software-focused companies spanning the consumer and enterprise. See more here.
At what stages do you invest?
At what stages do you invest?
SVA is comprised of two funds, an early-stage Seed Fund and a late-stage Growth Fund.
What is your typical investment process?
What is your typical investment process?
Our team strives to meet founders where they are in their fundraising process. Our goal is to provide prompt feedback, and we move as quickly as possible to give a decisive answer.
What is your typical check size?
What is your typical check size?
Our Seed Fund typically invests $150k-$200k in early-stage opportunities. Our Growth Fund typically invests in Series B and later opportunities.
What do you look for in founders?
What do you look for in founders?
We invest in founders who share our values and personify their products. We look for passionate leaders who are playing the long game and lead by example.
How do you help companies within your portfolio?
How do you help companies within your portfolio?
We are known for providing value at critical moments within a company's life cycle. We call this the Inflection Point Approach. From ideation to growth, we most commonly help during fundraising/financing, corporate development/M&A, and business development. Because of our long investment history and unique position within the larger tech ecosystem, we have developed an unparalleled network of partners, advisors, and friends with deep experience in every aspect of a company's growth. At key moments, we are able to leverage these connections for our founders, whether it be strategic advice or help finding a highly specialized doctor for a loved one. We recognize the human element behind each company and aim to provide full-spectrum support for the company’s success.
Do you lead invest?
Do you lead invest?
We don't lead invest and are usually a smaller check within a fundraising round.
Do you take board seats?
Do you take board seats?
We choose not to take board seats to allow us to align with a founder's best interest.
Does SVA Growth only invest in companies in the SVA Seed portfolio?
Does SVA Growth only invest in companies in the SVA Seed portfolio?
We can invest in new companies not part of the existing SVA Seed portfolio out of our growth fund.
Do you invest in companies outside of Silicon Valley?
Do you invest in companies outside of Silicon Valley?
Yes.
Do you invest internationally?
Do you invest internationally?
Our portfolio is primarily US-based.
Do you provide portfolio companies with any corporate partner programs and discounts?
Do you provide portfolio companies with any corporate partner programs and discounts?
All SVA portfolio companies have access to $1m+ discounts for products and services offered by our corporate partners and fellow portfolio companies that can help build and run your business from the start, including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Twilio, Rippling, Notion, and many others.
How does SVA promote diversity and inclusion ?
How does SVA promote diversity and inclusion ?
SVA is committed to racial equity and fighting injustice in all forms. We have been deeply involved with efforts to combat racism, violence, and gender discrimination for more than 30 years and remain dedicated to founding and funding initiatives that create a more just, diverse world. SVA strives to create a more diverse portfolio, and we are committed to using our voice, experience, and network to create meaningful change in the tech ecosystem and in the country. We support organizations like the Equal Justice Initiative, the NAACP, Stop AAPI Hate, the Boys and Girls Club, College Track, and the TGR Foundation. We encourage you to support similar organizations and to become actively engaged in the effort to achieve racial equity and social justice.