difference makers

What you’re building is worthwhile, and we’ll help you concretely build an enduring company around it.

What to expect when we invest

 
 

I

CLARITY AND SPEED

We’ll spend proper time getting to know one another beforehand but when the time comes, in diligence, you will get speed, clarity (and integrity). We’ll invest $250k - $750k in seed as well as $500k - $1m in Series A’s selectively, with significant reserves (1 - 3x) in follow-on rounds. You’ll know where Preface stands ahead of your decision time. If we’re discussing your company, we’re upfront and have a prepared mind - so rest assured, we won’t discover “conflicts” after we speak.

 
 

II

SYNDICATE BUILD

We’ll offer to help construct the seed syndicate to best support you in the entrepreneurial journey. VC / Founder fit is a thing we have a PhD in - we know many of the right characters intimately, with pre-existing (and long) working relationships. Expect no more than 4 highly qualified introductions when the time comes. We’re grateful for leading partners’ affinity to work with us as much as they want to work with you. Being a back-channel for current and follow-on financings is valuable. It might be the easiest thing we do for you.

 
 

III

FIRST 100 DAYS

We’ll spend the first 100 days in close contact with you building the financial / board reporting infrastructure with clear goal-setting so you’ll find yourself ready for A and beyond (earlier than expected).

 
 

IV

NET NEW CUSTOMERS

You’re likely experienced with existing networks, but we’ll facilitate at least 4 net-new introductions to customers (particularly Fortune 500) in the first year for direct feedback to battle harden your product. Thinking about customers in healthcare, insurance, retail, etc. is important because they are representative of the customer base and will for sure need what you’re building.

 
 

V

TALENT AND TEAM

Team building matters, a lot. We’ll work with you to identify the most important hire and archetype for the role. Afterwards, we’ll introduce you to 2 “best of breed” leaders to give you the advice and network to create that function. Sometimes, lightning will strike and one of these leaders may join you (it has happened more than once).

 

WHY WE EXIST

Starting a company requires a lot and you should have a mature, trusted partner who is structurally aligned at the early stages. Someone that respects you enough to tell you the truth. Someone who invests in you at the beginning and actually understands what you’ve built and how valuable it can be. Someone who dedicates time and can care. At Preface, we’re still hungry… but with the gravitas and connectivity to get things done for you.