Not Just Capital — Operational Partnership
Let's be clear about what we are and aren't.
We're not a traditional VC that writes checks and waits for returns. We're not passive investors who attend board meetings and offer occasional advice.
We're operational partners who happen to invest.
When we put capital into a company, we get involved — strategy, technology, marketing, operations. Our investment is the beginning of a working relationship, not a transaction.
What We Look For
1. Executive Founders
The profile:
- Technical skills in the core business
- Aged 26-50 with relevant industry experience
- Track record of execution (not just vision)
- Coachable but confident
Why it matters: Early-stage success depends overwhelmingly on founder capability. The best idea with the wrong founder fails. A good idea with an exceptional founder often succeeds.
What we assess:
- Deep domain expertise vs. surface-level understanding
- Ability to attract and retain talent
- Decision-making under uncertainty
- Resilience and adaptability
2. Validated Traction
What we need to see:
- Already generating revenue (not just "promising pilots")
- Clear commercial momentum
- Customer validation signals
- Evidence of product-market fit
Why it matters: Pre-revenue investing is a different game with different risks. We focus on companies that have proven initial market demand.
What we assess:
- Revenue growth trajectory
- Customer acquisition metrics
- Retention and engagement data
- Unit economics (even if early)
3. Scalable Model
The requirements:
- Geographic scalability potential
- Business model that improves with scale
- Clear path to European expansion
- Defensible competitive position
Why it matters: Our focus is on building valuable, impactful companies. That requires models that can grow beyond initial markets.
What we assess:
- Market size and dynamics
- Competitive landscape
- Barriers to entry and defensibility
- International expansion feasibility
4. Strategic Fit
Our focus sectors:
- Fintech and financial services
- SaaS and enterprise software
- Retail tech and customer experience
- Cybersecurity and data protection
- Climate and sustainability tech
- Food tech and agriculture
- Gaming and entertainment
Why it matters: We add the most value in sectors where we have deep expertise and networks. Strategic fit means we can actually help, not just fund.
What we assess:
- Alignment with our operational capabilities
- Network effects and connection opportunities
- Synergies with other portfolio companies
- Long-term sector trends
Our Process
Stage 1: Initial Screening
Every opportunity goes through MadarAI, our proprietary scoring platform.
What we evaluate:
- 18+ key performance indicators
- Founder background and capabilities
- Market opportunity and timing
- Competitive positioning
Timeline: 3-5 days for initial assessment
Stage 2: Deep Dive
For opportunities that pass screening:
Due diligence includes:
- Financial analysis and projections
- Technical and product assessment
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Customer and reference interviews
- Legal and compliance review
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
Stage 3: Investment Decision
Our investment committee reviews:
- MadarAI scoring and analysis
- Deep dive findings
- Strategic fit assessment
- Value-add potential
Timeline: 1 week
Stage 4: Deal Execution
What we negotiate:
- Investment amount and structure
- Board and governance arrangements
- Operational support commitments
- Follow-on terms
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Total process: 3-4 weeks from first contact to term sheet
Investment Parameters
Ticket size: €35K - €70K
Stage: Seed / Pre-Series A
Geography: Europe-focused, Italy priority
Structure: Equity, typically with anti-dilution and pro-rata rights
What We Bring Beyond Capital
Strategic Support
- Business model refinement
- Market positioning and strategy
- Growth planning and prioritization
- Fundraising strategy for future rounds
Technology Resources
- Access to our AI and development capabilities
- Technical architecture review
- Integration with KVA tech stack where relevant
- Ongoing technical advisory
Marketing and Growth
- Performance marketing support
- Brand and positioning work
- Growth strategy and experimentation
- Network introductions
Operational Excellence
- Process optimization
- Hiring and team building
- Financial operations
- Compliance and governance
Why Founders Choose Us
Speed: 3-4 weeks from contact to term sheet. No endless meetings.
Value-add: Genuine operational support, not just board seats.
Alignment: Skin in the game — we succeed when you succeed.
Network: Excellence Group ecosystem and European connections.
Experience: 20+ years of building and investing in startups.
What We Expect from Founders
Communication: Regular updates, honest about challenges.
Execution: Bias toward action, not endless planning.
Coachability: Open to input while maintaining conviction.
Integrity: Transparent dealings, aligned interests.
Ambition: Building something that matters, not just a lifestyle business.
Portfolio Spotlight: Pelomatto
Company: Mobile pet grooming platform
Why we invested:
- Executive founders with vertical expertise
- Exceptional traction: +370% revenue growth
- Scalable model: playbook works across cities
- Strategic fit: pet care is a focus sector
Our support:
- Growth strategy refinement
- Marketing and customer acquisition
- Technology optimization
- Partnership development
Results: Category leader in Italian market, preparing for expansion
Think you might be a fit? Submit your venture through our Call4Ventures program or reach out directly.