Entrepreneur FAQ

WHAT TYPE OF COMPANIES DOES E8 FUND?

E8 is focused exclusively on early-stage cleantech companies whose innovations will increase the sustainability and health of our planet. Please refer to What We Fund for more detail and browse our Portfolio page for examples.

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HOW MANY DEALS GET PRESENTED OVER A YEAR?

Our screening committee currently approves between 24-32 companies each year to present, some new, some updates and follow-on presentations.

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HOW MANY COMPANIES HAS E8 WORKED WITH?

Since our founding in 2006 through mid-2022, E8 members have invested in over 160 companies.

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HOW MUCH CAPITAL ARE COMPANIES TYPICALLY RAISING?

$500,000 to $3 million is typical. Occasionally we will consider larger investment requests. It is unlikely that E8 members themselves will collectively invest more than $500,000 in any one financing round, but we regularly syndicate deals needing up to a total of $1 million with other local or national angel groups.

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WHAT IS THE TYPICAL RANGE OF INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENTS?

Individually, E8 members typically invest $25,000 to $100,000 per deal, although some occasionally contribute more. 

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While the typical minimum check size companies raising from E8 are willing to accept is $25,000, those willing to accept smaller checks from members (e.g., $10,000) often find they are able to raise more in aggregate, due to some members interest in investing smaller amounts.

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HOW DO I APPLY?

All companies must apply via our online application on Dealum.

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IS THERE A COST TO APPLY?

There is no fee to apply, thanks to the generosity of E8's Members and Sponsors.

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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FROM WHEN I APPLY UNTIL I CAN PRESENT?

The pre-screening process typically begins towards the end of the month, five to six weeks before the member meeting it is screening for. Applications that are submitted after the pre-screening process has begun will be evaluated as part of the next cycle. If your application is selected by the screening committee for presentation to the E8 membership, you will be notified approximately three weeks before the presentation date.

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WHERE AND WHEN ARE YOUR PITCH MEETINGS HELD?

E8’s meetings are held virtually, with new deals presented at the Monthly Meeting, usually the last Thursday of the month.  Follow-on or post-diligence reviewed deals are often seen the second Thursday of the month.

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WHAT IS THE PRESENTATION FORMAT?

Typically, our member meetings have about 50 attendees comprised of members, their guests who are also accredited investors, sponsors, staff and fellows. Applicants are given ten minutes to tell their story followed by a 10 minute interactive Q&A. This process is more fully described under Funding Process.

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HOW DO E8 MEMBERS MAKE INVESTMENT DECISIONS?

To make the best use of entrepreneurs’ valuable time, E8 members screen deals, hear presentations, perform due diligence and can negotiate terms as a group.  However, we make investment decisions as individuals. If selected for a follow-on presentation, you will be given the email addresses of the E8 members who wish to delve deeper into your opportunity. Interested members form due diligence (DD) groups and share the work involved. Normally, one member takes the lead and is the principal point of contact with the company.

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E8 works hard to complete the DD funding process in 1-2 months.  A well thought out business plan with milestones and documenting, in advance, the elements listed in selection criteria, will speed up the DD process and help meet this timeframe.

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HOW DO I KEEP E8 MEMBERS UPDATED ON OUR PROGRESS?

E8 Members who invest in your company will expect quarterly updates over email. Companies are also given occasional opportunities to update the broader membership, which may lead to additional investments.  This is done, by invitation, during a brief section at one of our 8 regular monthly meetings or at one of our social gatherings and portfolio showcases which are held throughout the year.

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WHO RUNS E8?

E8 is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and a full time Executive Director. 

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IF I PRESENT TO E8, HOW CAN I BE ASSURED THAT ALL INVESTORS ARE ACCREDITED?

E8 recognizes that presenting entrepreneurs and their legal counsel must take ‘reasonable steps to verify’ that all investors are accredited, so as not to run afoul of the SEC requirements for generally solicited offerings. E8 has voluntarily taken the steps to become an “Established Angel Group” (EAG) under the umbrella of the Angel Capital Association, of which it is a member in good standing, to give you this assurance.

 

E8 meets the six requirements for certification:

1. E8 is a private group formed to invest in early-stage companies.

2. All group members are accredited through self-certification and understand the risks associated with this investment class.

3. E8 has a code of conduct.

4. E8 has an established deal and investment process.

5. E8 has a process for members to to affirm their accredited status.

6. E8 has a strong vetting process for members.