Adventurous Ideas
Startup Evaluation Framework

1. Mission & Alignment with Core Values

Do you vibe with what we stand for?

 

• Mission Fit: Does your mission align with our passion, for instance, for social equality, water and nature preservation, animal welfare and rights, and climate action? We invest in companies that make the world better, not just bigger.

• Impact Mission: Are you walking the talk? Beyond ticking the ESG boxes, we look for businesses that genuinely want to change the game when it comes to sustainability and ethics.

• Long-Term Vision: Are you thinking beyond short-term gains? We love businesses that are here to stay and ready to make an impact for the long haul.

 

2. Market Opportunity

Is there space for you to grow?

 

• Market Size: Is there a big enough audience for what you’re offering? We’re looking for markets that are ripe for disruption, especially when it comes to sustainability and ethical innovation.

• Scalability: Can you grow without losing your soul? We’re into businesses that can scale while staying true to their mission.

• Trends: Are you ahead of the curve? We like startups that can ride the wave of future trends, especially in areas like clean energy, climate tech, or alternative food production.

 

3. Product & Technology

Is your product clever, and can the tech handle growth?

 

• Innovation: Is your product exciting and fresh? We love to see originality—something that makes people go, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

• Tech Foundation: Can your technology keep up as you grow? The tech should be solid and scalable, not something that will crumble under pressure.

• Moats: Can competitors easily copy this? We’re always interested in what makes your product stand out and how hard it would be for others to replicate.

 

4. Team & Leadership

Are you the right people to make it happen?

 

• Expertise: Do you have the skills to pull this off? We’re betting on teams that bring together a blend of business savvy, tech know-how, and a genuine passion for impact.

• Cultural Fit: Do you get what we’re about? We look for teams that reflect our values of equality, inclusion, and sustainability. 

• Track Record: Have you done something like this before? While experience matters, we also look for teams with the grit and resilience to tackle the inevitable bumps along the way.

 

5. Financial Performance & Projections

Is your financial side solid and sensible?

 

• Revenue Streams: Do you have ways to make money that are sustainable? We’re not chasing short-term profits but businesses that have a path to steady, reliable revenue.

• Capital Efficiency: Are you using your funds wisely? We’re all for growth, but we want to see smart, responsible spending.

• Future Growth: Are your financial projections grounded in reality? While optimism is great, we want to see that your financial outlook is both ambitious and achievable.

 

6. Impact Metrics & Measurability

How do you measure making the world better?

 

• Impact Goals: Do you have clear goals for creating positive social and environmental change? We want to see KPIs that go beyond profit to include meaningful impact.

• Measurability: Can you track and prove your impact? It’s not enough to talk about impact—we expect to see the data.

• Ripple Effects: Do your actions have a positive ripple effect? We love companies that go beyond their immediate business to create larger societal and environmental benefits.

 

7. Risk Factors & Mitigation

What could go wrong, and are you ready for it?

 

• Regulatory Risk: Are there any major legal or regulatory risks? We’re looking for businesses that understand the rules and are proactive about compliance.

• Market Risk: How stable is the market you’re in? It’s crucial that you’re resilient to changes, whether they be economic downturns or shifts in consumer behavior.

• Preparedness: Do you have a plan to handle bumps in the road? We appreciate companies that have a proactive approach to tackling risks before they become problems.

 

8. Strategic Fit & Partnership Potential

Do we work well together, and can we grow together?

 

• Synergies: How well does your startup align with what we already do? If you can fit seamlessly into our ecosystem, that’s a great sign.

• Collaborative Potential: Are there opportunities for partnerships that could amplify your impact? We look for startups that play well with others, especially those in sectors like clean energy or alternative food production.

 

9. Exit Strategy & Evergreen Fit

Do you fit our long-term goals?

 

• Exit Plan: Are you thinking about the long game? We’re in this for the long haul, and we expect you to have a thoughtful approach to exits that align with long-term impact, not just quick profits.

• Sustainability for the Long Run: Can you thrive within our evergreen structure? We’re interested in businesses that don’t just grow fast but grow well, sustaining their impact over time.

 

10. Ethics & Governance

Are you playing by the rules, and are the rules fair?

 

• Governance: Do you have solid leadership and transparent governance? We want to see structures in place that ensure fairness and accountability.

• Ethical Operations: Are you truly living up to your ethical commitments, particularly in areas like fair labor practices, and supply chain transparency? If you’re cutting corners, you’re not the right fit for us.

• Transparency: Are you open about your impact and financials? We expect honesty and transparency from the businesses we support.