Our process begins with a plan submission. The easiest way to do that is to E-mail the plan (in .doc, .pdf or .rtf/.txt format) to info@guideventures.com. Usually, a five to seven page summary will suffice.

We assess the plan to ensure that it falls within the investment areas of the Fund. Then, we will review our four major topics of concern:

• Marketplace:  More than any other factor, we look for solutions that will endure during any business cycle. Also, we inspect how the sales cycle in the intended market could be influenced by factors outside of the company's control.

• Technology:  Is there a protectable intellectual property that has patents pending? What processes does the development team use to ensure a "whole" product? Experience building a commercial product is vitally important to us.

• Management:  How seasoned is the team? Do they have direct "domain" expertise? Do they have experience with each other? The customer base? These are all issues that do not need to be complete prior to investment.

• Financial:  Is there an experienced financial manager who can build and manage the business model? Here, it is important for us to understand what elements of financial risk will be mitigated by the team.