A Second Pair of Hands, Supporting Your Mission

FAQs for Founders

Common questions from entrepreneurs about funding, investment strategy, and how we work with startups.

• What types of companies does Symvan Capital invest in?

  We invest in businesses that have created innovative solutions solving real problems. Every SEIS and EIS portfolio company is harnessing AI and/or other enabling technologies across a range of key sectors. We look for B2B, SaaS, and Enterprise Solutions and our area of expertise include FinTech, InsurTech, PropTech, LegalTech and HRTech in particular.

• At what stage does Symvan Capital typically invest?

  We invest in S/EIS qualifying start-ups, primarily at the Seed and early growth stages and follow-through up to and including Series A, and at that stage alongside other later-stage VCs. We look for companies that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP), demonstrated initial traction, and have a clear go-to-market strategy.

• What is the typical investment size?

  Initial investments typically range from £250,000 to £500,000, with follow-on funding ranging from £1m to £2m over a period of a few years.

• What are your key investment criteria?

  We evaluate start-ups based on a number of key metrics:

  • Market opportunity: A large and growing addressable market.
  • Team: Founders with strong domain expertise and execution capability.
  • Technology and differentiation: Unique IP, defensibility, or strong competitive advantage.
  • Traction: Early revenue, strategic partnerships, or engaged users.
  • Scalability: A clear pathway to significant growth.

• Do you lead investment rounds?

  Yes, we often lead rounds, particularly at the SEIS and early EIS stage. However, we also regularly co-invest alongside other investors, including angel syndicates, VCs, and institutional investors.

• How can companies apply for funding?

  You can apply here by submitting an application. Before doing so, please ensure you have researched our investment strategy to ensure we are aligned as future partners. We recommend including a pitch deck that covers your problem statement, solution, market size, business model, traction, financials, and team! We receive so many applications that we may not be able to respond to all to give you our feedback, but rest assured, we evaluate all submissions, and if you fit what we’re looking for, we’ll be in touch.

• What do you look for in a Founder?

  We back founders from different backgrounds and regions, so they don’t tend to fit into a particular mold. However, the fundamental pillars that excite us are:

  • Resilience – comes in a lot of guises and can be difficult to assess up front, but is crucial on almost any founder journey.
  • Balance of conviction and humility – have to back themselves to deliver on a vision, but still willing (and eager) to hear and learn from others. 
  • Experience/deep knowledge of their sector – not necessarily meaning older or seasoned founders, but someone who has ‘earned their stripes’ and has the knowledge and potential contacts to open doors.
  • Clarity of vision and purpose – Being an evangelist for their product and being able to see and communicate clearly a path towards its success.

• What is your due diligence process?

  Due to our investment strategy and ethos, we don’t scrimp on the due diligence. It’s important for us all that it’s the right partnership. Our process typically includes:

  1. Initial review: We assess your pitch deck and business fundamentals.
  2. Introductory call: A discussion with our team to understand your vision and progress.
  3. Deep dive: We review financials, market analysis, and technology.
  4. Investment decision: If successful, we issue a term sheet (typically within 4-8 weeks after an initial meeting), formal due diligence and final investment committee approval.

• What support do portfolio companies receive?

  Beyond capital, we provide strategic support every step of the way. We are a long-term partner supporting founders from pre-seed to exit, and so it’s impossible to list everything we do in a short paragraph! But the below is a start:

  • Day-to-day support when you need it and reach out. 
  • Access to our network of investors and industry experts.
  • Guidance and help with hiring key talent.
  • Business development and partnership opportunities. 
  • Fundraising support for future rounds.
  • Exit structuring. 
  • Rescue and resilience: we assist founders directly to overcome existential challenges. 

• Do you take board seats?

  In most cases, we have representation at board level or act as an observer to provide guidance and ensure alignment with long-term growth.