All successful investors in new enterprises agree that you invest in people first and business plans second. SDL Ventures looks for founders who are technically savvy and are market insiders, i.e., in tune with market needs and with access to leading customers, with flexibility to change plans rapidly to respond to market shifts, and leadership and execution skills to deliver on commitments.

In reviewing business plans, SDL Ventures primarily looks for confirmation that a worthwhile target market exists and is accessible and profitable, and that the proposed product or service offers a significant sustainable technical advantage. Ideally, a new enterprise should initially serve a very specific unmet customer need which, when successful, will enable the company to address a broader list of similar needs in the same industry segment and adjacent segments.

SDL Ventures highly values customer involvement in product plans, early customer testing and feedback, and plans targeting rapid initial revenue and cash flow.