1. Tell us about the business
The process begins with a structured application. We want to understand what you sell, what you have already built, how far you have progressed, what you have invested and what is currently preventing the business from moving forward.
2. Initial opportunity review
We review the product, market, margins, stock position, suppliers, current channels, existing technology and the nature of the problem. We are deliberately selective: many applications will not progress further, because our time and operating capacity are part of the investment we make.
3. Founder conversation
If the opportunity appears to fit, we arrange an initial call. We discuss the history of the business, what has worked, what has not, your ambitions and the kind of relationship you are looking for. Partnership fit matters as much as commercial potential.
4. Business assessment
Promising opportunities move into a deeper review. Depending on the business, this can include financial records, unit economics, stock, supplier terms, marketplace accounts, website performance, analytics, marketing, fulfilment, liabilities and intellectual property.
5. Partnership proposal
If we believe we can materially improve the outcome, we set out a proposed structure. There is no automatic equity percentage. The right arrangement depends on what exists today, the value and risk involved, what each party will contribute, and the amount of work and future funding required.
6. Formalise the relationship
Before work begins, the commercial and legal relationship needs to be documented properly, including ownership, responsibilities, decision rights, director loans where relevant, intellectual property, funding rules, leaver arrangements and exit provisions.
7. Build, measure and grow
We then work against a prioritised operating plan. That may involve rebuilding the commerce platform, launching marketplaces, integrating systems, improving margins, automating operations, strengthening SEO and marketing foundations, or addressing whatever is genuinely holding the business back.