The Banyan Approach

Successful business building is a complex process, with many moving pieces. Banyan Ventures actively serves on, and works with, management teams to ensure key fundamentals are in place, and that all subsequent efforts can be coordinated and focused for maximum success.

Focus on Fundamentals

The Banyan methodology for developing outstanding businesses is focused on driving success in four major areas:

Strategy:

• Understanding the market and competitive dynamics
• Developing a strong customer value proposition
• Ensuring that a robust business model is in place
• Defining the company mission, vision, and guiding principles
• Defining growth strategies and key company milestones
• Understanding the legal and regulatory aspects of the business
• Identifying sustainable forms of competitive advantage

Organization:

• Building a strong and functional Board of Directors
• Establishing an outstanding, diverse and effective Executive Team
• Attracting and developing the right employees
• Creating great partnerships and strategic alliances
• Cultivating a high-performing company culture

Capital:

• Defining the appropriate capitalization approach, including funding sources, use of proceeds, and timeframe for capital injections
• Identifying strategic capital providers that can provide advantages beyond their funding
• Utilizing appropriate debt financing
• Forming appropriate incentive equity options and warrant purchase programs
• Ensuring capitalization decisions enhance shareholder value

Execution:

• Ensuring strong operating objectives are in place across the company, and solid accountability mechanisms are utilized
• Monitoring and supporting key operating functions: R&D, production, marketing, sales, support, etc.
• Establishing a strong corporate infrastructure to support the operating needs of the company: legal, accounting, human resources, information technology, etc.