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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following frequently asked questions will be an aid to businesses and entrepreneurs to have a better understanding about what venture capital (VC) and HBD Venture Capital is all about.
1. What is venture capital?
Venture Capital is capital provided by investors for the purpose of growing, developing or launching a business's products or services and is typically in the form of the investor subscribing for new shares at premium in a business as opposed to debt financing.
2. How will HBD help my business to grow?
HBD offers not only a financial boost for early stage businesses, but also mentorship, strategic guidance and governance. HBD has worked with many early stage businesses across a range of industries and this experience proves invaluable to a business and helps the business grow. at a sustainable rate.
3. What are the criteria for funding through HBD Venture Capital?
- Revenue. HBD invests in businesses that have at a minimum started commercialising their product and have generated revenue for at least 6 months.
- Location. HBD invests in businesses where the management team is based in South Africa.
- Competitive edge or barriers to entry. HBD seeks out businesses that cannot readily be replicated.
- Growth. HBD invests in businesses that have the potential for significant growth, both in the local and international markets.
- Financing. HBD will invest between R10- and R25-million in the form of equity-based funding.
- Industries. HBD does not invest in certain industries such as agriculture, armaments, gambling, insurance, mining, real estate and tobacco. It is open to investing in any other industry.
4. If I have a start-up idea and would like to find an investor to fund this who should I contact?
- The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) provides the matching of funding to entrepreneurs who intend establishing or taking over businesses.
www.idc.co.za
- South African site aimed at linking investors with entrepreneurs. The site also contains important resources for the South African entrepreneur.
www.vconline.co.za
5. Who can I contact with regards to patenting an idea?
There are many patents attorneys that are available. It's important to match your idea with the expertise of the patent attorney and of course your personalities too! An option is Adams & Adams.
www.adamsadams.com
6. How much money will be offered to my business?
We typically invest between R10 million and R25 million in equity funding in each investment.
7. Does the full investment amount get invested upfront?
It depends on the expansion plan of the business, but usually HBD staggers its investment over two or three investment tranches based on pre-determined milestones.
8. How does HBD determine its equity stake in my company?
During the due diligence, HBD determines the fair value of the company based on various factors linked to its future potential. This value is then discussed and negotiated with the current shareholders on an arms length basis to determine the ultimate subscription price.
9. What are the steps to apply for funding through HBD?
HBD has a structured approach for funding applications that guides a potential transaction through different phases: Initial Screening, Assessment, Term Sheet, Due Diligence and Deal Execution.
10. What documents do I need to hand in to apply for funding?
- Proposal Summary - the first step is to complete HBD's Proposal Summary document in order to log the transaction in the system and provide enough information to test HBD's appetite for the proposed deal. This Proposal Summary document can be obtained by contacting HBD.
- A detailed business plan - this should include the outline of the business concept or product as well as information about the company and structure, marketplace and industry, info about the management team, your company's financial history and a five year Income Statement forecast. You should also include monthly cash flow projections to support your forecasted Income Statement.
- The pitch - this should include your motivation (why do you need funding) and proposal.
- References - can you indicate or make available customers/suppliers that the funder can contact to get a better understanding of your business and the market you operate in?
11. Who do I submit my application to?
Please call Karen Lamb on +27 21 970 1000 or email your proposal direct to proposals@hbd.com
12. How long will it be before I receive a response to my initial application?
You will receive a response outlining the next steps within two weeks of providing HBD with a proposal summary.
13. What is the process after I request funding?
All proposals undergo a screening process. This process is described here.
15. What does a due diligence by HBD entail?
A due diligence basically entails background checks and research on a prospective investment. Specific areas covered in HBD's due diligence process include:
- the product concept
- marketing strategy
- customer base and sales
- purchasing and suppliers
- financials (historical and forecast)
- legal compliance
- human resources
- industry and competition
16. If my application is not accepted by HBD, what other avenues can I explore in terms of finding funding?
Depending on your fit to their mandate, the following options are available:
In addition, you can search these organizations for further resources:
17. Why would I want to give up a stake to HBD?
The benefits to you will depend on what your circumstances are. Some of the possible benefits would be:
- Equity funding has different characteristics to debt funding that could be beneficial to the capital structure of a business.
- Entrepreneurs benefit significantly from a partnership with HBD.
- HBD leverages their experience gained by their professional team in other investments to the benefit of your company (this includes different market segments and geographical areas)
- HBD acts as a partner and co-shareholder to drive business strategy.
- HBD's exit strategy is pre-determined and could lead to significant upside for all shareholders.
18. What is my repayment schedule?
Venture Capital funding is generally equity based, and accordingly has no fixed repayment schedule. If the company has excess cash on the balance sheet that cannot be re-invested in the business, dividends might be declared. The parties pre-determine the exit strategy of the venture capitalist.
19. What is HBD's typical exit strategy?
HBD's exit strategy depends on the nature of each transaction. Potential exit strategies include: Initial Private Offering and listing on a stock exchange, trade sale, management buy-back and sale to another venture capital fund.
20. Does HBD co-invest or syndicate with other Venture Capital funds?
HBD prefers to own a significant minority stake as lead institutional investor, but where the dynamics of the transaction dictates syndication it will be considered.
21. How involved is HBD in my company post-investment?
HBD invests in passionate entrepreneurs and strong management teams that can successfully manage their own business. HBD does not usually get involved operationally, but rather adds strategic value through active board participation. Monthly management accounts are required by HBD to track performance and regular interaction with management is encouraged to gain valuable insights in the business.
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