CVD IDEAL

The Business Incubator welcomes all types of companies, however, we focus on those companies that are a good "fit" with our objectives and with what we can bring to bear to help them succeed.  At any time, we have a range of companies from software and services, to those that will one day create and supply high tech products to the global market. 

We would be pleased to discuss your vision and business modal, regardless of whether it is based on some high tech innovation or a services model; regardless of whether it is an innovation from within the UMass  Lowell campus, or whether the work to date has been completely independent of the University.

That said, there are some themes that we look for in prospective members of the incubator portfolio.

• Most applicants are "early-stage" companies -- typically pre-revenue, but beyond the "I just wrote an idea down on a napkin" stage.  We often help applicants refine their plans prior to formal presentation to our investment team. 

• The ideal member has a vision that is built upon a unique technology -- and a technology that is a strength for the campus.  The early stage company ("NewCo") has a proof of concept or early stage prototype.

• A compelling business plan - one that has an opportunity to create new jobs in the region.

• A compelling management team -- not necessarily a complete team, but one that has a champion, dedicated to making the venture a success, and with credible skills.  The team has key members identified and committed to NewCo.  Each team member understands the risk of starting the company and has made an assessment regarding their ability to contribute resources to the enterprise.  We generally shy away from one-person teams, unless the sole member has identified the other essential team members.

• A set of business needs that can be addressed, in part, by the resources of the UML campus -- student and faculty talent, access to specialized facilities, contacts that are part of the UML "network."

• The market opportunity is understood, as is the go-to-market strategy.

• All applicants are formal entities, typically C corporations.  Most have not raised funds from institutional investors, but have plans to do so. 

• All members of the CVD portfolio agree to hire UMass Lowell students while members of the Incubator.