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Our Investment Process.
Are you a fit?
Since you are likely raising a large amount of money, we need to determine if you are a fit for growth syndication or our investment thesis. Since you are likely raising a large amount of money, in return, we will need you take the time to read carefully below and also fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
It's important to understand that we operate a dual investment model: Direct Investments and SPV/Syndicate Investments.
Both approaches require the same rigorous due diligence process and ultimately lead to potential investment.
However, the choice between them depends on the alignment with requirements from the founder and our investment thesis, resulting in slightly different outcomes for every startup.
To maintain clarity, our due diligence process is branded under Digerati Investments. Digerati Investments determines whether to proceed with a direct investment, or not.
If not, the opportunity is referred to our investment partner, Reciprocity ROI. The diligence process for an investor and startup is an ongoing journey, one fraught with risks and cuve balls.
Our process is specifically designed to mitigate that risk for both investor and startup.
Many startups that approach us may not initially be a fit for our investment firm. Some may align with our interests but require further validation, traction, or founder commitment before we can confidently invest. Others might be significantly outside our investment thesis and, therefore, unlikely to ever be a match. However, regardless of where a startup falls on this spectrum—whether it’s an immediate fit, a potential future candidate, or fundamentally misaligned—we keep the door open to possibilities.
For those with potential, we offer a unique pathway: the syndication process. This structured approach allows promising startups to demonstrate their growth, validate their business model, and align more closely with venture capital standards. Unlike traditional fundraising routes, our syndication process is selective and strategic, offered exclusively to companies we see as having long-term promise.
Through our investment markets partner, Reciprocity ROI, we provide access to a syndication model that not only facilitates capital but also integrates deep industry expertise, strategic investor alignment, and hands-on support. This is a boutique opportunity reserved for startups that we believe could evolve into strong candidates for future investment by Digerati Investments and / or our broader network of investors. However, before any direct investment consideration, we require startups to successfully navigate the syndication process.
Syndication offers multiple benefits that go beyond securing capital. It is a strategic advantage for startups aiming to build credibility and alignment with seasoned investors. Key benefits include:
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Enhanced Credibility – Being part of a syndication backed by venture capital-level expertise increases your standing with institutional investors, making future fundraising efforts smoother and more attractive.
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Demonstrated Founder Commitment – Founders who participate in syndication show a willingness to put skin in the game, proving their dedication to scaling their business with investor discipline.
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Stronger Founder-Investor Alignment – Syndication fosters a structured relationship between founders and investors, ensuring expectations, goals, and growth strategies are aligned from the start.
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More Time for Building, Less Time Fundraising – Raising capital is a full-time job that can distract from running a business. Syndication streamlines the process, allowing founders to focus on execution and growth rather than endless pitching cycles.
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A Potential Path to Direct Investment – For startups that successfully progress through syndication, there remains a possibility for Digerati Investments and / or other co-investment partners to invest down the line, providing access to deeper capital networks and long-term growth opportunities.
Important Instructions for the Application Process
If you wish to be considered for any of our processes, whether for investment or syndication, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you follow the instructions below. We exclusively invest in Seed or Series A stage companies and focus solely on AI-centric businesses.
This means we ONLY invest in companies that:
1. Develop services and products with AI deeply integrated into their core functionality (e.g., self-driving vehicles, AI-powered laptops) where the product would fail to work without AI.
2. Create products that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of AI, such as quantum computing solutions or privacy-first AI models tailored for specific industries like healthcare.
3. Our investment philosophy prioritizes impact over exit, meaning we ONLY invest in companies that are focused on ESG/SDG impact.
If you do not currently meet our investment criteria, we will consider you for syndication. This process MAY lead to a future investment if you eventually align with our criteria. If you do not meet our investment criteria at this present time of, participation in syndication is MANDATORY in order to work with us, and it will involve a potentially refundable and upfront diligence fee.
STEP 1: Complete the form below
STEP 2: Upon hitting submit you will be directed to a link where a Google Form will be brought up. You can find and download the due diligence documents on the first line of the Google Form within the link.
STEP 3: Answer the due diligence document questions to the best of your ability on Adobe or similar.
STEP 4: Upload the completed due diligence documents to the same Google Form page in the link (in addition to any other relevant supporting documents/data room files you have).
STEP 5: We will review, then reach out to schedule a call to discuss next steps.
STEP 6: Deliverables, costs etc. are agreed upon and an term sheet agreement or advisory agreement is sent/signed.
STEP 7: Onboard/game plan activated.
Securing a round of funding marks the start of an intensive journey involving thorough due diligence, along with the development and execution of scalable processes. This demands a significant time commitment from both founders and investors alike. Founders must be prepared to continually invest their own time, money and resources and work with investors to scrutinize every aspect of their business, from financials to operational workflows, while investors dive deep into assessing risks and potential returns. There are no quick fixes or bypasses, skipping steps or rushing through risks undermining the foundation needed for sustainable growth. This rigorous process ensures that only those with a clear vision and robust strategy thrive, separating serious entrepreneurs from those unprepared for the challenges ahead. If you’re unwilling to invest the necessary time and effort in this process, then you’re simply not suited for investment, as it signals a lack of readiness to handle the complexities of scaling a business.
Please complete the process we have designed to help you as a founder.