Pacifica Fund | Mentor Capital

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Mentor Capital

Pacifica focuses on the "funding gap" for US start-up companies today. It is relatively easy for a promising entrepreneur to raise up to $1M through angels and friends. Most medium and large-sized venture funds find it difficult to justify investments under $5M. This leaves a gap between $1M and $5M where start-ups are hard-pressed to find smart money. Also, entrepreneurs may need more than capital. They need advice and assistance in establishing and growing their business. Pacifica bridges the funding gap with "mentor capital", providing entrepreneurs with a source of hands-on guidance as well as capital.

Pacifica's general partners bring a combined experience of over 90 years to their roles at Pacifica. Their backgrounds span a broad spectrum of technology-based businesses including: communications, computer systems, software, internet services, digital interactive TV, consumer electronics, media and semiconductors. Their functional expertise includes general management, technology development, engineering, operations, business and product strategy, marketing, sales and business development. The partners' Asian connections can provide a unique advantage to ventures seeking partnering opportunities in that part of the world.

Pacifica brings a unique approach to interacting with the entrepreneur. First, investment evaluation and due diligence are conducted by the partners themselves, not interns or associates. This ensures rapid, senior level assessment of investment opportunities. Second, the partners' functional expertise can be brought to bear to improve and enhance the position of a promising company during the evaluation phase itself, in the form of strategic advice or recruiting. Third, Pacifica is creating a network of professional services organizations that assist its portfolio companies. These include legal, marketing, accounting and technical services firms, as well as incubators. Finally, by virtue of their operational background, Pacifica's partners are able to serve as interim management or advisory board members for companies that lack a complete team at the early stage. More than just capital, such mentoring can make the difference between failure and success for early-stage ventures.