Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clear's investment criteria? Clear carries both a sector and a regional focus. Regionally, Clear will invest at least 60% (of its capital and investments) in federally designated underserved communities according to the following criteria:

• Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zones
• Rural and Urban Enterprise Zones and Empowerment Communities
• Any census tract or equivalent county division:
  • That has a poverty rate of at least 20%, or
  • That qualifies for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or
  • That is a non-metropolitan area and has a median household income of no more than 80% of the statewide median household income

The above criteria relates to regions designated by SBA's New Markets Venture Capital (NMVC) program.  To see if your company is (or would like to be) in a qualified area, check outthe mapping tool on SBA's NMVC web site.  While Clear is not (currently) a NMVC fund (thought its Founder/Manager currently manages a NMVC fund,) Clear will nonetheless target these communities.

Does Clear only invest in companies located in New England? Clear Venture Partners is a New England-focused investment fund. On occasion, Clear may invest in a company outside of New England, if the opportunity is unusually compelling and a member of Clear’s team has direct domain expertise.

What stage of investment does Clear prefer? Clear Venture Partners invests in early- and development-stage companies, typically with revenues of $1 million to $20 million. Clear may also infrequently invest in highly compelling start-up opportunities.

Does Clear co-invest with other financing entities? Clear leads (prices, structures and syndicates) almost all its investments but also co-invests with other venture capital firms. Clear’s financing can often enable companies to leverage additional debt financing.

What is the typical term in years of Clear’s investment? Clear expects repayment with gains on all investments within a four to seven year period. Liquidity events can include sale, merger, initial public offerings or private equity buyouts.

How many investments does Clear Venture Partners make each year? Clear will typically make investments in three-to-five new companies per year.