Start Up Business

SOLA Inc. invests in entrepreneurial seed stage companies who combine vision and creativity in addressing opportunities in growing markets. Our goal is to help commercialize products or services that are in the marketplace but not producing high profit. In certain cercumstances we will assist in building the company from the ground up by procurring all stages of manufacturing, distribution and management.

While we recognize that there is no single determinant of future business success, our assessment of an entrepreneur's business typically focuses on these four critical areas:

Management team capabilities. First and foremost, we believe that a successful company is built by a strong and cohesive team with the vision to identify a market opportunity and define an operating strategy, the ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the business, and the leadership skills to inspire excellence.

Growing Market. We look at the industry in which the potential portfolio company operates. We typically only consider business opportunities that focus on large, high-growth markets. Though this criterion will often lead us to technology-based entities, our scope is not limited to such companies. Rather, we are open to any business that meets an important need in a market that exhibits the potential for substantial growth in the coming years.

Effectiveness of Products or Services in Addressing a Market Need. After understanding the company's particular market, we assess the effectiveness of the company's products or services in addressing a clear market need. First, we evaluate the validity of the market need as articulated by the company. Then we analyze the viability of the company's business model in addressing that need - both its broad-based strategies for success and its highly specific financial forecasts. Finally, we judge the model's assessment of potential competitors and their strengths and weaknesses. The company must have a product or offer a service that is unique and represents a sustainable competitive advantage.

Significant Upside Potential. In order to generate returns that our investors expect, companies must have significant upside potential.