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| Philosophy |
We believe that
developing a credible business model, which is attractive to
potential investors, is as much about good people and strong
relationships as it is about the investment opportunity itself. In
keeping with that philosophy, we approach each client's project as
though their company was our own. Since we do take an equity stake
in the significant majority of our clients, it's certainly in our
best interest to make sure our job is done right. |
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| Focus |
InCuBUD has one focus:
to assist companies that serve unmet market needs in telling their
stories in a compelling manner that moves them down the path of
success. Our experience is best suited with ventures or businesses
operating in the following industries: computers, high technology,
video conferencing, biomedical, healthcare, telecom, wireless,
entertainment and publishing. |
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Evaluation
Process
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We primarily look for
opportunities that are early- to middle-stage, in the information
technology, healthcare, telecom and manufacturing industries.
Although our criteria is much more stringent for Internet companies,
we will still review opportunities in this area.
When we evaluate a company as a potential client, we look at that
company from the investor's point of view. As a result, we are
interested only in those investment opportunities that are capable
of generating the ROI required by sophisticated investors. In the
case of the start-up venture, we look for companies with potential
to become substantial organizations, either through patented
technology or other unique aspects such as a niche market. For
established companies, we look for firms with strong management
teams that are primed for outside investment to propel them into
prominent market positions.
Once we've determined that we can assist you, we will submit a
formal proposal outlining our fee structure and any other deal
points relevant to your company's project.
To help you prepare for our first conversation it is best to view
the due diligence assistant which we will explore with you at that
time. (download Due
Diligence Assistant PDF)
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| Frequently
Asked Questions
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| 1. |
Got a question?
We'll answer! If you've got a question, odds are, someone else out there wonders the same thing. Just drop us a line at Questions for RRG and we'll be happy to respond. If appropriate, we'll add your question to our FAQs page.
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| 2. |
Is InCuBUD an incubator?
InCuBUD is more like a pre-incubator. If you approach an incubator, a venture capital firm, or any investment institution, you're expected to have your business plan and due diligence information already prepared. The last thing you want to do is approach potential investors with a half-baked business opportunity, because you'll lose credibility. InCuBUD enters the picture before you approach your investor. Regardless of whether you're a startup or publicly traded company (and we have over 15 years of experience working with both), the rule to follow is: be prepared. We do have a couple of clients for whom we are acting as an incubator, but that isn't our traditional business model.
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| 3. |
I've been told I don't really need a business plan to get funding?
During the dotcoms craze in 1998, 1999 and early 2000, many companies were able to attract financing using only bare-boned, conceptual, napkin sketches. We know - we saw a lot of them. We passed on a lot of them, too, because we didn't feel that there was a sustainable competitive advantage, or even a sustainable business model. Our philosophy is and will always be that a detailed business plan is critical. The investor must be provided with sufficient information - and consequently, confidence - that you and your team have a legitimate shot at being successful. We absolutely do not believe this is an area where corners can be cut. In every case we've seen over the past 15 years, corner-cutters have paid the ultimate price in failure.
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| 4. |
Does InCuBUD have direct experience in all industries in which it takes on clients?
No, and actually this benefits our clients. InCuBUD was established on the premise that the process of high-tech product management is parallel to that of starting or expanding a company, almost regardless of the industry. In high-tech product management, a business plan is written in order to take a new product concept to market. You do all the in-depth market research, have focus groups, develop marketing and sales strategies, and build financial forecasts. You also identify your distribution channels and partners. As in product management, all of these things are fundamental to building a business.
In the case of taking a product and breathing new life into its strategy, a similar amount of work goes into the process. The difference is that there's a lot more intense market analysis of competition, and usually focus groups are a must in order to determine the most effective use of resources to achieve the new goals for the product. This process is very similar to the process a company undergoes when attempting to expand.
So the fact that we intimately understand the process benefits our clients because we always learn their industries from the discerning perspective of potential investors. We play the devil's advocate role, so to speak, making sure all bases are covered before your investment package is placed in front of a potential investor. In fact, anyone who sees your documentation is a potential investor and their first impression is absolutely critical. If your first presentation isn't impressive, second chances are rare.
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| 5. |
How long is the process for creating the investment due diligence package?
This is the most frequently asked question we're asked (along with, how much is this going to cost?). There is no standard answer to this question. Every project is different with unique factors that affect the overall timeline. A major factor is how well prepared you are when you come to us. We've completed some projects within three weeks, but most take 8-12 weeks. Typically, once we get involved in the process we find that clients need much more than a due diligence package. Often, we find that their corporate documents aren't in order, they need legal assistance to complete the proper Securities and Exchange Commission documentation (Private Placement Memorandum), and a host of other issues arise as obstacles in the road to obtaining investment capital. Although we're not attorneys, we've worked closely with the largest law firms in the country and we have a good sense what our clients need to make it through the entire process.
Since, in the majority of cases we become equity shareholders, we want to ensure that each client is completely prepared before presenting any investment documentation to potential investors.
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| 6. |
If InCuBUD assists me in capital raising efforts, how long will it take to get funding?
No one in the industry can give an accurate answer to this question and any attempt would be fortune-telling (we don't offer that service). In our 15 years of experience with the funding process, we've seen projects fully funded within just a few weeks, while others have taken more than a year. Like the documentation timeline, there are several uncontrollable factors that affect the funding timeline. All we can say is: be prepared. Lack of preparation is sure to extend your time frame.
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| 7. |
What's a "Type 3" gemstone?
The colored stone grading system, established by the GIA, divides stones into three categories, or "types." This is our paraphrase:
- Type 1 Clarity - Stones in this group characteristically grow without inclusions and include gems such as Aquamarine, Citrine Quartz, Verdelite Tourmaline and Topaz. Visible Inclusions are not expected, nor usually accepted, and most often decrease a stone's value and appeal.
- Type 2 Clarity - Stones in this group characteristically grow with light to moderate inclusions and include gems such as Sapphire, Ruby, Garnets and Amethyst. Mild inclusions that aren't distracting are both expected and accepted and, most often don't affect a stone's value or appeal.
- Type 3 Clarity - Stones in this group characteristically grow with moderate to heavy inclusions and include gems such as Emerald and Rubellite Tourmaline. Moderate inclusions are expected and accepted, and in some cases, are desirable. Inclusions in Type 3 gems most often do not affect either their value or appeal.
For a complete explanation of these standards, including hue, saturation and tone for color grading, we invite you to download our ePub, Making the Grade, from our Publications page.
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| 8. |
I don't see press releases on all of InCuBUD's clients stating they are funded, does this mean they're not?
No. Most of our clients are privately held and are not required to send out press releases indicating when they receive funding. Some of our clients have received full funding, some have received partial funding, some are in the process of seeking funding and a few made decisions not to pursue funding but rather strategic partnerships. Publicly traded companies must send out press releases each time they close out a round of financing.
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| 9. |
Can Dairy ORACLE predict the future?
In a way. Dairy ORACLE can tell the farmer the economic impact to the farm for different types of farm decisions.
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| 10. |
Is online multimedia production expensive?
Online multimedia production may be more expensive that traditional static content development - but this is an apples to oranges comparison. For certain specific applications, multimedia content is the most cost effective method to deliver your message. Also you might be surprised how relatively inexpensive it has become recently due to progress made in development tools and hardware.
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| 11. |
How does RRG find gem rough?
Acquiring gem rough is probably the single most challenging aspect of this business. There are an abundance of commercial, wholesale suppliers out there, and we do purchase from a few, from time to time. But we prefer to buy at the non-commercial level. Our goal is to establish a network of suppliers at non-commercial, village mines. This is a slow process of building relationships and establishing standards of quality. Our determination toward this goal will stabilize our inventory and allow us to offer our customers a greater variety of material at more reasonable prices.
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| 12. |
What is the AVALAR Foundation?
answer here.
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| 13. |
Who is McQuerter any way?
Good question...
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| 14. |
I'm so incredibly busy. Work, family, I just don't seem to have time to work out. How do I make time to be fit?
It's a question of priorities. Do you want to make time to be fit now, or make time to be ill later.
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| 15. |
How do I download bioPRYN directly into DairyComp305?
You should contact your Dairy Comp Representative as individuals may have different commands. See our article section for more on this.
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| 16. |
What benefits will I get from attending MORE?
Much like a fitness gym provides a facility to build, strengthen and maintain a high level of physical health and well-being within a community of fitness-conscious people, MORE provides a facility to build, strengthen and maintain a high level of “mind” health and well-being within a strong and vibrant community committed to growth.
Specific benefits you will experience include:
- Increased conciousness about myself, described by some as a sense of awakening, helping me create what I want, and “get out of my own way," i.e. create less of what I don’t want
- Increased clarity and alignment of my purpose, intention and actions
- Strengthened sense of community with those around me;
Stronger relationships with family, friends and workmates
- Ongoing growth as an integral part of my life;
Ongoing development of myself as leader in my life
- More “breakthroughs” and effective support for creating great successes
- Less "getting stuck" and effective support when I experience challenge
- A strong support structure between events
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| 17. |
What is the purpose of Self-nurturing?
There are many purposes for Self-nurturing. Here are only a few. For many people, more love and less upset is plenty.
Self-nurturing also releases a great deal of time and energy that people now spend in upset, taking care of problems caused by upset, and what I call needy-living. That is many people spend all their time doing just what they need to do to get by.
When you diminish your needy living, you will find that both time and energy become available for other persuits. Those other pursuits might be finding and living your Path, consciously creating your life experieince, and exploring the possibility of enlightenment.
The powerful method of expanding self-love can be used with some of the alternative dis-ease prevention and treatments as advocated by Louise Hay (hayhouse.com) and others.
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| 18. |
Where is Ag Health located?
In Sunnyside, WA, on Edision Street between Highway 240 and Yakima Valley Highway
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| 19. |
What are Ag Healths hours of operation?
We are open from 8am to 4:30pm Monday thru Friday
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| 20. |
Ut volutpat, lectus ac varius ullamcorper, odio orci tincidunt justo, et mattis risus ligula vitae urna. Nulla facilisi. Aenean sit amet eros. Integer pellentesque. Proin nec leo mattis urna hendrerit elementum. Praesent dolor mi, hendrerit sed, tristique vitae, dictum ut, nibh?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Ut purus. Etiam porttitor sapien vehicula ligula. Etiam venenatis dui in dui. Vestibulum tincidunt suscipit felis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nullam tempus, metus in aliquet vulputate, leo lorem tincidunt felis, dignissim hendrerit nunc nisl in enim. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Donec accumsan, nulla quis interdum posuere, arcu justo condimentum massa, at aliquam magna est feugiat magna. Sed adipiscing neque ac pede. Quisque posuere. Nulla vel justo. Cras posuere elit id odio. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.
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| 21. |
Why should I be interested in Self-nurturing?
Once you buy into the principles of Self-nurturing you will realize that there is nothing that you "should do." Unless, of course, you choose to feel that you should so something, and then by all means you should do that. However, I find that most everyone will find that a little more love and a lettle less upset, in their lives, is very desirable. It can be seen as a test to see if this process works.
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| 22. |
Is the process of Self-nurturing complicated.
Self-nurturing is a very simple process.
However, complexity can arrise depending on the disempowering habits and beliefs of each individual, which in our culture are substantial, varied and transparent.
What I call emotional pain can be another complication. Emotional pain often subconsciously leaks out to magnify our upsets into anger.
But even small steps in Self-nurturing can make a difference in your life very quickly.
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| 23. |
What is the main benefit of Self-nurturing?
That depends on what you choose it to be. Just beginning by placing your attention of increasing your self-love and acceptance will create more love in your life and less upset. For many people that may be sufficient. That is only scratching the surface. The eventual outcome is to free time and energy to exercise our conscious creative birthright. This too can be focused in many directions. Finding and following your path is one eventual outcome.
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| 24. |
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Proin eget risus. Sed varius. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Praesent pretium odio id quam. Sed mattis sagittis mi. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Vivamus lobortis blandit lacus. Vivamus interdum. Integer gravida arcu sit amet mauris. Phasellus consectetuer, risus quis ultrices convallis, neque elit adipiscing orci, et pulvinar tellus neque ut diam. Morbi rutrum pulvinar arcu. Pellentesque augue eros, rutrum vitae, vulputate convallis, nonummy aliquam, tortor. Ut congue, magna a luctus vulputate, enim est semper sem, eget nonummy pede est eget justo. Integer id enim. Vestibulum semper mi id nisl. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae;
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| 25. |
Who attends MORE?
People who want to be more effective in their careers, with their family and friends and in their communities; people who are committed to ongoing growth, self-expression, and contribution.
Participants come from all walks of life, and occupations ... such as sales, marketing, engineering, business, health-care, teaching, recreation management, consulting, construction etc.
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| 26. |
How does the AVALAR Foundation fulfill its mission?
answer here.
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| 27. |
What are the sources of the AVALAR Foundation's funds?
answer here.
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| 28. |
Can I get references from people who attend MORE?
Yes. The participants in MORE have created great results and are happy to share their experience. If you know someone who is attending MORE, ask them! Otherwise, call or leave a message for Elisabeth Revell. Contact her here. She will be happy to provide you with contact information for current participants. Also check the testimonials section here.
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| 29. |
When and where are the events held and what happens between events?
A live event is conducted in Seattle, Washington every two months. These sessions run from 6:00 PM on Friday to 1:00 PM Sunday.
In between sessions, there are forward-moving, focused assignments, along with a support structure organized by participants, and access to the Learning Forum. This forum includes current areas of focus, a success forum, a support arena and highlights from the most recent live event.
Check the calendar here, for the date of the next live event.
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| 30. |
Who is eligible to apply to the AVALAR Foundation?
answer here.
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| 31. |
How does a nonprofit organization apply to AVALAR Foundation?
answer here.
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| 32. |
How is the weekend event structured?
Each day in the weekend consists of several modules. Each module may vary from 20 minutes to 2 hours. There is a wide variety of modules ranging from creative visualization, to structured assignments, to fun group events. The course follows an experiential learning model in which participants uncover, learn, and focus on what is important to them.
At the end of each day, there is an evening assignment, part of which is individual, and part of which is done in small teams. There are short breaks throughout the day and breaks for meals. At the conclusion of the event, between-event support structures are organized by participants, and the between-event assignment is given.
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| 33. |
What happens if I miss an event?
MORE members may attend as many of the live events as they choose. The way to achieve the greatest value is to attend each MORE event.
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| 34. |
How much does MORE cost?
Similar to a health club or gym membership, MORE is a subscription-based process to support health in all ways.
Membership is $49.95 per month. There is a $100.00 re-registration fee payable by those who have previously joined and allowed their subscription to lapse.
For those who wish to attend only one live event, the tuition is $295.00
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