An Early-Stage "Game Changing" Venture Group!
CITY SIDE VENTURES IS A DRIVEN VENTURE GROUP COMPRISED OF EXPERIENCED BUSINESS BUILDERS, DIE-HARD SERIAL ENTREPRENEURS, DISRUPTERS, INNOVATORS, AND TECHNOLOGISTS. WE ARE MORE THAN JUST TRADITIONAL INVESTORS, WE ARE WILLING TO LOOK DEEPER, WIDER AND BIGGER.
_Our Thesis – We follow a simple operating model:
ACCOUNTABILITY [+] DISCIPLINE [+] ACTIONS [=] PERFORMANCE
CitySide Ventures was established in 2015 with a core vision to change the way early-stage capital is deployed in the state of Michigan. We assert that every successful startup ecosystem around the world is based on the following three principles, the density of resources and activities, access to early-stage capital, and velocity of capital deployment.
CitySide Ventures’ purpose is to become a premier Investment group that is committed to taking Michigan early-stage Angel investing to a new level. Building a network of active, progressive and innovative investors that are committed to turning Michigan to a powerhouse startup ecosystem.
5329
3612
78
54
69
74
6324
23
526
5125000
Our Investment Mindset
WE INVEST IN DRIVERS AND NOT IN CARS!
[60%]
THE DRIVER [THE FOUNDER]
We invest in drivers, not cars. We will pick the driver regardless of what kind of car they drive. As long is it is a legal, moral and ethical business, – we are all in!
[25%]
THE CAR [THE BUSINESS]
It is simple. if you put a great driver in an average car, you will get above-average performance. A great driver will perform with any car, at any time, in any race.
[15%]
THE RACE [THE MARKET]
Finishing the Race. We can fix or suit up the car. We are not “Industry” focused we are “Driver” focused. Find the drivers, fix them a car, and get them in the race.
Our Operation Mindset
WE ARE NOT JUST ANOTHER VENTURE GROUP, WE ARE DIFFERENT, VERY DIFFERENT, WE ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO LOOK DEEPER, WIDER AND BIGGER.
[.01]
INTEGRITY
Doing what is right, as it is meant to be done thoroughly completely and without compromise, committed to business excellence.
[.02]
COURAGE & DRIVE
We are willing to take on the “impossible” and go fearlessly where other investors are not willing to go with poser and conviction.
[.03]
IMPACT
Building a sustainable startup ecosystem that is thriving, growing and expanding rapidly while making positive economic impact.
[.04]
RESPONSIBILITY
Building a solid investment portfolio that is highly profitable, take care of our investor’s capital as our own by acceding their expectations.
[.05]
VELOCITY
Execute our business process with speed and velocity, delivering and building a high level of traction, adding value and knowledge.
Our Core Services
WE ARE NOT JUST ANOTHER VENTURE GROUP, WE ARE DIFFERENT, VERY DIFFERENT, WE ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO LOOK DEEPER, WIDER AND BIGGER.
[.01]
EARLY-STAGE CAPITAL
Pre-Seed, Seed stage in diverse tech sectors with investment ranges from $50K – $500K per deal
[.02]
INVESTORS BACKROOM
Our White Glove investor services team that is being managed by industry veterans.
[.03]
STARTUP SERVICES
A centralized startup services that allow the founders to work ON their business instead of IN their business.
[.04]
INTERIM MANAGEMENT
Building a solid investment portfolio that is highly profitable, take care of our investor’s capital as our own by acceding their expectations.
[.05]
BUSINESS ADVISORY
Execute our business process with speed and velocity, delivering and building a high level of traction, adding value and knowledge.
Our Primary Industry Focus
OUR INVESTMENT PLATFORM SOLE FOCUS IS TO IDENTIFY AND FUND SCALABLE TECH COMPANIES IN A VARIETY OF STAGES, INDUSTRIES, AND MARKET VERTICALS. WE HOLD OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES TO A HIGH LEVEL OF INTEGRITY AND IF YOUR COMPANY IS LEGAL, MORALLY, AND ETHICALLY SOUND, WE ARE READY TO EXPLORE!
[.01]
AUTOMOTIVE & MOBILITY
[.02]
SaaS – B2B / B2C / B2B2C / B2H / O2O
[.03]
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
[.04]
MEDICAL TECH & TELEHEALTH
[.05]
AGRICULTURAL & FOOD TECH
[.06]
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
[.07]
TECHNOLOGY IN MOTION – TIM
[.08]
BLOCKCHAIN SOFTWARE & BCaaS
[.09]
ARTIFICIAL INTELEGENCE – AI / AIaaS
[.10]
DIGITAL MEDIA &
INTELLIGENT COMMERCE
The startup profile we are looking for?
Not all startups are the same we are lookingf or the top 1%
[01]. Scalable Tech
Technology based startups with innovative technology that passed the Proof of Concept stage that has the potential to scale globally. This should be confirmed with data or by objective experts. A comprehensive business plan has been developed to commercialize the technology.
[02]. Capital Efficient
Demonstrate their ability to be nimble and capital efficient in deploying and managing capital. A financially responsible founder(s) and management team that is resourceful and strategic with their Capital spending, treat and guards the investors money as their own capital.
[03]. Profitable Revenue
A scalable business model that can demonstrate how high gross margins and consistent cash flow growth will be achieved. Developed reasonable financial projections – including an income statement, cash flow and balance sheet and supporting spreadsheets – based on logical and realistic assumptions.
[04]. Capital Needs
Tech based startups that are raising their Pre-Seed to Seed stage funding with a round size of $1M-$2M with valuation range of $6-$8M preferably (in rare occasions we will go higher) . Investment on an Equity (Priced) Round or Convertible Note preferably, No SAFE not please.
[05]. Management Team
At least one full time founder. We look for founders(s) and teams that are passionate, driven, professional and coachable. Past business experience an be an advantage in our selection process. Teams must be ready and open to work with advisors and/or a Board of Directors in a collaborative environment.
[06]. Protected IP
A clear and well defined and outlined Intellectual Property strategy in place and that the current company intellectual property is protected or in filing stage. IP based on exhaustive search has been performed to ensure no patents or trademarks, held by others, are infringed upon.
[07]. Market Scope & Size
A Market Ready startup. A proven best market fit, the projected spending in the product category is a fast growing. Your market segment is identified and proven there is a noticeable demand for the proposed solution. Preferable potential customers in the pipeline or pilot programs in play.
[08]. Competition
The competitive landscape is clear. Potential competitors are identified, and the company demonstrates a clear unfair competitive advantage and understanding of the company’s differentiation points. The barriers to entry are identified and there is a well defined strategy to execute
[09]. Exit Strategy
As part of the overall strategy, the company developed and defined a clear 3-5 years exit strategy and identify the potential buyers. Looking for startups that are well positioned to enable the early-stage Angel investors to generate a return of at least 10X their initial investment.
Thoughts, Insights and News . . .
What is up?

Angels Confidential – Brief .05 – The Reality About Deep Tech
