Financial and human capital to help founders scale their business and impact in Vermont

The way Dudley did…

 
“He woke up every day thinking about how he could make Vermont better.”

Dudley Davis (1921 - 2004) was a Vermont banker who invested in good people to help them build great companies and support their communities. He had the courage to finance new businesses, the vision to find a way forward and the determination to ensure success. If you were working as hard as he was, he had your back through it all. Many of the businesses that continue to employ thousands of people in Vermont today, like Rhino Foods, Twincraft Skincare, Gardener’s Supply and GE Healthcare (formerly IDX), got their start thanks to Dudley.

Our Mission

Create healthy financial returns for our investors while improving economic opportunity and vitality in Vermont by providing capital and support to entrepreneurs who create jobs, attract and retain talent, build the tax base and generate investable wealth.

How We Invest

  • Our process can take several weeks to several months so we encourage founders to reach out early so we already have a relationship when we start our investment review process.

  • We like to invest early and will write you your first check or your last check and will participate in subsequent rounds if you work with our mentors and advisors and demonstrate your ability to scale the business and create impact.

  • We will be transparent with you about our process and say what we mean and do what we say. We ask for the same in return.

  • We provide equity financing, which means we need our money back within 10 years. Our management team and advisors will support you in doing that, but you have to want that and be prepared to do the work.

  • If we make an investment in your company you will have direct support, including access to growth stage funding, from a network of 75 of the most successful business people in Vermont.

  • We are looking to create impact through our investments. We will require an economic and community impact pro forma as part of our process.

If this sounds like a fit, please complete the form below to get the process started.

To learn more about our investment process and criteria go here.