Our Approach
Investment Philosophy – delivering lasting value
These are very challenging times for any investor and any business, where sources of capital are limited, growth is uncertain and where the ruling dynamics of many industries are undergoing massive change. At Ignition Capital we believe that with an unwavering focus on business fundamentals, the few companies forged and tempered under these most demanding circumstances can take advantage of these shifts and earn both exceptional ongoing returns and the dominant positions in their markets. We plan for long holding periods so we want to work with the right people on the boards of the right companies to both deliver regular cash returns and exceptional long term principal appreciation.
Selection criteria – finding deep value
We are focused on finding “deep value” in a limited number of core investments across industries in which we have particular expertise, especially where we have already competed. Through ongoing research and rigorous due diligence we seek for strong financial and operational performers in sectors where they have already secured or can secure a highly advantageous and defensible market position. We work with motivated, veteran management teams who know how to generate cash as well as market share and who want to own, as well as run, their businesses for the long term. We seek controlling or leading interest investments with a combination of favorable terms, pricing and collaborative, high-integrity co-investment partners.
Engagement strategy – adding unique value
We are active investors. We bring together both our own unique operating experience and that of a broad network of “player/coaches” across our entire family of funds to be an asset to our companies. We engage deeply as partners with managers of the businesses that we fund to unlock and grow their value. This starts with strategic insights into the fundamentals of our markets and businesses to help management make the most informed, well-grounded operating decisions possible. We deploy our resources and expertise across all functional and technical areas (from strategy, marketing, distribution to increase cash by unlocking operational efficiencies and savings and maximizing revenue growth. To solidify and expand their positions, we supplement company cash and due diligence resources as appropriate to make strategic investments in long term growth or in select companies along their value chains and adjacent markets.