Welcome, External Entrepeneurs

We also fund startups outside of Constellation Software! If you run a vertical market software startup ready to be scaled up we'd love to talk to you.

What is VMS Venture’s investment criteria when providing funding for startups?

VMS Ventures will look for the following for your business venture:

  • A passionate team willing and able to build a great software product. 
  • A niche vertical market where Constellation Software operates.
  • Opportunity for $10MM in annual revenues within 5-10 years. 
  • A sponsoring Constellation Software business unit.
  • An earned secret- deep industry knowledge.

 

Constellation Software is willing to provide funding for startups from pre-seed to growth stages of the business. However, funding for startups only occurs if your company meets the above criteria and we are comfortable with the opportunity. 

 

Every investment will be looked at independently. However, in all cases:

  1. After providing funding for startups, the fund will never sell its stake. Exits come from selling to a Constellation Software operating group, receiving dividends from profits, or through an IPO. 
  2. The fund will be the lead investor. While it may not take a majority stake, the fund will always set key terms.
  3. The fund will require control of the board in a new company.

 

How do I get funding for my startup?

You should start by emailing karl.schabas@vmsfund.com. Include a brief description of your idea and why you believe it meets the criteria of the fund. Since we are providing funding for startups in all stages, we are also willing to hear your idea in whatever stage it is currently in. From general opportunities you see in the market to having a full pitch deck, we are willing to listen to you and provide feedback. After that, we will talk about next steps. 

 

Keep in mind that all funding for startups and investments will require a business unit sponsor from within Constellation. If you already have a business unit leader that supports your application, be sure to include this in your email.

 

Any further questions on funding for startups or VMS Ventures, feel free to reach out to karl.schabas@vmsfund.com

 

Questions?

All of the frequently asked questions by & for External Entrepeneurs

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