FAQ for STVL Applicants

Given the volume of requests we receive, we are not able to provide individualized feedback on every proposal. This FAQ outlines our investment focus and the most common reasons a company is not a fit, so you can quickly assess whether a resubmission makes sense. 

Quick Answers 

• Can you provide feedback on my pitch deck? Due to the volume of inquiries, we are unable to give personalized feedback. 
• Can you introduce me to other investors? We're not able to make introductions to other investors, but we'd encourage you to research investors whose focus areas align closely with your business and reach out directly. 
• Do you invest in companies outside the United States? We currently focus on US-based companies. If your venture enters the U.S. market in the future, you're welcome to submit a new inquiry for consideration. 

• Do you invest in non-profits? No. For grants or other resources, visit the Stand Together website and select "Grow My Nonprofit" or "Learn More About Grantmaking". 

   

Where We Invest 

We invest in companies solving high-priority problems in three areas: 

• Education: solutions that put families and students in control of their learning journeys. Visit our website to learn where we are investing in education. 
• Economic Progress: solutions that make the economy work for people again by expanding supply, reducing costs, and removing barriers to participation, proving that innovation can deliver affordability, access, and opportunity. Visit our website to learn where we are investing in the economy. 
• Health Care: solutions that give consumers more control, transparency, and choice in their care. Visit our website to learn where we are investing in health care. 

Most Common Reasons We Don’t Move Forward 

Most center on one or more of the following: 

1. Sector misalignment. The problem isn't in one of our three focus areas, or it addresses a lower-priority issue within one of them. 
2. Incremental, not transformative. We back ideas capable of reshaping a category, not ideas that offer modest gains on what already exists. 
3. Unclear differentiation. The approach doesn't meaningfully differ from solutions already in the market. 
4. Feasibility or scalability gaps. The idea may be desirable, but questions remain about whether it's truly viable, feasible, and scalable. 
5. Founder fit. We look for principled entrepreneurs with clarity of vision, sound judgment, and the ability to recruit talent, partners, and funders. Alignment with our guiding principles, including openness, integrity, stewardship, humility, and respect, matters as much as the business model. 
6. Mutual benefit unclear. We look for opportunities where both parties gain and where we bring real comparative advantage, not just capital. 
7. Stage mismatch. We generally prefer not to be the first investor in a company. 
8. Portfolio conflict. The solution competes directly with an existing portfolio company. 

If you'd like to stay connected, please follow us on LinkedIn and explore other resources on our website.