Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from founders and investors about Cavari Ventures Fund I.

For Founders
What stage companies do you invest in? +

We invest in Pre-Seed to Series C stage companies. Our focus is on companies with proven product-market fit and clear paths to scale. We back founders building category-defining businesses across the real economy across six core sectors: Health, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Industrial, Financial Services, and Future of Work.

What sectors do you focus on? +

We focus on six core sectors: Health, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Industrial, Financial Services, and Future of Work. We back deep-tech and category-creating companies that solve meaningful problems in the real economy, not purely digital platforms.

What is your typical cheque size? +

Our initial investment starts from A$100K, with capacity to invest up to A$3M in a single round. We maintain a 1:1 reserve commitment for follow-on rounds, allowing us to double down on winners and support growth through subsequent funding cycles.

What ownership do you target? +

We typically target 10-20% ownership at entry, with a minimum post-dilution ownership of 8% across the fund life. This ensures meaningful board representation and alignment with founders on strategic direction.

Do you lead rounds? +

Yes, we lead or co-lead rounds and actively syndicate with other specialist sector funds. We build syndicates that add strategic value and open doors for our portfolio companies beyond just capital.

What does VaaS include? +

Ventures-as-a-Service covers expert support across CFO services, Strategy & GTM, Technology, Talent recruitment, and Capital Markets preparation from day one. Our advisors actively work with your team on financial modelling, market positioning, technology architecture, and fundraising readiness.

How long does your investment process take? +

For companies that pass our initial screening, we typically move from first meeting to term sheet in 4-6 weeks. We prioritize speed and decisiveness while maintaining rigorous due diligence across technical, market, and financial dimensions.

Do you require a board seat? +

For lead investments, we typically require a board seat. For smaller co-investments, we take an observer seat to remain involved without adding governance overhead to the founders.

What geography do you cover? +

Australia and New Zealand are our primary focus (75%+), with opportunistic investments in APAC up to 25% of deployments. We understand local market dynamics deeply and maintain strong relationships across both countries.

How do I get in touch? +

Email us at founders@cavari.com.au or use our contact page. We don't require a pitch deck for initial conversations—a brief overview and a conversation are perfect to start a relationship.

For Investors
What is the fund structure? +

Cavari Ventures Fund I is pursuing ESVCLP designation (pending regulatory approval). This structure is designed to deliver meaningful tax advantages and improve net returns for eligible investors, including tax-free capital gains and upfront tax offsets.

What is the target fund size? +

Our target fund size is A$20M, with the first close expected at A$10M. This allows us to build a focused portfolio of 15-20 companies while maintaining strong operational support infrastructure through our Venture-as-a-Service platform.

What is the minimum investment? +

The minimum investment is A$500,000. We welcome institutions, family offices, sophisticated investors, and high-net-worth individuals who want to back the next generation of deep-tech leaders in the real economy.

What are the target returns? +

We target 25-35% gross p.a. returns with a MOIC (Multiple on Invested Capital) of 3-5x over the fund life. Our strategy is to identify and support companies that become category leaders in their sectors.

Is there a preferred return? +

Yes, LPs receive an 8% IRR preferred return before any performance allocation. A conservative hurdle that reflects our confidence in the portfolio construction and alignment with investor interests.

What is the fund life? +

The fund has a 10-year life with two one-year extension options. This timeline allows us to build companies and realize returns without artificial pressure to exit prematurely when optimal outcomes require longer-term commitment.

How often will I receive reporting? +

You'll receive quarterly portfolio reports, annual audited accounts, and ad hoc updates for material events. We maintain transparency and keep investors informed on key developments across the portfolio.

What is the tax benefit? +

As an ESVCLP (pending designation), eligible investors receive tax-free capital gains plus a 10% upfront tax offset on contributions. Speak with your tax advisor about your eligibility to maximize tax efficiency on the investment.

How do I request the Information Memorandum? +

Contact us via email at investors@cavari.com.au or through our contact page. We'll schedule a confidential conversation and send the IM once we've confirmed your accreditation status.

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