Investment Guidelines and FAQs

Guiding Principles of Investing

• Trigent will invest after the founders or other investors completed the seed money round and a Proof of Concept product development is required
• When Trigent’s product development services are required for a Proof of Concept or feasibility to get to first round or angel funding
• Trigent believes the product idea has merit and will succeed in attracting further funding or succeed  in the market
• Trigent will reduce a percentage of the normal fees and take a small equity in the company

Trigent’s Investment Does Not

• Replace the need for traditional investments from groups such as angels or VCs
• Mandate Trigent’s control or influence control of the venture via a large shareholding or a seat on the Board
• Mean operational involvement in the venture, except providing product development services on a contractual basis
• Provide vision beyond technology execution

FAQs

1. Why is Trigent offering this solution?
   • It has become difficult for startups to get funding in the present investment conditions in the market.
   • Trigent believes that a partnership between the startup and Trigent created by co-investing along with the founding team represents a strong statement of trust and confidence. This will be seen positively by the angel investors and the VCs in this market.
2. Is Trigent getting into the Investment business?
   • No. Trigent is merely doing this to facilitate overcoming the 1st Mile hurdles in the market for startups. Trigent is only focused in delivering its product development services
   • Even in startups where Trigent has provided the initial investment, we will not participate in subsequent rounds along with the professional investors after the proof of concept is done.
3. Will Trigent continue to work with traditional startups that don’t need the initial funding from Trigent?
   • Yes. This has been and still is the preferred working model for Trigent. In fact we will first establish the need for our product development services and only then evaluate if an incubatory investment is required. Only if the start up is unable to get the initial funding from the traditional sources will Trigent invest to help create a proof of concept.
4. What strategic or operational control will Trigent require in the startup?
   • None, except for continuing relationship to provide technical services, initially as the sole supplier but subsequently as a preferred vendor as the startup grows.
5. Will Trigent be available in on-going advisory capacity?
   • Yes, on a contractual basis if the startups needs.
6. What paperwork and agreements will be required for this relationship?
   • Non disclosure agreement
   • Services agreement for work to be done
   • Investment agreements as required
7. Are there any special covenants required for the Investment Agreements?
   • Yes, only as customarily required for mutually fair and equitable treatment in a partnership relationship
8. How will Trigent protect the intellectual property rights and non-competes with its other clients?
   • Trigent can help clients file for patent and trademark protection. Trigent has worked with such service providers in India and the US and will be happy to assist our clients.
   • Trigent protects its clients of competing products by keeping separate teams for these clients and are not allowed to mingle
9. What process will Trigent use to determine the need for the incubatory investment in a startup?
   • The first step is to evaluate the product idea and assess a rough budget for development
   • If the startup describes a need for an investment, Trigent will further qualify that the founders are also co-investing in the product development using their seed money.
   • If budget is approved by the startup and the founders are willing to co-invest, then Trigent will make a proposal for the amount and conditions of its investment.
   • If the proposal is accepted then a set of agreements will be prepared and signed.