A clear operating thesis.
Establish where the business can improve, which constraints matter and how the proposed partnership would create value. Agree priorities and the evidence needed to review progress.
A SEPARATE DIVISION / 114 LABS VENTURE STUDIO
Shared ambition.
Longer horizons.
Selective growth partnerships with established, owner-operated businesses. You lead the day-to-day operation. We explore how strategy, systems, technology and analytical oversight can help the business move forward.
SELECTIVE PARTNERSHIPSESTABLISHED OPERATIONSALIGNED LONG-TERM INTERESTS
A DIFFERENT KIND OF WORKING RELATIONSHIP
Build the capability.
Share the direction.
Some businesses have an established customer base and capable leadership, yet need a clearer strategy, more connected operations or stronger digital capability to grow. The Venture Studio considers a long-term partnership where our contribution and the owner's operating strengths complement each other.
Partnership arrangements may involve equity, a combination of fees and equity, and selective capital participation where appropriate. There is no standard exchange rate between services and ownership. Contributions, valuation, responsibilities, milestones and decision rights are assessed and agreed separately for each potential partnership.
Make the operation stronger.
Explore process improvement, connected systems, analytics and digital engineering around the actual needs of the business. Implementation is defined by an agreed scope rather than an open-ended promise.
Stay accountable together.
Define working responsibilities, reporting and decision rights. Owner-operators continue leading everyday delivery, with an agreed route for strategic decisions and progress reviews.
WHO WE CONSIDER
Real businesses.
Capable operators.
We prioritise established trading businesses with demonstrable operating activity, a credible commercial model and leadership able to run the business day to day. Profitability, the quality of information and the room for practical improvement are central to the assessment.
Technology-enabled services can be a fit, as can other operational businesses where systems, analysis and strategic direction offer a credible contribution. We assess the opportunity and the people together, including whether the relationship aligns with our values.
Partnership is selective. A consultancy relationship does not imply an investment commitment, and an initial conversation does not establish eligibility or agreed terms.
A USEFUL FIRST CONVERSATION
- What the business does and how long it has operated
- Your role in its ownership and day-to-day leadership
- Its current commercial position, described at a high level
- The growth constraint or operating opportunity you see
- Why a strategic partnership may be a better fit for you
Please avoid confidential records, financial statements or sensitive personal information in an initial email. Appropriate arrangements for detailed assessment are agreed before those materials are requested.
A CONSIDERED PROCESS
Explore. Assess.
Agree the relationship.
An initial conversation establishes potential fit. Further work may examine the business, the proposed contribution and the practical responsibilities of each party. Any partnership proceeds only after a separate assessment and appropriate written agreements.
Our fee-based consultancy services remain a separate route for organisations seeking a defined assessment or implementation engagement.
Bring a business you believe in.
Tell us about the operation, its leadership and the opportunity ahead. We will establish whether a further conversation is appropriate.
Start a Studio conversation ↗This email route is specifically for Venture Studio enquiries. It is not a booking or an offer of investment.