For Founders
Capital matters. So does what comes with it.
We back founders who are building companies customers want and who value investors willing to stay engaged. Longleaf members bring operating experience, industry knowledge, relationships, and connections across angel groups, venture funds, and the broader Southeast ecosystem.
Is Longleaf a fit for your company?
We invest primarily in early-stage companies, generally from seed through Series A, across industries.
For founders, the more important question is whether there is enough evidence for us to have a productive investment conversation. We look for companies with meaningful customer validation or traction, a clear understanding of the problem being solved, and the potential to build a scalable business.
We also value founders who can speak candidly about what is working, what is not yet known, and what they are learning along the way.
What the process looks like
Companies may come to Longleaf through founder outreach, member referrals, ecosystem relationships, and our broader network.
Opportunities are screened for general fit before moving into deeper review. Companies that advance may participate in a founder conversation, company presentation, and due diligence before an investment opportunity is opened to members.
Not every company we review will become a Longleaf investment, but our goal is to make the process thoughtful, timely, and respectful of founder time.
How we approach diligence
Diligence should help investors make better decisions without creating unnecessary work for founders.
Depending on the opportunity, Longleaf may conduct its own diligence, work collaboratively with trusted investors, or validate credible diligence already completed by others. We aim to keep information requests purposeful, coordinated, and appropriate to the stage of the company.
What happens after we invest
We do not view the check as the end of the relationship.
Longleaf intends to stay connected to portfolio companies, keep participating investors informed, follow future financing needs, and look for ways our network can be useful. That may include customer introductions, investor connections, sector expertise, operating perspective, or simply being available when a founder needs a thoughtful sounding board.
Submit your company
If you are building an early-stage company and think Longleaf could be a fit, we would like to hear from you.