FAQ
Where does MAXIMUS operate happen? Do I need to move to the USA?
No. Our team is Global and fully remote and so are our portfolio companies and investors.
How do we choose which startups to fund?
We have an admissions process that’s open to any startup, anywhere in the world. Our Funds which operate as separate partners assess each application and make the decision independently.
How can we get funding for our startup?
Apply to join our advisory online under “contact us”.
How much do you invest?
We operate and manage 4 funds with varying investment and funding mandates.
What is the time commitment of Maximus?
It is less than most founders expect; a few hours per week if you participate in all the recommended activities. All parts of the Maximus & Moonshot programs are optional; as a founder we expect you to choose how to spend your time to maximise the odds of your company succeeding.
Some founders worry that Maximus will be a distraction from working on their startup. But actually it’s the opposite; we created Maximus to make it possible for founders to spend several months completely focused on their startup with no distractions. Many founders tell us that their fundraising being taken over by Maximus was the most productive time of their lives.
What are the dates for the next batch?
We are a boutique advisory so do not operate with batches. When accepted you join immediately. .
I’m actively fundraising can you still help me?
Apply now and tell us on the application that you’re actively fundraising. If you are accepted, we start the investment process immediately.
Am I too early to apply to Maximus? Should I wait until I have more traction?
No, it would be a mistake to wait to apply. On average, 40% of the companies we find funding for don’t have any revenue.
While Maximus does also fund companies that are far along, the majority of the companies we fund will always be companies at the early stages of Seed and Series A.
We‘ve already been working on our startup for a while. Is Maximus appropriate for us?
7% of recent cohorts had more than $200K in monthly revenue when accepted and some as high as $500k.
When we fund companies that are further along, we work with them differently and help them with different things compared to early-stage startups. We can probably help any startup that hasn‘t already raised a series A round from VCs and those who have.
We‘ve already raised funding. Can we still apply?
Sure. Maximus has companies who have already raised over $5M.
We don‘t really need the money. Does it still make sense to apply?
At least half of the startups we find funding for don't need the money. And in fact the money is only a small part of what Maximus does.
Do you only fund startups that are software or tech focussed?
No, we'll consider startups in any field. We've found funding for companies that make everything from microbes to fusion reactors to coffee carts.
Can a single person apply for funding?
Yes. We regularly accept solo founders. That said, our advice remains that one-person startups are tough and you're more likely to succeed with a co-founder.
Can I participate in Maximus while I’m a full-time student or working full-time at a job?
You can certainly apply when you are a full-time student or employee.
Maximus has already funded a company that does something similar to my idea. Will that affect my chances of being accepted?
It won't. Unlike many investors, we don’t consider it a factor whether we’ve already funded a company working on something similar.
Even if we tried not to accept competing companies, we’d end up with them anyway because startup ideas morph so much. So from early on, we made sure that if two Maximus startups are working on related stuff, we don't talk to one about what the other's doing.
Do we need to know someone at Maximus to get in?
No. One of Maximus's core principles is considering all applications equally. We don't rely on introductions the way many investors do.
If we participated in an accelerator, can we do Maximus?
Yes. We've had many companies join Maximus after doing an accelerator. However, if you've done another accelerator already, we may expect that you've reached a higher level of progress.
Do you give feedback on application results?
We don't provide feedback on application results unless you are invited to interview with us. If we did this, we'd spend all our time providing feedback and doing nothing else due to the volume of applications we have to process.
Do we need to incorporate before applying?
No
What if we incorporated as a non-US corporation?
That is acceptable.
Why did you choose the name “Maximus"?
"Maximus" signifies a bold vision, high standards, and the pursuit of greatness in all aspects of the business.
M - Motivation: The driving force behind the startup's mission and vision. Motivation fuels the team to overcome challenges and strive for success.
A - Ambition: The high-reaching goals and aspirations that define the startup's vision. Ambition pushes the company to innovate and scale rapidly.
X - Excellence: The commitment to delivering the highest quality in products, services, and operations. Excellence sets the startup apart from competitors.
I - Innovation: The focus on developing groundbreaking solutions and staying ahead of industry trends. Innovation is key to disrupting markets and achieving growth.
M - Momentum: The sustained progress and acceleration in achieving milestones. Momentum helps the startup build traction and gain market share.
U - Uniqueness: The distinctive value proposition and differentiators that make the startup stand out. Uniqueness attracts customers and investors alike.
S - Scalability: The ability to grow and expand efficiently without compromising quality. Scalability ensures long-term success and market dominance.
These elements together capture the essence of what it takes to succeed in the startup world, making "Maximus" a fitting representation of a high-achieving, dynamic venture.
The “nx” stands for 10x multiplier.
I'd like Maximus to publicise my product / service among the portfolio companies.
The best way to publicise your product within the Maximus community is to get a few Maximus startups as happy users and ask them to recommend you to their peers.
That being said, we do keep a list of offers that we share with our active Maximus portfolio companies. If you would like to offer a special deal on your service or product to our companies, you can do so here. We manually review these deals and will let you know if your offer has been approved or rejected.
Why do you charge a fee for your services?
We strive to cover our operating costs by charging fees for the products & services we create rather than relying on donations. Charging users for our services ensures that we provide the value you claim to deliver. Users of free products & services rarely complain. Paying users complain loudly; they will let you know when you’ve gone off course.
The fundraising process
APPLY
Take the first step today by sending us a meeting request in the form below.
2. PREPARE FOR FUNDRAISE
Based on our findings during the due diligence, there might be some work to do on your data room. Our investor relations team are with you every step of the way to prepare your materials to showcase your company in the best possible way.
3. MEET THE TEAM
When we receive your application, we connect you with a dedicated account manager who will assess your company, fundraising plans and determine if there is a fit between your company and DNAnx
4. INVESTOR MEETINGS
As soon as your materials are ready, we will start setting up meetings with relevant investors. You will only have meetings with investors that fit your longterm strategic goals and that are currently deploying their funds.
5. COMMENCE COLLABORATION
Once we have mutually agreed to collaborate and signed a partnership agreement, we will conduct a thorough due diligence of your data room to ensure that all your materials are up to the standards of our investor network.
6. RECEIVE TERM SHEETS AND CLOSE ROUND
Our team will help you negotiate the best possible outcome for your round and provide any legal assistance needed to reach a satisfactory closing.
About the Max Global Fund 1:
The Max Global Fund 1, is a venture capital and growth equity fund with a strong focus on technology investments. Its primary goal is to deliver attractive returns to investors while effectively managing investment risk. To achieve this objective, the fund takes a global approach by making strategic investments in diverse economies across multiple countries around the world.
One of the key strengths of Max Global Fund 1, is its worldwide presence. The DNA Group, which includes the fund, its General Partners, and affiliated entities like Epsilon Venture Partners L.P. and Max Global Advisory LLC, strategically positions itself in critical regions such as the USA, EU, UK, MENA, and Asia. This global network allows the fund to benefit from a wide range of market insights and opportunities for collaboration.
Max Global Corp, the parent company, is known for its substantial investment expertise and industry insights. They have a robust network and a strong reputation within the investment community. These attributes, coupled with their distinctive deal-sourcing capabilities, position Max Global Fund 1, as a leader in the venture capital and growth equity space.
Max Global Fund 1, is a globally oriented investment fund that focuses on technology investments. Its strategic approach, combined with its strong reputation, expertise, and extensive network, allows it to effectively manage risk and seek attractive returns for its investors across a wide range of economies worldwide.
Discover the unparalleled expertise of our Fund's leadership team, boasting a track record of over $500 million in investments and support for more than 100 portfolio companies. With a cumulative 40 years of venture capital experience and a staggering 80 years of combined involvement in the startup landscape, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to help guide your investment journey.
The team are respected financial experts with a background in risk management and portfolio diversification. Their analytical skills and knowledge of global markets ensure the committee considers a comprehensive range of factors when evaluating investment opportunities. Their contribution to a balanced and informed decision-making process.
Collectively, the key management personnel and investment committee members bring a diverse range of expertise and experience to the fund. Their skills in investment analysis, due diligence, strategic planning, and operational management create a strong foundation for the fund's success in identifying, nurturing, and maximizing the potential of early-stage start-ups.
