Startups that apply for a funding will pass the following main steps:

1. Application from a startup.
2. D3, with the involvement of external technical experts, conducts startup due diligence and makes an investment decision.
3. The startup receives an investment.
4. The fund provides individual support to startups in various directions to achieve the set goals.

In detail:

1. Startups usually connect with us through an application process, a warm introduction from other companies and investors, or networking during events. In all cases, we would like to see your basic deck.
2. Once applied, startups will engage with one of our investment team members. We like to start our journey with a quick 30-minute call to understand your product and technology and pitch our value proposition to you. 
3. If we like what you see, we happily engage in longer calls and/or meetings with your team. You would also talk to more partners from our side. We will be interested in your technology,  R&D process, results so far,  interaction with the end-customers, team dynamics, and motivations
4. The process will continue with a technical review, where our Experts in Residence will assess the feasibility of your technology and production/delivery process. This serves to highlight possible risks for us. 
5. After the successful completion of this stage, we proceed to the discussion of the terms of the deal. Upon mutual agreement, we will complete security and compliance checks of the team, after which we can sign the agreement and your startup will become part of the D3 portfolio

We invest in world-class, disruptive technologies for National Security. Our sweet spot is early-stage deep tech startups from Ukraine and its allies. 

Core dimensions of our decision-making logic:

• Team. Is the core team engaged full-time? Can this team deliver an edge against the market on at least a component/module level? Can this team make a scalable and evolving business? It is mandatory for us to have technical co-founders in the company.
• Technology validation. Does the tech make sense and work? Is the R&D process scalable and agile? Is the production/delivery process scalable? How are supply chain risks mitigated?
• Product validation. Does the product correspond to the current needs of end-customers? Has it been proven? How does it compare to alternatives?

D3 invests up to $300k in the startup as an initial check. The terms of the deals (valuation cap, discount) are defined during the negotiations. Depending on a company’s incorporation, investments are made via convertible loan agreements or SAFEs. The 3-month tailored support program follows the initial investment including help with further fundraising.

D3 also has the capacity to provide a follow-on capital up to $1m at the next financing round.

D3 goes beyond just capital investment to build winning national security companies fast. We offer our startups:

Tailored Support Program

• Top global mentors engagement
• Help with customer and product development
• Access to the end-user for shorter development cycles and faster iterations
• Fast-tracked access to state actors

Global network

• Access to state-of-the-art technology, international tech experts, companies, and investors
• Access to the production and supply chain partners

Business support

• Support with business development to turn companies into a global success story
• Legal and incorporation advisory

Once the startup received the investment from D3, it’ll be involved in the support program. The program will be tailored to your individual needs. In the first week, we will work on defining those and setting specific goals for the future 3-month period. This will be a core document for our regular check-ins.

General program elements will include business development and fundraising workshops, particularly in the defense tech space. Outside these workshops, we will help you organize necessary connections and meetings, and turn collaboration prospects into actual business processes. Also, our partners will be there to help you with strategic and operational company-related issues.