Gaebler Ventures assesses the general suitability of investment opportunities based on the following criteria:

• Strong Management Team. An outstanding team of senior managers, with demonstrated track records in relevant areas of expertise, has been assembled.
• Differentiated Product or Services. The company offers proprietary or significantly differentiated products or services, the benefits of which create long-term competitive advantage.
• Large Market Opportunity. A large identifiable market exists for the company's products or services.
• Barriers to Entry. Ideally, the target market is characterized by defensible barriers to entry.
• Visibility of Exit Mechanism. An initial public offering within a 12- to 24-month timeframe is feasible, and an exit through a strategic sale is a viable alternative.
• Size of Investment. The potential size of an investment by Gaebler Ventures is between $200,000 and $1 million (varying based on the company's stage of development and subsequent need for capital).
• Location. Our preference is to invest in companies in the Chicago area or based elsewhere in Illinois.