Task Write a report for Sarah Matthews, detailing the main concerns of the start-ups, what you believe are the pros and cons and recommending which ones you consider worth a closer look. Justify your viewpoint.

Situation:

You work for a small investment firm which has been investing in small start-up businesses over the last twenty years. One of the senior investment partners, Sarah Matthews, spoke to you earlier:

Its terrible that weve lost the last couple of investments to higher bidders and much larger investment firms. What we need to do is diversify our portfolio so that it doesnt just include tech start-ups. Can you get me some recommendations of new start-ups that we can consider?

You research some new start-up companies and make the following notes:

GPower: an energy supplier which supplies 100 percent renewable energy sources to approximately 220,000 households. Pro: invest for growth of business; high demand. Con: low client rate.

RelaCare: a technology-enabled online platform to allow customers to put care practices in place for elderly relatives. Pro: worthy investment; shows interest in personal side of business. Con: technology-based company.

EnviroBag: a brand-new business conducting research into the best alternatives to plastic bags and packaging using organic materials. Pro: new business, keen owners; research-led business opportunity. Con: new business, high risk.

PackAttach: a company researching and designing reusable containers for household liquids. Pro: research-led business opportunity; everything done in-house. Con: unsure of quality of design.

Hausmann Technologies: produces and sells stylish, but ninety-nine percent recycled, mobile phone cases. Pro: huge potential market; motivated team members. Con: massive competition.