Our Process

The M31 Machine

A systematic process to identify paradigm shifts, invest in breakthrough technologies, and build category-defining companies—before consensus forms.

The Flow

From Signal to Success

Three pillars connected by decision points. Each phase has clear owners, handoffs, and criteria.

Research
R1

Ingest

Signal Aggregation

News & Media
Research Papers
Government Filings
Social Signals
Speaker Series
Portfolio Intel
Trend Candidates

Nathan

Prioritization

Important?
Civilizational-scale
Under-reported?
Mainstream missing
Upcoming?
Within horizon
Aligned?
Fits thesis
INVESTIGATE | MONITOR | DISCARD
R2

Investigate

Deep Research

Sector Mapping
TAM Analysis
Competitive Landscape
Pattern Match
Expert Consultation
Research Report
Score
7-Signal Methodology
Systematic scoring: INVEST | WATCH | WAIT | GRANT
Investment
I

Invest

Sourcing & Diligence

Portfolio Design
Sector, stage, risk
Company Sourcing
Network, competitions
Due Diligence
Team, tech, market, legal
Investment Memo
Gaps, risks, support needs
Memo + Requirements
Deal
Company Quality
INVEST (w/ Labs) | PASS | BUILD
Labs
L

Support

Scale & Exit

Ready Phase
6-8 week bootcamp
Talent Deployment
90+ experts
Infrastructure
Tech, security, governance
Business Development
700+ contacts
Exit Planning
Acquisition, IPO, token
Scaled Companies + Exits

Signals for Trend Investability

Should we invest in this sector/trend? The 7-signal methodology.

Suppression Signal

High establishment dismissal = contrarian opportunity.

5 = Maximum suppression → 1 = Consensus

Scientific Unlock

Has the fundamental breakthrough occurred?

5 = Breakthrough validated → 1 = Waiting

Political Timing

Regulatory environment favorable or hostile?

5 = Active support → 1 = Opposition

Pattern Match

Does this match BTC, ETH, DeFi patterns?

5 = Strong match → 1 = No analog

TAM

How large is the addressable market?

5 = Civilization-scale → 1 = Niche

Investability

Quality opportunities at reasonable valuations?

5 = Multiple options → 1 = None

Timing

Is now the right moment to invest?

5 = Optimal entry → 1 = Too early/late

Signals for Company Quality

Should we invest in this specific company? What makes a good company—and can we help them succeed?

Founder Quality

Principles alignment, domain expertise, execution track record, coachability.

Team Composition

Right skills for stage. Technical depth. Culture of excellence and urgency.

Market Position

Clear differentiation, moat potential, right timing within the paradigm shift.

Technology Depth

Genuine innovation. IP protection, architecture quality, scalability path.

Operational Maturity

Financial discipline, governance foundations, compliance awareness.

Execution Velocity

Rapid iteration, learning loops, intelligent course correction.

Can We Help This Company?

Labs gap assessment: Total investment cost = capital + support resources required.

Gaps We Can Fill

Design, brand, talent, communications, BD, infrastructure—areas where Labs has proven capabilities.

Support Intensity

How much Labs bandwidth is required? Light touch vs. heavy lift.

Founder Receptivity

Will they use our help? Coachable founders who embrace support succeed.

Decision: INVEST (with Labs plan) | PASS | BUILD (venture studio)