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Diversity Investment FAQs

Q: What is the definition of diversity in senior management?
A: More than one of the senior managers of the company is diverse (we look for diversity along the lines of gender and ethnicity).

Q: What constitutes “underserved" markets?
A: Rural, inner city or certain ethnic markets we do not consider fully served today.

Q: Does Time Warner have a defined exit strategy?
A: Preferred Investment will have multiple exit options including a private or public sale, a recapitalization and/or a strategic sale to an operating division of Time Warner.

Q: Will Time Warner take board seats?
A: Time Warner is targeting an active role with its investments and will seek observer rights and board seats as appropriate.

Q: Isn’t the expected financial return so high that few minority-owned or managed firms will be able to qualify?
A: By seeking out companies to invest in that have strong and diverse managers, we hope to enhance access to capital and strategic relationships with Time Warner while also generating attractive financial returns. Our goal is to partner with diverse entrepreneurs in helping to build self-sustainable businesses.

Q: When was Time Warner's diversity-focused investment activity launched?
A: The Opportunity Fund began operations in July of 2001. Please see the Opportunity Fund’s June 28, 2001 press release for more detailed information. In 2004, The Opportunity Fund merged with Time Warner Ventures to form the Time Warner Investmetns group, which continues to pursue diversity-focused investments.

Q: Does this mean Time Warner will invest in minority-owned and managed companies only through the Time Warner Investments Group?
A: No, our commitment to diversity in our investments is company-wide, with each of our business units taking a proactive stance.

Q: What is the application process?
A: The first step is to submit an executive summary or business plan, which should include all historical and projected financial information, to diversityinvestments@timewarner.com. There is no standard form application.

Q: How long is the investment process?
A: The expected response time for an initial assessment is approximately 4 weeks. If we act as lead investor, the due diligence process will take approximately 12-15 weeks.