The strategy for SDL Ventures is to focus on early stage investments offering clear technical differentiation and strong founder teams. During its initial years, SDL Ventures focused on investments involving optical technology and / or communications. The firm subsequently expanded into green tech, internet and medical solutions. In recent years most new investments have been in biotechnology and other healthcare solutions. SDL Ventures' initial investment is typically in the $500 thousand to $2 million range, reserving approximately three times that amount for future rounds.

Since its inception, SDL Ventures has been involved in over one hundred financings in some thirty companies. SDL Ventures has been the lead investor for almost half of these companies. Through 2023, thirteen of these companies have been acquired or gone public and seven have closed. Another remains private but achieved a substantial liquidity event in 2023. The remaining companies continue to grow and develop.