Share what you know with millions of people
Focus is the best place to turn what you know into remarkable content
0
How do I find venture capitalist looking to invest?
I have a great business idea for a software based company, but I lack the capital necessary to start it. How do I find venture capitalist looking to invest?
Events
- Dos and Don'ts of Small Business Marketing May 29 @ 11 am PT
- Lead Nurturing 202: The Next Generation May 31 @ 11 am PT
- The Tricks to Paid Media June 6 @ 11 am PT
- Display Advertising for Brand Awareness June 20 @ 11 am PT






2 Answers
A few thoughts here:
First, there are plenty of resources on the web (just do a Google search) that list VCs. Examples include:
Google Business Directory - http://bit.ly/P3RrP
National Venture Capital Association -- http://bit.ly/BFzAe
Second, start thinking about your requirements. Certain VCs specialize in certain types of investments and you'll need to find the right one for you. Specialization attributes include:
amounts of funding
early stage vs. late stage investments
sector specification - software, retail, health care, etc.
More importantly VCs have certain approaches to work with their portfolio companies so you'll want to find one that’s a match for you. The rubber meets the road with how well you mesh with the individual VC investor who will sit on your board.
This leads to the third and most important piece of advice. Network, network, network. Network, to understand if the particular VC is right for you. Study the VC's portfolio companies (listed on their website) and see if you can connect with any of the entrepreneurs in these companies. You goal is to get a read on a) how this VC likes to be pitched and b) what it's like to work with this VC - both pros and cons. You should also network to get an introduction to the VC. VCs are flooded with business plan. Many of the companies they invest in though come from their network - from other investors and other entrepreneurs they've worked with
.
Finally, don't talk to any VC before you're ready. First impressions are never more important than in meeting with a VC for the first time. Have a business plan summary to present your idea, ideally something that is summarized in no more than 10-12 slides. Most VCs will look at the following - 1) the quality of the person bringing the idea to the table - that's you, 2) the addressable market of the idea and 3) any competitive advantage you may have - such as intellectual property, the quality of your team, time to market, etc.
I agree with what Michael Schmier posted. Very good advice. I would emphasize that VCs don't usually go outside their comfort zone so look for portfolio companies that are similar in focus to what you are doing. Then look at the board members of those companies. you will usually find one board member who is form the VC firm and that person is the one to connect with.
Answer This Question