![]() It’s very unlikely that you’ll run into a VC by chance or sheer luck. This brings us to the need for networking. Unfortunately, the NVCA’s list doesn’t contain personal contact info for VCs, which leaves you back at square one in regards to scoring a meeting. ![]() What motivates the firm to invest and what kind of businesses do they enjoy working with? Are there any specific causes that they promote? Also, don’t forget to check out their client page and read about how they’ve helped various businesses in the past. Visit each firm’s page and carefully read their mission and vision statements. Then, build a list of prospects that you would like to investigate further. You can also go to sites like Crunchbase or Gust to search for and identify top investors that are active in your industry. Start by checking out the NVCA’s list of VC funds and identify which funds and firms are best suited for your business. There is a whole host of factors that determine whether or not the relationship will be beneficial for both parties. Determine if the firm is a fit.Īgain, working with a VC firm isn’t just about the money. By doing your research and studying up on the firm, you will show them that you value the relationship and are committed to working with the VC in the long term. On average, a VC will be involved with your company for 5 years if they exit via merger or acquisition (M&A), or 8 years via IPO. If you’re ready to work side-by-side with industry experts and receive hands-on guidance from veterans in your field, however, you should demonstrate that you’re willing to put skin in the game, too. If you just want cash without the hassle of nurturing a business relationship, why not go to a bank? Most entrepreneurs overlook the fact that working with a VC is more about the relationship than the money. Hold on tight, because we’re about to address all of these questions and more. So, entrepreneurs of the internet: how do you get an audience with the ever-elusive venture capitalist? What can you do to make your proposal rise to the top of the pile? How do you track a VC down and make sure they hear your pitch? The truth is that VCs simply don’t have the time to address every business proposal that shows up on their desk - especially when they know that only 30% of them will result in a successful exit. As a result, VCs are hesitant to give out their contact information to just anyone.Ī common misconception about VCs is that they are rude, dismissive, and arrogant. VCs are bombarded with hundreds of emails and phone calls every day by eager entrepreneurs who believe that they’ve created the next competitor to Facebook, the cure to cancer, or a better way to tie your shoes. However, high competition and its crippling effects aren’t just limited to the marketplace - they greatly reduce your chances of getting noticed by decision-makers who have the capital and connections you need. And for many entrepreneurs like yourself, scoring that first meeting with a VC could mean the difference between life and death for your business. ![]() As you may have already learned from personal experience, Venture Capitalists (or VCs for short) are notoriously hard to track down.
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