Where can I buy a list of Venture Capitalist firms for a start-up tech company?
I am looking to purchase a list of Venture Capitalist firms to invest in a tech company in e-commerce.
I have searched but haven’t found any website substantial or trustworthy to pay the membership fee. I would like to find one that has a flat up front cost.
PLEASE HELP. I can be reached at production009@gmail.com if anyone is interested in independent consulting to help with this project.
Getting VC financing is very difficult and even more so than usual in the current economic environment. They are looking for the combination of a compelling product/technology AND the technical and managerial talent to make it a reality. It is often more about the team and your ability to build a business around either a new technology, product(s) or a powerful business model that it is a specific idea.
Its important to understand that VCs primarily invest in great management teams and/or exceptional technologists. So, if you don’t have the background, I strongly recommend you get it before pitching your idea. Generally, you need to have either several years of senior corporate experience in the right area for your venture or be a technical expert in the field of your products/business model. If you don’t want to wait until you acquire the knowledge yourself, you need to recruit it into your team.
If you’ve got the goods, research the vc firms to find those that invest in your product/business area. Dont buy a list and send your business plan. It will end up in the circular file (aka… trash). Pick the firm that are likely to be interested in your venture. Network to get a referral if possible. It is much better to get a referral than mailing your plan in. VCs get hundreds of busines plans & pitches and it is very hard to standout if you mail it in. Make sure you are really prepared with a well-thought presentation and be prepared to answer questions about your market and competition. The National Venture Capital Association (nvca.org) has a lot of information including a listing of members. Also, Entrepreneur magazine published a top 100 VC list: http://www.entrepreneur.com/vc100 But remember, target those that are focused on your business segment.
If you cant get VC money, your best bet may be an angel investor. However, many most angels investors are pretty astute and they will expect much of the same stuff. The other alternative… FAF (friends and family).
You don’t need to pay fees to get a list of venture capitalists. There are plenty of free resources you can go to. Let me give you a couple:
Entrepreneur magazine has a list at http://www.entrepreneur.com/vc100
You can go to the NVCA site http://www.nvca.org
You can also go to http://wwww.thefunded.com and become a member (for free) to see comments on the various VCs.
FInally, if you want a “for pay” service you can subscribe to http://www.venturesource.com which has the best database of deals and VCs that invest in them. I hope this is helpful.