"On the order of 100 venture capital funds are currently raising money," says Robert Mast, vice president of Venture Economics, Newark, N.J., a unit of Securities Data Co. that tracks activity at the approximately 700 or so venture capital funds throughout the United States. "That's the highest number since 1987."
It's easier to attract a venture capital investment than it is to win your state lottery. But not by much. As a rule of thumb, venture capitalists fund roughly one out of every 100 business plans they read. Fortunately, you can do much to beat these odds. Here are some suggestions gleaned from a recent seminar on venture financing sponsored by the Technology Council of Greater Philadelphia. How do you find a venture capitalist? Ask for recommendations from successful entrepreneurs or use a referral network through a banker or other financial consultant. Also useful: Pratt's Guide to Venture Capital Sources, ...
