venture capital
This is the First Part of a Free Series on Raising Seed Capital from Angel Investors
This series should be of relevance to anyone looking at raising capital down the road whether it be from angel investors or venture capitalists.
However, before we begin the series, allow me to get something off my chest. The label “angel investor” is one of the most misleading names ever given to anyone or anything. It creates significant confusion which then leads to a great deal of wasted time. A lot of first-time capital seekers infer from it that these are people who basically use their savings as grants to fund all manner of loopy or at least half-baked ideas. They also erroneously believe that the main criterion used for giving away this money is the level of the entrepreneurial wannabe’s need. The more the wannabe thinks that he or she needs the money the more obligated the investor is then to cut them a check. Continue reading
How many companies chasing outside capital actually raise any?
To me this is one of the most fascinating questions you can ask about startup financing. The figure I have been hearing regularly over the past 25 years is that venture capitalists invest in about one in ever 500 companies that approach them for funding. It should be added that venture capitalists rarely invest in startups. They prefer later stage companies which have proven themselves in the market place.
The success rate for startups chasing angel investors is even more difficult to dig up. My best estimate is that with credible ventures the odds could be as good as one in 200 to as low as one in 400. I admit that I’m pulling numbers out of the air here but this estimate is also based on 25 years of experience with startups. Continue reading
