Things You'll Need:
- Attorney Referral Services
- Business Services
- Business Cards
- Portfolios
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Step 1
Prepare a business plan. VCs will expect you to clearly define the purpose of your business, disclose pertinent financial information (including revenue streams and projections) and provide information on your executive management team.
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Step 2
Do research on venture funds to find the appropriate fit for your company. Look in Pratt's Guide to Venture Capital Sources, available in many bookstores and libraries, to see what fields each firm is likely to fund. Some focus on retail and service companies, while others look specifically for technology start-ups.
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Step 3
Get an introduction to the venture capital firm. You'll have a much better chance if you've been personally introduced to the VC rather than blindly sending your business plan. These introductions can be made by executives of companies already being funded by the VC or by lawyers and accountants who work with the firm. Try to contact four to five VCs.
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Step 4
Arrange a meeting with the VC. Consider bringing key members of the management team to the meeting.
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Step 5
Follow up your visit with a thank-you note and additional information.
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Step 6
Be persistent and polite.
