Venture Capital

The following content was submitted by Jim Burrell one of our previous Presidents.

Venture Capital

Investors do not like to invest in Inventors because the Inventor does not treat their Intellectual Property as a business and they are concerned that the Inventor only has an idea, does not have a company, does not have any business sense, does not know how to turn their invention into a business or will try to do a quick licensing deal. The Inventor should have a business plan, a marketing sales team, a CEO or someone with business sense to get on board for turning their invention into a business. The Inventor usually does not have any of these skills or credentials.

How does an inventor or entrepreneur find a Venture Capitalist or Angel Investor? A Venture Capital Conference or Venture Capital Event is a place where entrepreneurs, inventors and investors get together to meet. Going to a Venture Capital Conference or Event is a place where you will have an opportunity to talk to multiple check writers in one place. Some Venture Capital Events host a Pitching Workshop, where entrepreneurs (for hundreds of dollars) learn how to fine tune their elevator pitch (a 3 minute oral business plan) into a presentation an investor will understand and may be interested in, learn about product and company valuation, investment terms, how to reach Investors, what to say when you speak to them, what to bring and what to prepare for your presentation, what you should not say, how to impress an Investor and how to follow-up with an Investor. After attending a Pitching Workshop, the entrepreneur usually gets to give their pitch to a panel of Investors. After attending a Venture Capital Pitching Workshop, an entrepreneur or inventor may have a better chance of securing funding for their product or company. Typically, a Venture Capitalist funding deal will usually take 6 months to close and an Angel Investor funding deal will usually take 3 months to close.

What is the most important thing a start up company can have when searching for funding for their company? A great idea, a great product, a great invention, a great business plan? Is it the posting of an Executive Summary, Business Plan or company profile online? Funding Post is one company which showcases entrepreneur company profiles to over 7,500 Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists. Without credible investor sources and insider referrals, your company may not be successful in finding the funding it needs.

In February 2009, 2010, and 2011, Funding Post held Venture Capital Showcases, hosted by Credit Suisse, at 1 Madison Ave., in New York City. The events were Reverse Venture Fairs, where the entrepreneur or inventor stands in line at an investor's table and meets with the Venture Capitalists or Angel Investor for a few minutes to elevator pitch their investment opportunity. Both Reverse Venture Fairs each had over 450 attendees networking with Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors from around 6pm to around 9pm. At the events, there was probably between $250,000,000 and $500,000,000 in combined available funding. At most Venture Capital Conferences or Venture Capital Events, the entrepreneur or inventor waits for a Venture Capitalist or Angel Investor to come and meet with them or is given the opportunity to give an elevator pitch in front of a group. Since 2004, FundingPost.com has been helping entrepreneurs and inventors interested in raising capital, to present and get together with thousands of interested angel investors and venture capital investors with over $100,000,000,000 in investment capital. FundingPost.com has a Printed Dealflow Magazine, has had over 9,000 CEOs and 700 Venture Capital Funds attending events in 20 cities nationwide, has a deal exchange / deal posting website with over 7,500 VC & Angel Investor members and has hosted more than 180 sold out venture events in 20 cities since 2004.

A good rule of thumb when doing an investment deal is; when the Investor and Entrepreneur both feel that they got the short end of the stick, it is probably a good deal.

Some of the Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors in attendance at the Reverse Venture Fairs were:

The Angel Investor Forum (AIF) was founded in 2004 in response to the growing need for an organized angel effort in Connecticut. Due to the widening gap in the capital markets, there is a shortage of funding available at the seed stage ($250K-$5M). AIF members invest their time, talent and money in supporting companies with solid business models and their efforts to grow successfully. Connecticut has more angels per capita than any other state. The Angel Investor Forum organizes the resources of the angels by streamlining the deal flow. The Angel Investor Forum invests in: technology companies, medical devices, financial services, consumer products, software and internet companies. The Angel Investor Forum invests $250,000 - $300,000 in early stage and series A companies for 2 - 3 years and takes a non-percentage equity position.

Arc Angel Fund is a private equity angel investor group based in New York, with investors in the North East and throughout the U.S., and invests in early stage technology companies (mobile, software, etc.). Arc Angel invests $100,000 - $500,000 in seed, start up, early stage, pre-revenue and series A companies for 5 - 7+ years and takes a reasonable equity position based on the investment size and the evaluation of the company.

Argentum Group (AG) is a New York based private equity firm that provides expansion capital to rapidly growing small and mid-sized businesses with market leading potential for over 20 years. AG targets industries experiencing rapid growth or undergoing fundamental change in the areas of outsourced services, healthcare and technology. AG emphasizes the concept of partnership investing; developing strong partnerships with outstanding entrepreneurs and assuming equal responsibility for building value. AG's investment funds primarily invest in later stage growth companies (with sales in excess of $5,000,000 ), management buyouts, platform acquisition strategies, and recapitalizations. AG serves as general partner of investment partnerships with over $400,000,000 of capital under management. AG is currently investing from two funds with approximately $200,000,000 of total capital. AG was founded in 1988 and has invested in over 100 companies. AG takes an active role in assisting their portfolio companies and has helped them achieve over 60 successful exits including IPO's, public offerings, strategic sales and recaps. AG invests in later stage investments for a 3 - 7 year investment, takes an equity role, a board seat, substantial minority interest and takes a share in the responsibility in the company. AG typically invests $3,000,000 - 8,000,000 in a company.

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is part of a state-funded economic development initiative created in 1983. Ben Franklin T.P. links Pennsylvania entrepreneurs and companies with funding, people, technology, universities and other resources to help them prosper, and in the process, fuel economic growth for the Commonwealth. The program has been modeled nationally and internationally. Ben Franklin T.P. invests in series C investments for a long-term investment in Pennsylvania, takes a warrant equity role depending on the investment and the company's value, and helps mentor the company. Ben Franklin T.P. typically invests $150,000 in a company and has invested in excess of $80,000,000 in the past.

Centripetal Capital Partners, LLC. is an innovative venture capital firm with a distinctive investing and membership structure that provides greater flexibility and opportunity for limited partners than a traditional fund. They have an opportunistic growth capital investment approach, and seek investments in revenue generating companies with proprietary advantages, proven business models, and relevantly experienced management teams. They bring together expert people, unique opportunities, and inflection point capital to generate the Centripetal Force. Centripetal generally commits $2 - $7 million of equity or equity-related financing for growth capital. Larger transactions are completed in cooperation with affiliated institutional sources.

Chart Venture Partners, L.P. (CVP) is a $100M early stage private equity venture capital fund investing in security related technologies with government and commercial applications. CVP invests in highly differentiated opportunities with large markets where they add value through their industry experience, network of relationships and technology insight. CVP was founded through an exclusive agreement between the Chart Group and InSitech, Inc., a non-profit commercial partnership intermediary for the U.S. Army's Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at Picatinny Arsenal. The partnership provides unique access into the defense and security markets, allowing them to take active roles for the benefit of their portfolio companies. Chart Venture invests in technology start up companies for 5 - 7 years and takes a preferred equity position.

The Connecticut Angel Guild (CAG), established in 2008, is a group of high net-worth investors who invest in New England and New York. CAG focuses on early-stage companies seeking $100,000 to $500,000 with a valuation of $3,000,000 or less. CAG prefers established companies or concepts (technology, healthcare, IT) close to commercialization. Individual members are prepared to help entrepreneurs in the areas of business strategy, marketing, and finance. CAG receives 10 applications each month from which they select two companies to present to their investor members. Connecticut Angel Guild invests in start ups and 2nd stage investments for a long term (5 - 7 years) investment and takes a 25% - 33% equity role in the company.

The Connecticut Legislature created Connecticut Innovations (CI), a bond funded Evergreen private equityFund, in 1989 and charged it with growing Connecticut's entrepreneurial and technology economy by making venture and other investments. By building a vibrant technology community in the state, Connecticut Innovations creates substantial, long-term economic opportunity for Connecticut citizens. Since 1995, CI has become the state's leading investor in high technology Intellectual Property (healthcare, bio-technology, telecommunications, hardware, software, etc.), investing more than $133,000,000 in Connecticut companies and has around $250,000,000 in their investment pool. CI's investments benefit all Connecticut residents by attracting and retaining innovative companies, creating high-paying jobs and positioning the state to excel in the global, knowledge-driven economy. Connecticut Innovations invests in the series A through the series C investment round for a long term (5-9 years) investment, has 42 portfolio companies, takes a voting board seat and brings their connections in the industry with them. Connecticut Innovations typically invests $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 in a first institutional round for more than 5 years and takes around 10% - 20% equity position.

Draper Fisher Jurvetson Gotham (DFJ Gotham) Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Eastern Pennsylvania and the surrounding regions. We also invest in Israeli companies when their plans involve the development of a U.S. presence. DFJ Gotham invests in companies with New Media, E-commerce, Software, Communications, Wireless, Nanotechnology, Clean Energy and Homeland Security. It is our strong belief that the characteristics of the entrepreneurs are every bit as important as those of the business. Our ideal investments are in companies run by proven managers with a can't lose attitude. We seek talented, passionate and high-integrity entrepreneurs with both the vision and judgment to turn a good idea into a thriving business. We typically invest $1,000,000 - $3,000,000 in a company initially and reserve sufficient capital for larger follow-on investments. We seek huge markets or markets entering a hyper-growth phase, and look for future market leaders with breakthrough solutions and solid approaches to meeting fundamental market needs. DFJ Gotham invests in seed capital and series A investment for 2 - 8 year investments, takes an equity position based on the business model and a board seat. DFJ Gotham has invested around $100,000,000 in 30 companies in the past.

Edison Venture Fund specializes in information technology and has invested in over 100 IT companies. Achieving 16 IPOs and over 75 company sales, we have helped many companies to exit with substantial proceeds that made their founders wealthy and achieved significant rewards for key employees. Edison is committed to the Mid-Atlantic region. Edison has made more investments in the New York to Washington, DC corridor than any other private equity firm. Edison's investment professionals actively participate and take leadership roles in the technology, entrepreneurial and private equity communities both regionally and nationally.

ETF Venture Funds is one of the top performing venture capital funds, in its class, in the United States. ETF Venture Funds invests primarily in early stage, high growth technology-enabled companies in the financial services, healthcare services, business services, Internet, mobile, entertainment, Media industries and disruptive early stage technologies. For almost a decade, ETF Venture Funds has partnered with talented entrepreneurs and experienced managers to build market-leading enterprises. ETF targets experienced management teams using technology to make a traditional business process better or easier. Target portfolio companies will typically have some revenue and the potential to be a market leader. With strong financial support, ETF Venture Funds brings energy, insight and substantial sector expertise to create competitive, sustainable businesses and long-term value. ETF Venture Funds invests in series C to the first stage investment for a mid-term (3 - 8 years) investment, takes a 2% - 33% equity role and a board seat.ETF Venture Funds typically invests $500,000 - $1,000,000 in a company and manages $50,000,000 under management.

ff Asset Management, LLC is a a private equity venture capital firm and focuses on technology companies that can be a low cost disruptive player in their industry. ff Asset Management believes that companies, coupled with the right management team and adequate financing, have an excellent chance to grow significantly and become tomorrow's leaders.ff Asset Management invests $150,000 - $1,000,000+ in start up, seed, early stage, pre-revenue and series A-B companies for 5 - 7 years and takes around a 25% equity position. ff Asset Management invested in the domain name patents.com.

FirstMark Capital invests in visionaries who not only envision the future but make it happen through high-growth businesses in key technology markets. FirstMark Capital invests in media, advertising, financial services and telecom. In New York City, they are one of the city’s most active investors. They work closely with entrepreneurial visionaries and their management teams and constantly evaluate the market shifts that underlie the next wave of business opportunities to stay ahead of a constantly-changing marketplace. FirstMark Capital's team of investment and operations veterans has decades of real-world experience and leadership in core technology markets.

First Round Capital (FRC) is a venture capital firm dedicated to helping talented entrepreneurs build remarkable companies. FRC is not afraid of investing in pre-revenue companies and often provides a company's first outside capital. As former entrepreneurs, FRC understand the challenges of launching a new enterprise. FRC looks to take an active role in most of the companies we invest in. FRC believes their insight and expertise are far more valuable than our capital and looks for entrepreneurs who feel the same. First Round Capital invests nationally and has offices in Philadelphia, New York City and San Francisco. NYA invests $500,000 - $1,000,000 in early series C companies for 5 - 7 year investments, takes a 10% - 20% equity position based on the business model.

Genacast Ventures (GV) is a venture capital open ended private equity fund focusing on seed stage start-ups in the northeast looking to raise up to $500,000 in technology segregated companies, new media, digital marketing, consumer Internet, Saas, web 2.0 and e-commerce. GV was formed in partnership with Comcast Interactive Capital. Genacast Ventures invests $250,000 - $750,000 in start up, seed, early stage and pre-revenue companies for multiple years and takes around 15% - 20+% equity position.

Global Media Fund invests in emerging growth companies both public and private. The fund invests in public companies trading on the OTC, mostly small cap and micro cap companies and privately held companies. Global Media Fund has invested over $300M in companies to date. The main investment focus has been helping companies grow through national media campaigns. The fund invests in their portfolio companies by using the investments to drive companies to promote their brand, create consumer awareness in driving revenues and create shareholder value. Global Media Fund has launched a new private company investment fund, Global Media TIGRcub Fund I of $50,000,000, in 2008. Their investment range is from $1,000,000 to $25,000,000 in size. YUN Capital has been investing for 10 years and manages the Global Media TIGRcub Fund I. YUN Capital invests primarily in 2nd stage or later companies with post revenue in technology, consumer products companies or B2B products across North America. YUN Capital invests in the management for a mid-term (3 - 5 years) investment. YUN Capital typically invests $1,000,000 - $10,000,000 in a company and manages $100,000,000 under management with $50,000,000 invested so far.

Golden Seeds plays an instrumental role in supporting women to utilize both their intrinsic and financial capital to its full potential for the past 4 years. Golden Seeds identifies and invests in women-led ventures with the potential to grow into multi-million dollar business while enabling accredited investors to invest alongside us. We provide entrepreneurs with strategic business advice as well as access to funding and the tools to enable them to grow into multi-million dollar businesses. Golden Seeds invests in early stage investments for a long term (5 - 7 years) software, products, technology, etc. investments and invests $200,000 - $500,000 of their money plus money from other angel sources.

GSA Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital fund, backs seasoned entrepreneurs focused on the next generation of innovation: Technology Enabled Services and Business Information Services. GSA has over 100 million under management. GSA typically invests from $1,000,000 - $8,000,000 in companies primarily located in the Greater Tri-State Area from eastern Pennsylvania to northern Connecticut. GSA Venture Partners is an entrepreneur-centric fund. GSA believes great entrepreneurs and talented managers make for extraordinary success. GSA has a strong track record in identifying, recruiting, assessing and coaching talented entrepreneurs and managers, particularly in the TES/BIS sector. For more than a decade, our investment team has been investing and operating almost exclusively in these types of companies. GSA invests in companies for long-term (7 year) investments, usually takes around a 20% equity role and a board seat.

Guggenheim Venture Partners invests in start-ups and early-stage communications, components, software, digital media and Internet companies.

Hartford Ventures is a strategic investment group of The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE: HIG). Using their relationships, experience and support, Hartford Ventures seeks to accelerate the growth of early stage companies. Hartford Ventures is the only dedicated corporate venture capital group in the insurance sector and provides their portfolio companies and co-investors with unique insights into the insurance industry. Hartford Ventures seeks to make minority equity investments in early stage and expansion stage companies. Hartford Ventures's initial investment usually ranges from $1M to $3M. Hartford Ventures co-invests with other venture capital firms and requires board observer seats to ensure they have access to the venture. Hartford Ventures strategically invests in B round companies for long term and takes a minority 5% - 15% equity position.

i-Hatch Ventures is a private equity / debt fund venture capital firm. i-Hatch invests 1 to 2 million in early stage and series A companies, located in the northeastern United States, specializing in the mobile data services, applications, communications, devices, enabling technology and broadband technology. i-Hatch takes a 20% equity position for around 6 years.

Innovation Ventures, L.P., is an SBIC venture capital fund focused on growth and early-stage investments in the areas of chemicals and materials; electronic materials and devices; information technology; nanotechnology; software; biotechnology (excluding human therapeutics); and business information services related to the legal, financial services and manufacturing industries. IV invests in enterprises located primarily on the East Coast, with a particular emphasis on the Mid-Atlantic region, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Innovation Ventures invests $500,000 - $1,000,000 in start up and series A companies for 5 - 7 year investments, takes less than 10% - 20+% equity position, based on the company's stage, and are active investors.

iNovia Capital is one of Canada's premier managers of seed and early-stage venture capital funds, with operations in both Eastern and Western Canada. We combine access to innovative technologies, deal-structuring experience and a rigorous investment philosophy to build successful companies that deliver returns. Whether in information technology, life sciences or clean technology, iNovia Capital seeks out companies that have global ambitions and proven management teams, along with products that have a quick path to market. iNovia Capital aims to ensure that the key elements are in place early on, so that each successive round of financing can quickly build tangible value. Part of what differentiates iNovia Capital, is privileged access to breakthrough innovations through our close relationships with some of North America's leading academic institutions, research bodies and technology transfer offices. iNovia Capital work closely with these organizations, in some cases since 2001, to identify technologies that can be successfully commercialized.

Intel Capital. Intel's strategic investment program, is one of the largest worldwide corporate venture programs investing in the technology segment. With an overall strategy to stimulate advances in computing and communications, the Intel Capital team seeks out and invests in promising companies worldwide.

Jersey Angels is a manager-led angel group headquartered in Colts Neck, NJ. Jersey Angels invest on an individual basis, where each member chooses whether or not to partake in any given investment. Members may also choose their level of involvement with the group and the companies they invest in. Many angel investors face several obstacles that prevent them from investing in startup companies such as the need for legal counsel, complex documentation, lack of ample opportunities for evaluation, lack of time to screen plans, and solitarily performing due diligence. Jersey Angels tries to reduce these hurdles through its group activities in central New Jersey. Current and potential angels can benefit from the pooling of resources, syndication, the sharing of expertise, standardized documents, and cohesive central management.

Jumpstart NJ Angel Network is a private, member-lead, angel group that invests in early-stage technology companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. As the leading angel group in New Jersey, Jumpstart members include many successful entrepreneurs, business executives and venture capitalists in the region. Jumpstart was formed in November of 2002 with the active support of New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC) and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Jumpstart normally invests amount $200,000 up to $1,000,000 and has invested more than $20,000,000 in the past. If you need more, Jumpstart may syndicate the deal with other angel groups to raise up to $2,000,000 or more. Jumpstart invests in technology with good management for a mid term (3 - 4 years) investment, takes a 5% - 40% equity role based on the valuation of the company and a board seat or a management position if needed.

Kestrel Asset Management is a private equity venture capital fund. Kestrel invests in early stage and recap healthcare IT material science post revenue companies throughout the eastern United States. Kestrel invests in series A funding companies. Kestrel invests $100,000+ and takes around up to a 10% equity position for 7 to 9 years.

LaunchCapital is dedicated to seed stage funding for all types of businesses. LaunchCapital's industry agnostic investment approach includes two unique investment vehicles to address funding needs for a range of business models. LaunchCapital Ventures provides traditional venture funding for businesses that have exponential growth expectations with a national or international reach. LaunchCapital Small Business provides a blend of equity and debt financing for businesses that will generate near-term revenue, have linear growth expectations and have a local or regional reach.

Liquidity Works is a New York private equity venture capital investment and advisory group that specializes in helping companies with proprietary technologies and products for achieving liquidity events and does not fund development. Liquidity Works invests $0 - $25,000,000 in early stage and pre-revenue companies for multiple years and takes varied equity positions. Liquidity Works typically brings large revenue to projects it is involved in.

The Long Island Angel Network, Inc. provides its members with exposure to, and access to funding for, early-stage companies with a Long Island home. The Long Island Angel Network focuses on software and information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, medicine, energy, environmental technology, a strong intellectual property position, or innovative concepts. The Long Island Angel Network fulfills its mission by providing a forum in which members can evaluate and exchange information about investment opportunities, primarily in technology and innovation focused early-stage and emerging growth companies in the $150,000 - $2 million range. LIAN is a New York not-for-profit corporation consisting of individual angel investors interested in financing such privately held companies or ventures.

Metamorphic Ventures is a private equity venture capital firm. Metamorphic invests in seed, startup and early-stage digital media and transaction processing technology B2B businesses and takes a takes a 10% - 15% equity position. Metamorphic invests up to $500,000 in the first round of funding and stays with a company through the A and B funding stages.

Milestone Venture Partners is an early stage venture capital fund with $42,000,000 under management. Milestone focuses on Technology-enhanced service businesses, especially those that offer software-as-a-service, content with web services and/or businesses process outsourcing solutions, with emphasis on Media and Marketing Services, Healthcare IT and Financial Services IT. Companies that Milestone finds attractive possess the nucleus of an exceptional management team, an attractive business model, and a compelling market opportunity. Milestone invests approximately $2,000,000 over the life of each investment, and invests in companies primarily in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Eastern Pennsylvania and some in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic. Milestone invests $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 in early stage companies for 5 - 7 year investments and usually takes a 3% - 8% equity position and board seats.

Millennium Technology Ventures, L.P. (MTV), is a New York-based venture capital fund making investments in innovative technology companies since 2000. MTV's process of investing capital draws from the venture capitalist's vision, an informed view of the future of technology markets, and value-added company-building skills. The current emphasis in MTV's investment strategy is on later-stage investments. Several of MTV's investments since 2002 have been acquired in secondary transactions from leading corporate and financial investors. Several of the companies Millennium helped fund over the last few years are emerging as the future leaders of technology. Millennium Technology Ventures invests $100,000 - $10,00,000 in series A-B companies for multiple years and takes a varied equity position.

NewSpring Capital, based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, and Short Hills, New Jersey, is a leading provider of private equity capital in the Mid-Atlantic region. NewSpring Capital currently manages over $400 million across three distinct investment strategies through its family of funds. NewSpring Capital’s investment professionals include eight partners with significant experience as private equity investors, operating managers, and industry leaders at the CEO level. The firm’s investment team has a strong track record of investing in both private and public transactions, with more than 100 combined years of experience investing over $1 billion. All three NewSpring Capital funds work closely together, but maintain their own dedicated senior management team, investment committee and limited partner advisory board.

New York Angels (NYA) is an independent consortium of individual accredited angel investors. New York Angels' mission is to provide opportunities for its members to obtain outstanding financial returns by investing in early-stage technology based, clean tech and new media companies in the New York City area and accelerating them to market leadership. We provide seed and early-stage capital in the range of $250,000 - $750,000, an investment range not generally served by venture capital funds. Since 1996, members of NYA and the NYNMA Angel Investors Program have invested over $30,000,000 in over 60 ventures in local technology and new media companies. Our members are entrepreneurs, CEO's, venture capitalists and business leaders who have funded and built world-class companies. We mentor and coach the entrepreneurs in whom we invest, serve on their boards, provide contacts and assist with team building, strategic planning and fundraising. NYA invests in early stage companies for 5 - 7 year investments, takes a 25% - 50% equity position based on the business model. NYA has invested in 22 companies in 2008 and 52 companies over the past 5 years.

The New York City Investment Fund is a private equity fund with a civic mission. The Fund has built a network of top experts from the investment and corporate communities who help identify and support New York City's most promising entrepreneurs in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. The Fund was established in late 1996, under the auspices of the nonprofit The Partnership for New York City. It was initially capitalized by contributions of $1,000,000 each from 67 individual and corporate investors, who invested for the good of the city and without expectation of financial returns. This is an "Evergreen" Fund, in which realized gains are reinvested in other worthwhile projects. The Fund has raised in excess of $100,000,000. Its investments typically range in size from $500,000 - $3,000,000 in series A companies for multiple years and takes varied equity positions. The Fund provides equity or debt, structured to meet the needs of the project. It will invest at any stage of business development, but is seeking to exit in about five years. To date, the Fund has invested in over seventy projects. The Fund also established the Financial Recovery Fund and raised over $12,000,000 (including a $1,000,000 contribution from the Civic Capital Corporation) to provide recoverable grants to small businesses impacted by the events of September 11. the Fund's invests in ventures that benefit New York City, including all five boroughs.

NYC Seed funds seed-stage technology entrepreneurs in New York City and helps small teams move from an idea to a product. Through the combined efforts of New York City’s most innovative organizations, NYC Seed provides funding, mentoring and support to create the next generation of companies in New York City. NYC Seed is a partnership between ITAC (www.itac.org), New York City Investment Fund (www.nycif.org), The New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (www.nystar.state.ny.us), New York City Economic Development Corporation (www.nycedc.com) and Polytechnic Institute of NYU (www.poly.edu), which allows it to provide more than just funding. Funded companies will join an extensive media and technology community. NYC Seed provides guidance from notable entrepreneurs, technologists and venture capitalists. They also connect companies to potential customers and help companies move to their next stage of development.

OmniCapital Group is a venture capital firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and management teams build the best next-generation communication and information technologies for rapidly growing markets. We invest in early-growth stage companies and, because of our corporate venturing experience, have a special interest in working with corporate partners to create new companies. Omni brings together a combination of operating and investing experience, industry knowledge, and an extensive network of contacts with industry executives. OmniCapital Group's goal and passion is to help build the next generation technology companies that will become leaders in their respective industries. OmniCapital Group invests $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 in series A & B stage funding in the initial round for 2 - 6 year investments and usually takes a 5% - 51% equity position and board seats.

Originate Ventures (OV) invests in companies located in Pennsylvania and the surrounding regions. A broad range of industries, with a concentration on medical devices, healthcare, consumer, information technology, web-based, and commercial products, and where the expertise of Originate's partners can meaningfully contribute to the success of the company. OV focuses on early stage and emerging growth product opportunities, but we will also consider building a management team around a great product idea, investing into certain distressed and turnaround situations and management buyouts if these product opportunities present superior return opportunities. OV aims to invest between $500,000 - $4,000,000 per company, usually over more than one round. OV prefers to lead the investment, but will participate in larger deals when given the opportunity, as a result of our regional concentration and skill sets, to represent a larger group of investors. If the funding requirement is greater than our capital limits, then we may seek additional capital from angel investors, commercial banks, and other venture capital firms. Originate Ventures invests more than $1,000,000 in series A stage funding for 7 - 10 year investments and usually take a 25% - 30% equity position, strategic advisor position and board seats.

Osage Ventures seeks to invest in determined and creative entrepreneurs that have a unique concept or product. Osage works closely to mentor entrepreneurs and assists them in building businesses from ideas. Osage has seeded companies across a broad range of industries, many of which became publicly traded entities. Osage Ventures will often lead or co-lead investment syndicates. Osage favors investment opportunities primarily located in the Northeast corridor that are seeking their first round of institutional capital. Osage invests between $1M - $3M in each company throughout its developmental life, although smaller investments may be made in special situations. Osage early stage efforts are focused on information, enabling technology and the life sciences/healthcare industries.

Radius Ventures is a private equity venture capital firm that invests in leading edge, growth-stage health and life sciences post revenue companies. Radius manages over 200 million and invests from to 3 to up to 10 million over initial and subsequent financing rounds. Radius invests for the long term and usually takes a 10% to 50%+ equity position, depending on the circumstances surrounding the investment and prefers to take active role in the companies they invest in.

Rudyard Partners is a next generation technology venture capital firm. Our focus remains emerging technology that creates an unsurpassable user experience. Our advantage is our understanding of the media and communications marketplace, innovation generation, and market attack. We are advising and investing in new category killers and launching extraordinary companies. The more innovative the opportunity, the better we are at identifying the market proposition and positioning the technology for it. Rudyard Partners is only committed to the creation, development, and implementation of early stage technologies. Rudyard Partners are committed to companies that have created the genesis of a new business, yet seek support in market development, product planning, and commercial launch. Rudyard Partners are typically asked to advise such promising companies before institutional investors join. The team at Rudyard Partners has invested in over seventy early stage companies since the late nineties.

Security Growth Partners is a private equity angel investor and venture capital firm. Security Growth Partners invests in IT security and homeland security solutions for the critical infrastructure market. Their extensive expertise and experience in the security sector and strong network of contacts in the critical infrastructure market allow them to become extensively involved in the strategy and operations of their investments. Security Growth Partners invests $200,000 up to millions of dollars in series A, B, and C series funding and prefers to stay with their investments up to 5 years. Security Growth Partners takes anywhere from 10% - 50%+ equity position depending on the situation / funding stage and prefers to take an active role in the operation of the company.

StarVest Partners is a New York-based venture capital firm with $300,000,000 under management that is funding technology-enabled business services companies throughout the U.S. StarVest gained national recognition in 2007 as the only outside venture capital firm in NetSuite, whose December 2007 initial public offering opened with a $1.6 billion market capitalization, the second highest market capitalization of any venture capital–backed technology IPO since Google. StarVest was also one of the first institutional investors in MessageOne (acquired by Dell Computer in April 2008). The firm's value-added partnership maintains a laser focus on five key emerging technology and services sectors: Software as a Service (SaaS), Internet Marketing Services, eCommerce Services, Data Aggregation Services and Identity and Security Management. StarVest combines a sophisticated investment background with the experience to foresee opportunities for both its portfolio companies and funding partners. Focus on 1st & 2nd Institutional Rounds. Average investments are $3,000,000 - $7,000,000.

Stonehenge Growth Capital (SGC) manages over $677,000,000 across venture capital, private equity and debt funds, operating out of five regional offices across the United States. Stonehenge is a perfect match for companies with long-term vision focused on pursuing new, exciting and high growth opportunities, and for entrepreneurs with a passion for innovation and achievement. SGC's flexible and creative financing approach sets our investments apart. SGC seeks to create customized financing solutions for each portfolio company based on its unique strategic and financial plan. SGC currently manages $80,000,000 targeted to growth equity opportunities. SGCs equity investments focus predominantly on high potential technology and business services companies based in the Southeast (FL•LA•AL•GA•NC), Northeast (NY•NJ•PA•CT), and Texas, particularly in areas where an abundance of investment opportunities are underserved by a relatively small number of local growth equity investors. Stonehenge Growth Capital invests $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 in series A stage company funding for 4 - 7 year investments, usually takes a 10% - 20% equity position and is an active investor with a board seat.

Trident Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm with $1.5 billion under management in more than 150 companies. Trident invests in all types of ventures and in any type of funding stage (start up / seed / early stage / pre-revenue / series A, B or C). Trident specializes in business services, information services and software, technology leveraged outsourcing and processing for healthcare and insurance, marketing and sales, enterprise software for security, communications and mobility.

Since 2000, the Tri-State Private Investors Network is a private, angel investor membership network based in New York City, that serves the interests of both accredited investors who wish to augment their deal flow in a confidential manner, and early stage entrepreneurs who are too small, too early or inappropriate for venture capital financing. The purpose of the Tri-State PIN is to increase the efficiency of investor capital matching startup and early stage businesses in need of first round financing and business guidance. Entrepreneur qualifications: Entrepreneurs seeing 1st round capital of $250,000 to $2,000,000 are prepared prior to presenting. Investor profiles: Tri-State PIN investors are typically self-made individuals having developed successful businesses or successful executive careers. Tri-State Private Investors Network invests $500,000 - $1,000,000 in start up and early stage funding for 3 - 5 year investments and usually take a 25% - 30% equity position. Tri-State Private Investors Network does not fund biotech or entertainment companies.

Vencon Management, Inc (VMI), located in New York City's mid-Manhattan, is a venture capital firm which invests primarily in "new era" chemical and energy technology-based companies in the United States. Established in 1973, VMI is one of the oldest venture capital firms in the U.S. VMI averages about 1500 deals per year. Vencon's principal areas of interest regard dislocation of industries, undervalued companies and platforming fragmented industries. VMI has substantial expertise in: Alternative Energy, Nano-Technology, Medical Devices, Environmental Technologies, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, and Chemical Manufacturing and Processes (especially Silicon and Gallium arsenide). Typical investments for Vencon range from $500,000 to $3 Million per transaction. In most cases, the investment will be in the form of equity or a debt instrument that is convertible into equity. VMI will co-invest with other investment firms. In some special cases, Vencon may be the only investor.

The Verticom Group is a Corporate Development & Venture Capital firm which specializes in building Scaleable Platform Companies positioned to become Market Leaders through Strategic Use of Enabling Technologies, Aggressive Market Entry & Growth Strategies, Agile Stage-Appropriate Management Teams, Aggressive Revenue Growth Engines, and Target Market Momentum. Industry Strengths include Healthcare Services, Medical Technology, Medical Devices, BioTech, Pharmaceuticals, e-Health Information Technology, Business Services, Network Services, Communications, Broadband Services and New Media.

Vital Financial invests private equity and venture capital funds from five principal investors. Vital invests in software, life sciences and equipment technologies. Vital invests $500,000 to $1,500,000 in A and B stage funding rounds. Vital usually stays with a company from 5 to 7 years and takes a 5% - 45% equity position in their investments.

WFD Ventures LLC provides equity financing and industry expertise to medical device and healthcare technology companies. The principals of WFD have extensive experience commercializing medical technologies and seek partnerships with entrepreneurs, doctors and scientists to improve medical outcomes and maximize the financial potentials of their innovations. WFD typically invests between $2,000,000 - $15,000,000 in therapeutic, diagnostic or drug delivery technologies with strong intellectual property rights and exceptional market potentials. WFD invests in ventures at any stage, and will assist with prototype development, intellectual property and licensing strategies, clinical trials (US and outside US), regulatory filings (510 k), PMA and drug/device combinations), system and physician economics, reimbursement, distribution strategies and sales management.

Zelkova Ventures is a private equity venture capital firm committed to helping talented entrepreneurs build incredible companies. Zelkova Ventures looks to invest in early stage companies, many times pre-revenue. In many instances Zelkova Ventures provides a company's first outside/institutional capital. Zelkova Ventures takes an active role and partners with the companies they invest in. Zelkova brings expertise, insight and execution to all of their portfolio companies in the software services, digital media and clean tech technology. Zelkova Ventures invests $500,000 up to $4,000,000 in seed, start up and series A companies for 2 - 9 years and takes around 20% - 35% equity position.

Angel Investors and Venture Capital firms usually request a business plan. A Business Plan Includes:

Executive Summary
Introduction

Mission Statement

Unique Features

Marketing Objectives

Expected Accomplishments

Required Capital

The Business
Purpose Statement

Description of the Business

History of the Business

Founder of the Business

Management and Operations

Regulations and Licensing

Objectives

Market Analysis
Market Research

Target Market

Competition

Customer Profile

The Product
Production

Product Decisions

Inventory

Marketing
Objectives and Strategies

Unique Selling Advantage

Selling Tactics

Channels of Distribution

Pricing

Promotions
Advertising

Sales Promotions

Publicity and Public Relations

Risks
Description of Risks

Contingency Plans

Finances
Sources and Uses of Capital

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Income Statement

Break Even Analysis

Ratio Analysis

Cost Containment

Assumptions

Start-Up Costs

Conclusion
Justification for Loan/Investment

Milestones/Timetable

As you bring your product to market, one of the things most entrepreneurs and inventors forget to include in a business plan is insurance. You may need property liability insurance, business insurance, personal insurance, health insurance and product liability insurance. Product liability insurance can cost from .01% of your revenue, for a low risk product, or up to 10% of your revenue, for a high risk product. Talking to an insurance agent or a product liability underwriter before bringing a product to the market can only protect you and your product for the long term future of your product or company.

Some of the questions the previous investors were asked were: Angel Investor or Venture Capital firm (private equity or debt funds)? Type of companies they prefer to invest in? What stage of investing do they enter: start up / seed / early stage / pre-revenue / series A, B or C? How much do they investment in a company ($0 - $10,000,000+)? How long do they expect to stay with the company's investment (1 - 10 years)? What percentage equity do they take in a company when they make an investment?