Venture capital is often referred to as an additional type of financing. It is a type of capital which is used for specific purposes. The most commonly associated use is for early-stage companies, especially those with little market knowledge or capital, or companies having high risk. Venture capital is also sometimes used for small and mid-sized businesses. However, venture capital companies do not typically provide financing for more speculative and growing companies. Instead, they tend to provide funding for more established companies.
The risks associated with venture capital are significant. These risks include improper funding, identification of an unacceptable business model, unproven technologies, and absence of an exit strategy. Venture capital can be challenging for some small businesses to receive because they lack the credit score, business experience, and personal guarantee required to obtain traditional financing from traditional sources. Lenders will not provide Venture Capital if your business does not fulfill one of two requirements: the business must be capable of producing revenue with reasonable assurance of future profits, or the lenders will lose their investment. A company’s financial statements and other information will be reviewed by the venture capital firm before they make a commitment to provide a line of credit. There are also risks associated with securing venture capital for your new business.
Private investors are drawn to companies that are generating significant revenue. In order to attract venture capitalists, your venture capital firm must demonstrate that it has a strong strategic business plan that clearly identifies how revenue will be generated, as well as a specific plan to achieve that goal. Many venture capitalists prefer to provide seed capital funding to start-ups because they believe it takes time to produce dividends. The returns on your venture capitalist partner’s investment can take six to twelve months to reach 20% per year, depending upon the type of venture capital funding you choose. Private investor financing is not tax deductible, however, and the amount paid to the venture capitalist usually involves a repayment agreement. There are some venture capital firms that do not require repayment of any of your investment in order to receive full venture capital funding.
The venture capital firm will also review the technical and business documents of your startup. They will look at the performance of your sales force and marketing system, as well as how well you have kept records of your finances and operations. The final aspect of your application that the venture capitalist will review is your management team and your board of directors. Your initial investors may want to meet individually with the startup team and help you to find key personnel that can make your business successful.
The sole purpose of this process is to help you raise the capital you need in order to launch or expand your business. While many new businesses find success within their first year of operation, there are many that need more time to reach profitability. Therefore, you may want to seek the advice and expertise of experienced venture capitalists. The venture capitalist will not only provide seed money but will also provide ongoing guidance as the company develops.
There are many reasons why startups choose to work with private equity firms instead of raising their own capital. One reason is that private equity firms often have the experience and track record to back up the startup. They have the ability to attract the best and brightest entrepreneurs. Private equity firms also offer an exit strategy that goes beyond traditional funding methods.
