The process of raising venture capital money is not easy. The VC firms receive hundreds of proposals each year. The best way to catch the attention of a VC firm is to obtain a referral from a financial professional. This person could be a banker, a lawyer, or a certified public accountant. These people have knowledge of the industry and can identify companies that need funding in that industry. In addition, they can recommend venture capitalists who are experienced in that particular industry.
A typical Venture Capital meeting will last about one to two hours. During this time, the investor will be asked to present a business plan, income statement, and breakeven analysis. The next step is the due diligence phase, whereby the VC firm will dig into the details of the business and its founders. Then, the business will be evaluated by the investment team. Once the decision has been made, the investor will be able to receive the money.
The average start-up deal involves $ three million in investment and a 40% preferred equity ownership position. The investor receives liquidation preference (100 percent priority over common shares) and the first claim on the company’s assets and technology. This means that the venture capitalists have an advantage over competitors. A high percentage of successful ventures have a substantial customer base, which is an advantage in a market where competition is fierce. The investment is a great way to jump-start a startup.
The structure of the capital markets makes it difficult to access the money needed to fund a start-up. Typically, a start-up has no other source of funding. Because of the laws surrounding usury, banks cannot charge a high interest rate on a loan. In contrast, a business that is able to show that it has hard assets and a high growth potential will justify a higher interest rate. So, Venture Capital is an ideal place for people with new ideas to get the money they need.
As a result, the investment in venture capital is generally long-term. Compared to market-traded investments, it doesn’t offer short-term payout options. Therefore, long-term returns in venture capital investing are dependent on whether or not the company can launch its IPO. However, the return on investment from venture capital is high, making it a viable investment for businesses with high growth potential. For example, a startup that can raise funds with a small amount of capital will not need to seek funding from a traditional bank.
The term sheet of a venture capitalist should be detailed enough to attract investors. The venture capitalist will conduct due diligence on the business and determine whether it is profitable. Once the terms of the term sheet are clear, the venture capitalist will then send the business owner an offering document with the terms of the deal. The offering documents will include the amount of funding offered, the percentage of equity ownership, and other conditions. A successful investment will have a large impact on the business’s growth.
