Initial/Seed Venture Capital 

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Venture capitalists providing initial and seed financing.
Need Seed Capital?
20,000+ Investors. Get funded.
www.gobignetwork.com/Seed-Capital
Business Plan Writing
Secure business venture capital with a professionally written plan.
www.MasterPlans.com
Funding For Start-Ups
$500m fund for startups Free Registration
www.FundingUniverse.com
Need Angel investors?
Raise Capital for your Business Contact investors for FREE
www.Go4Funding.com/Business-Capital
Private Co. Stock Market
Create & Control Your Own Market Liquidity, Communication, Admin.
www.SecondMarket.com
Venture Capital Funding
Leading Venture Capital Investors Shorten your time to Capital
www.FundingPost.com
Due Diligence Data Room
Due Diligence Complimentary Guide Download It for Free Now!
www.DatasiteDeal.com
CAIA Exam Preparation
Prepare for the CAIA exam with online instruction.
www.Schweser.com
Day One from remerinc
Helping early stage companies hit the ground funding.
www.remerinc.com
Need Venture Capital?
Over 20,000 venture capitalists. Get venture capital now!
goBIGnetwork.com/Venture-Capital
Private Equity Exchange
Where angel investors sell their restricted shares
www.Peqx.com
Funding For Startups
Experienced Internet CEO/Founder Valley CEO Helps you get funding
gravityranch.com/consulting -
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A-Z Initial/Seed Venture Capital Provider Directory
0-9 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Angels' Forum, The
Angel investors focused on the greater San Francisco area.
www.angelsforum.com
Asia Pacific Ventures
Provides consulting and advisory services for U.S. technology companies looking to expand into Asian markets. Also focused on seed and early stage investments in information technology companies.
www.apvco.com
ARCH Venture Partners
Provides seed / early stage venture capital for technology firms in information technology, biotechnology, life sciences, physical sciences, Internet and e-commerce.
www.archventure.com
Asset Management Associates
Focuses on the creation and funding of seed and early-stage companies in the information and biological sciences markets.
www.assetman.com
B
Benchmark Capital
Investment strategy: be the first venture investor in technology companies that seek to create new markets. These markets include application services, consumer devices, eCommerce, infrastructure services, networking equipment, semiconductor, an...
www.benchmark.com
Blue Rock Capital
Investing in high-growth seed and early-stage companies from New England to the Carolinas.
www.bluerockcapital.com
Business 2000 Foundation
Provider of financial assistance in the business startup phase and for companies that are in need of capital infusion.
www.business2000foundation.com
C
Technology Investments
Seed stage investment firm that focuses on information technology in Northern California.
www.carsten.com
CHL Medical Partners LP
Invests principally in start-up and early stage companies in the medical sector.
www.chlmedical.com
Clayton Associates, LLC
Helps managers and companies in the Southeast by providing start-up capital, business plan development and strategic planning. Also manages a private equity, venture capital fund.
www.claytonassociates.com
Cambridge Research and Innovation Limited
Independent seed capital fund with an established base in Cambridge.
www.cril.co.uk
CW Group
Manager of medical venture capital funds focused on seed and early stage healthcare investing.
www.cwventures.com
F
Forward Ventures
Pursues a mix of early stage portfolio investments focused in biotechnology and health care, with an emphasis on "seed" and start-up investments.
www.forwardventures.com
Foundation Capital
Invests in start-up information technology companies.
www.foundationcapital.com
G
G51 Captial LLC
Extends venture capital financing to seed and early stage software and internet companies.
www.g51.com
Need Seed Capital?
20,000+ Investors. Get funded.
www.gobignetwork.com/Seed-Capital
Grassroots Venture Capital
Early stage investments for the individual investor.
www.grassrootsvc.com
H
Hallador Venture Partners LLC
A private venture capital firm concentrating on seed and early stage investments in telecommunications and related fields.
www.hallador.com
Halo Ventures
Provides seed capital and professional services for startup ventures.
www.haloventures.com
I
Integra Ventures
Seeks investments in seed to later-stage Life Science companies.
www.ibhweb.com
Intersouth Partners
Seed and early-stage investments in life science and technology companies primarily in the southeast.
www.intersouth.com
K
KB Partners
Private equity investment firm that invests in early stage and start-up companies.
www.kbpartners.com
KNCL Associates, Ltd.
Provider of early stage investment in high-tech venture capital funds.
www.kncl.com
M
Madrona Venure Group
An early-stage venture capital firm focused on the Internet economy in the Northwest.
www.madrona.com
Murphree Venture Partners
Murphree Venture Partners is a seed and early stage venture capital firm, making direct equity investments into emerging entrepreneurial enterprises, primarily in the southwestern U.S. region.
www.murphco.com
P
Pareto Partners
Invests in seed and early-stage companies that have the vision and ideas to create new products and services on the Internet.
www.pareto-partners.com
R
Rahn Group
The Rahn Group is a venture capital firm with a focus on seed and early stage company investments.
www.rahngroup.com
Red Rock Ventures
Specializes in seed and early-stage information technology investments.
www.redrockventures.com
Ridge Ventures
Invests exclusively in West coast, typically Silicon Valley-based, companies through seed and very early stage financing.
www.ridgeventures.com
Rocket Ventures
A seed and early-stage venture capital firm investing in high-growth information technology companies, particularly e-business, e-commerce, and communications infrastructure companies.
www.rocketventures.com
S
Sevin Rosen Funds
Invests in companies creating market leadership positions in communications, eBusiness infrastructure and solutions, and Internet enabled business models. Also prefers to invest at the start-up and first round of funding, and actively seeks seed...
www.srfunds.com
Startupzone.com
Resources and services for Internet startup companies. Provides opportunities for job seekers, entrepreneurs, investors, and product or service vendors to find and connect with startups.
www.startupzone.com
T
Capital Investors, LLC
Provides seed capital to technology-related businesses in the Greater Washington D.C. area.
www.thecapitalinvestors.com
V
Vanguard Venture Partners
Venture capital firm specializing in seed and early stage high technology investments.
www.vanguardventures.com
VCfirm.com
Seed and early stage private equity investment firm specializing in electronic commerce businesses which target the Asian market or which have operations based in Asia.
www.vcfirm.com
W
Woodside Fund
Invests in seed and early stage technology ventures.
www.woodsidefund.com
Business Plan Writing
Secure business venture capital with a professionally written plan.
www.MasterPlans.com
Funding For Start-Ups
$500m fund for startups Free Registration
www.FundingUniverse.com
Need Angel investors?
Raise Capital for your Business Contact investors for FREE
www.Go4Funding.com/Business-Capital

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Guide to Initial/Seed Venture Capital News and Trends

Stay up-to-date on initial venture capital news and trends with the best resources

By Angela King


As the economy changes, trends in seed venture capital change as well. To make the best decisions when you seek seed money for venture capital, you need to be connected to sources that offer up-to-date information on initial/seed venture capital news and trends.

Reputable publications with a focus on seed venture capital and seed capital funding opportunities, coupled with the benefits of the information exchange at conferences and seminars, can keep you current on trends in seed money for venture capital. To stay connected in the ever-changing venture capital industry, you should:

1. Subscribe to vc-focused publications and RSS feeds for the most up-to-date information on seed venture capital trends and seed capital for startups.

2. Attend annual seminars and conferences that focus on initial/seed venture capital to network with other seed capital companies.

3. Apply for membership in venture capital associations to stay current on seed capital news and to associate with seed capital investors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Subscribe to vc publications for seed capital trends

Venture capital magazines and literature offer the latest trends in the seed venture capital segment. Subscribe to an assortment of publications for a well-rounded perspective on initial venture capital news and trends.

I recommend: Subscribe to the Venture Capital Journal, well-respected in the vc industry, for current information on seed venture capital trends. List your business in Funding Post Venture Guide Magazine or subscribe to the publication for the latest in vc news and trends. Venture Guide Magazine appeals to both professionals in the venture capital industry and to entrepreneurs who seek seed capital. American Venture Magazine offers readers a plethora of articles pertinent to all stages of venture capital.

Attend conferences and seminars for seed capital news and trends

Take advantage of conferences and seminars with a focus on seed venture capital for the latest trends. Keep current on the latest seed venture capital news and network with others in the vc industry to exchange information on initial/seed venture capital.

I recommend: Attend Early Stage East, a conference that focuses on initial/early stage venture capital. At the Early Stage Venture Capital Conference, you can network with professionals in seed capital firms and stay up-to-date on changes in initial/seed venture capital.

Join vc associations to keep current on changes in initial venture capital

Take advantage of the benefits of membership in a vc-oriented association. From access to publication archives to members-only meetings and seminars, membership has its privileges.

I recommend: Apply for membership in the National Venture Capital Association. Members have access to present and past publications, are invited to members-only events and have access to special interest groups. Join the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds to network with others in the vc profession and to stay current on trends in seed capital.

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Guide to Initial/Seed Venture Capital

How to obtain the initial venture capital to give your enterprise a healthy start

By M. Spencer Wolf


As an entrepreneur you need initial venture capital to finance your company or business endeavor. You can acquire initial/seed venture capital for a new company that is not yet established in its operations, to introduce a new product to the market or to finance the research and design phase of your operation. However, most seed capital investors and seed capital firms expect to own a significant share of the companies in exchange for providing seed capital.

At times the demand for rapid growth can require initial venture capital from outside sources. Bank loans are sometimes not an option and trading stocks is only feasible for larger corporations. Private sources of seed money for venture capital can be an attractive option. In fact, private equity plays an integral role in the seed venture capital structure of many high-growth firms. Many new businesses find that raising initial/seed venture capital can be exhausting. However, here are a few tips to make the search for seed venture capital easier:

1. First develop a practicable business plan that appeals to seed capital firms.

2. Research universities and colleges that provide venture capital for startups.

3. Pitch your business plan to seed capital investors in your community.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Appeal to seed capital companies to boost your chances of receiving investment funding

Traditional seed capital investors look for several factors in their potential clients: companies with a well defined brand in their technology, products that can be applied to solving major problems, a strong customer constituency with buying power, capable management and a practicable approach to liquidating unnecessary assets. A seed capital company may reject hundreds of proposals before selecting promising candidates.

I recommend: Check out Garage Technology Ventures, a seed capital firm that gives between $500,000 to $3 million in seed venture capital to entrepreneurs with big ideas in software and material sciences. Santa Barbara Technology Group provides management assistance, strategic guidance and valuable connections for entrepreneurs seeking initial venture capital.

Consult non-profit organizations specializing in seed venture capital

Finding seed capital firms that want to invest in your idea can take a considerable amount of time and research. By contacting networking groups that focus on seed money for venture capital, you can narrow down your potential list of seed capitol investors. Rather than approaching a privatized lender, you may have more success in applying to a foundation geared towards helping your company thrive.

I recommend: Becoming a member of the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds will give you access to seed venture capital firms and early-stage investment professionals across the country. The Social Venture Capital Foundation is a public foundation devoted to empowering individual and small business enterprises.

Develop a business targeting untapped global markets to get venture capital for startup businesses

There are more companies and investors willing to put up initial/seed venture capital for companies that are going into regions like the Far East and Europe. Much of the appeal a private lender sees in providing seed money for venture capital comes from the possibility of gaining a foothold in emerging markets. If you can show that you're ahead of the curve in this regard, you boost your chances of attracting a seed venture capital firm.

I recommend: VC Firm is a seed capital company that has the ability to invest seed venture capital in considerable amounts in high potential e-business startup projects focused on Asia. Global Seed Capital works with promising young companies that may potentially benefit from globalizing influences in information based venues.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • •  Marketing is the operative word here. Rather than approaching a seed venture capital firm with heartfelt confidence in your company, make it a point to conduct yourself with professionalism and competence.

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Guide to Initial/Seed Venture Capital for Beginners

Brave the wild frontier of the free market: initial/seed venture capital for beginners

By John Williams


Looking for seed money for venture capital? Afraid of loan rejection from your local bank? Seed capital firms abound, but prepare yourself for a potentially wild ride, as you may get considerably more than you bargained for, as seed capital investors have their own best interests at heart.

While a bank or SBA loan generates a flurry of red tape at the beginning of the credit process, these institutions typically don’t care what happens to you or your company as long as they receive regular payments. Seed capital companies don’t have government guarantees backing up their loan; if you fail, so do they. So expect initial/seed venture capital to arrive with considerable strings attached, typically throughout the major stages of your business.

1. Seed capital for startups through the incubation stage

2. Larger capital infusions and executive management through early to mid stages of growth

3. Final exit when you get conventional funding and the VCs leave

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Get off the ground on angel's wings with seed capital

Experts consider your venture 'seed' stage if you have a promising idea or opportunity, but no defined business structure, partners or complete management team, much less measurable revenue. Seed venture capital is typically in the mid-five to low-six figure range, too small for major venture firms to bite. Look beyond friends and family to Angel Investors-individual venture capital investors that front the seed money needed to start a business. As they act alone, there is no overhead, no backing consortium of investors, and so they can focus more on helping you succeed than on recouping their investment. Don't be fooled by the name-they're not soft-edged cherubs you can push over; get ready to be thoroughly grilled by these investors should you choose to use their capital.

I recommend: Peruse this site of San Francisco investors banded together as The Angels’ Forum. ARCH Venture Partners specialize in coming along side and co-founding the startup from initial concept.

Master the ABCs of initial venture capital through funding rounds

You've demonstrated your concept works, you have management in place, and the revenue stream is at least trickling in. At this stage, a seed venture capital firm will put up more than money, although raising a couple of million dollars through 'alphabet rounds' (dubbed Series A, Series B, and so on) is significant. Venture capitalists also will play an active role in management, perhaps even a position on the board or executive level. This protects their investments and provides you with industry expertise to navigate your firm through a fragile phase in its overall development.

I recommend: A seed capital company will either invest by industry such as Asset Management Company, which has invested seed capital in telecommunications and life sciences startups since 1965, or by geography such as Blue Rock, with offices in Delaware and New Jersey, concentrating on companies in the Mid-Atlantic region from New England to the Carolinas.

Exit from seed capital funding with the right strategy

Just like conventional loans, venture capital for startup businesses has an end date. A seed capital firm will invest in your company only if convinced they'll see their money returned at the end of a set term. The exit scenario can look something like offering your company stock to the general market in an IPO, or perhaps they will look for a merger or acquisition-perhaps even with another company in their investment portfolio.

I recommend: Check out G-51’s entrepreneurial venture capital business model that matches seed ventures with existing companies in its portfolio to ensure success. Murphree Venture Partners works with mid-stage companies across the Sun Belt.

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Guide to Initial/Seed Venture Capital Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with these important initial/seed venture capital key terms for better business practices

By Angela King


Initial or "seed" venture capital, also referred to as "early stage" venture capital, is essential for start-up businesses that need funding to propagate early business growth. Seed vc can support staffing needs, project management or marketing research.

To attract venture capital investors that offer seed vc, a business needs a solid business plan. Venture capital consultants can help small business owners with business plan formulation and can pinpoint the best vc opportunities to meet specific needs. As you research venture capital possibilities, know these initial/seed venture capital terms to ensure you have a strong grasp on the vc industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Seed venture capital investors

Seed venture capital investors provide funding for start-up businesses that have a high potential to turn a profit. Along with initial capital funds, seed venture capital investors also provide management assistance and resources to spur success within a budding company.

I recommend: Read about the Santa Barbara Technology Group for information on seed venture capital investors.

Venture capital consultants

Venture capital consultants are professionals that can help a business find and secure potential industry-specific venture capital. VC consultants can help formulate a business plan that is appropriate for seed/initial venture capital funds.

I recommend: Learn about the role venture capital consultants have within the vc industry at allvcc.com.

Business plan

A business plan is an organized and concise plan that provides potential venture capital investors with pertinent information about the company and plans for the requested vc funds. Business plans can also forecast the return a vc investor can expect from funds invested in the company.

I recommend: Business Plan Master offers extensive information on business plans for venture capital.

Risk capital

Risk capital, a term associated with seed vc, is capital allotted to a new company that has great earning potential, but still has risks associated with it.

I recommend: For extensive information on risk capital, visit businessfinance.com.

Drive-by deal

A drive-by deal refers to venture capital that is invested in a business, only to be removed a short time later. Venture capital investors use this technique to avoid loss and to facilitate a quick exit from financial ties to the company.

I recommend: Investopedia.com provides more information on drive-by deals.

Benchmarks

Benchmarks are goals a vc-funded company should meet and are set by the venture capital investors that supply the funds. Benchmarks that are met can help a company secure further venture capital funding.

I recommend: Funding Post offers more information on benchmarks.

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Initial/Seed Venture Capital News and Trends

Stay up-to-date on initial venture capital news and trends with the best resources.
As the economy changes, trends in seed venture capital change as well. To make the best decisions when you seek seed money for venture capital, you need to be connected to sources that offer up-to-date information on initial/seed venture capital news and trends.Reputable publications with a focus on seed venture capital and seed capital funding opportunities, coupled with the benefits of the information exchange at conferences ... Read more
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