Small and emerging financial services institutions can get necessary funding from firms with a venture capital industry focus on finance. While all venture capitalists help emerging businesses generate cash flow through a variety of investment vehicles, firms with a concentration in the venture capital financial services industry provide services tailored to meet the unique needs of start-ups and existing companies in the financial services industry.

Financial industry venture capital firms, through industry-specific knowledge, provide a range of services to financial services companies including equity or debt investment, strategic business advice, access to network alliances and services to assist with trade sales and help a company with preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) of its shares. Consider the following when choosing custom services from a firm with a venture capital industry focus on finance:

1. Choose a venture capital financial services industry with which you build a long-term relationship.

2. Look for an experienced financial industry venture capital firm.

3. Evaluate other value-added services offered by finance venture capitalists.

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

Build long-lasting relationships with your financial venture capital firm

Because investment activities generally last for several years, select a firm that has longevity in the industry and a good reputation for excellent communication and negotiation skills as well as success with closing deals. Also, be sure that the firm has the capacity to provide more in-depth finance venture capital services as your company matures.

I recommend: FTV Management invests growth capital in business services and software companies offering meaningful solutions to the global financial services industry. Financial Development is a financial venture capital firm that assists entrepreneurs and existing companies in arranging venture capital.

Retain an experienced venture capital financial services industry firm

Investing in venture capital services is a huge undertaking by your company that should not be taken lightly. Inquire about the number of venture capital deals the firm has completed and the firm's overall success rate of servicing companies in the venture capital for financial industry.

I recommend: Century Private Equity Group has more than 140 years of investing and operating experience in the venture capital financial services industry. Hellman & Friedman is a leading financial services venture capital.

Check out other services offered by financial industry venture capital firms

In addition to standard venture capital services, many companies offer unique solutions for the wide range of other issues existing financial services companies and start-ups are likely to face. Retain services from firms offering varied services so that you can get a diverse range of business solutions from one service provider.

I recommend: Astrina Capital is an advisory venture capital financial firm that specializes in helping businesses execute complex financial transactions. American Capital The Financial Services Group offers capital solutions for commercial finance companies and invests throughout the capital structure, including senior debt, subordinated debt and equity, and investments up to $800 million in each transaction.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are unable to meet the strict requirements of financial venture capital firms, an angel investor may be a good option for your funding needs.