Private equity investment firms based in Canada.
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Venture Capital Firms and Funds in North America
North America venture capitalists provide sources of funding for small businesses and start-up companiesBy Amy Hunter Finding venture capital in North America is a competitive process. Venture capital firms are inundated with proposals. One estimate states a venture capital firm invests in only one out of every 400 proposals it receives. To stand out, your company must do everything right.
If you look at a list of VC firms in North America, it is apparent that many of these firms specialize in particular markets, regions or stages of financing. Each firm makes decisions on a case by case basis, and you should approach each investor with a customized pitch. Steps to improve your chances of acquiring venture capital funds include:
1. North America capital firms receive many more funding proposals than they will approve. To stand out, have all of your paperwork in order.
2. Choose a venture capital firm that has a strong track record of success financing companies in your sector.
3. Venture capital firms in North America are big business. Do not be in such a hurry to accept money that you neglect to negotiate on equity, control and other important matters.
Polish your presentation before approaching North America venture capital firms
Preparation is the most important part of securing venture funds. North America has an abundance of venture capital firms, and you may be tempted to apply to many firms at one time. The volume approach rarely works with venture capital firms. Polish your business plan, work on your presentation skills and draft a one- or two-paragraph summary of your company's mission and how the venture capital will be spent. Once you have refined your presentation, selectively approach the VC firms that are the best fit for your company.
Try:
Palo Alto Software, Inc. provides Business Plan Pro software that you can use to write and refine your business plan. Whether you choose to write the plan yourself, or use a software program, use the resource at Edward G. Jones and Co, LLC to polish your business plan. Check out 1000 Ventures for a detailed look at preparing for a meeting with potential investors. Then, use VC Locator to refine your search for the perfect venture capital firm.
Choose from the many successful venture capital firms and funds in North America
When a venture capital firm invests in a company, it takes over some control of that company. An experienced venture capital firm will help a company grow and become successful. With the abundance of venture capital firms and funds in North America, it makes sense to choose one with a proven track record of growing businesses in your industry.
Try:
Capital Vector and Go4Funding.com both provide a comprehensive list of venture capital firms in North America.
Understand and negotiate your contract before accepting money from North America capital firms
Contracts are an important part of receiving venture funds. North American laws differ from state to state and country to country, but in general, the contract is provided by the VC firm, and will protect the firm's interests. The contract will typically include board and voting rights to the VC firm, the ability to tie performance to funding and a non-compete clause for high level employees of the company receiving funds.
Try:
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell’s Lawyers.com is the first place to look when searching for a lawyer to help with contract negotiations. See some items you would like changed in the contract? A course in negotiation can help you recognize your company's strengths and make contract changes. The American Management Association frequently offers courses in negotiation.
- Securing venture capital in North America gurantees that you are eligible for arbitration under US law if any problems develop.
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International venture capital company that invests in technology businesses.
Company will invest at any stage of a company's development. Invests in the technology sector.
http://www.bdc.ca/venturecapital/
Assistance on financing small business in Canada. Section of Strategis, Internet site for Canadian businesses and consumers.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mangb/invskill/engdoc/homepage.html
Canadian Venture Capital Association
Promotes networking, communication, research and education, information dissemination within and outside of the venture capital industry.
Makes venture capital investments in high technology companies throughout Ontario.
Involved with early-stage British Columbia-based technology companies on an advisory, corporate finance, and/or investment basis.
http://www.discoverycapital.com/
Based in Toronto, provides management expertise and capital to the owners of early stage, high growth small companies.
http://www.fulcrumpartners.com/
Venture capital fund focusing on public and private technology companies in Canada.
Royal Bank Capital Corporation
Venture capital subsidiary of the Royal Bank Financial Group (Canada).
http://www.royalbank.com/rbvi/
Canadian venture capital fund dedicated to the software and Internet industry.
Venture capital corporation that assists companies with good core operations that are in need of restructuring or are underperforming.
Firm invests in early-stage telecommunications, Internet infrastructure and application software companies.
http://www.whitecastleinvestments.com/
Working Ventures Canadian Fund Inc.
Provides venture capital financing to small and medium-sized Canadian companies from coast to coast.
http://www.workingventures.ca/
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Venture Capital Firms and Funds in North America
Every day, thousands of businesses in North America compete for the billions of dollars in start-up funds held by venture capitalists. If you want to catch the attention of venture capital firms and funds in North America, your best shot is to make your company stand out from the crowd.
Capitalists' primary objective is profits. If they're going to tie up millions of investment dollars from one of their funds, they need to know they're going to get many times that amount in returns. Pitching a proposal to investors requires that you paint a clear picture of your market, customers, costs, and projected earnings, along with the well-organized data to back it up. If possible, consider ... more
Every day, thousands of businesses in North America compete for the billions of dollars in start-up funds held by venture capitalists. If you want to catch the attention of venture capital firms and funds in North America, your best shot is to make your company stand out from the crowd.
Capitalists' primary objective is profits. If they're going to tie up millions of investment dollars from one of their funds, they need to know they're going to get many times that amount in returns. Pitching a proposal to investors requires that you paint a clear picture of your market, customers, costs, and projected earnings, along with the well-organized data to back it up. If possible, consider targeting investment firms that are familiar with your industry or your region.
Perfecting your plan before contacting investors may improve your odds of receiving funding. An accountant or financial advisor may be able to help you tighten up your financial documents, while a venture capital consultant can help you sharpen your approach and connect with the right investor.
Business.com can serve as a helpful resource for entrepreneurs on the lookout for investment dollars. Scroll through the links listed to the left for more details on venture capital firms and funds in North America.
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