Venture Capital Fundamentals

How Does the Venture Capital Cycle Work

2009-12-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

Venture capital is something that most aspiring entrepreneurs are eyeing. This is because the deal is rather simple – you submit the proposal, firms accept the deal and provide funds to finance it. Compared to bank loans which you need to repay, venture capital is paid by the firms and investors.

But while it may seem easy, the process may be a little complicated as you go along. Here is a simple discussion on venture capital cycle and how it works.

The cycle is basically made up of three stages: raising of funds, investment of such funds, and exit.

Before you can close a venture capital deal, you must first find a venture capital firm. Research on the firms available, and see which industries they are most inclined to. Your proposal must fit their investment criteria, otherwise, everything would just be a waste of time. The usual fields are biotech and greentech. If these are the types of businesses that you wish to enter into, then you are in luck.

The next step is to develop a business proposal. This you will submit to the firm. It is therefore important that the proposal is short but complete and well-researched. At this stage you may seek help from professionals and consultants. Make sure that there are no errors in it. When it is your time to present, be sure to have studied your proposal and the industry where it belongs in order for you to be able to answer questions that capitalists and managers may ask.

Granting that you've submitted a good proposal and was given the 1:400 shot at landing a deal, you have now completed the first stage of the cycle. The next stage is in the investment of such funds.

During presentation, you will be required to present a management team. It is important that this team be composed of competent people who are knowledgeable of the field or industry that you propose to enter. Aside from your own management team, the firm shall appoint managers to help, even impose, policies and decisions in the company. Since these firms have high stakes in the company's success, it is only logical that they interfere with the decision-making process and in effect, have more control over the company than its owner.

During exit, the funds are liquidated and returned to the investors. This usually happens within 3-5 years, even sooner, if the return of investment is very high. An exit may take different forms, such as merger and acquisition, buyout and initial public offering or IPO. While others may have succeeded in earning more than 500% of their initial investment, there are likewise others who failed. Also, a big chunk of the funds goes to the expenses of the firm, such as management fees, consultation fees, and other fees.

Understanding venture capital cycle will make you better, more efficient entrepreneurs. That is why it is important to do some research, read articles, even enroll in a venture capital course. Furthermore, investigate on the trends of the industry that you want to enter into.

No entrepreneur became successful just by mere luck or chance. Any entrepreneur will tell you that you need to study and understand what you're doing in order for you to be successful.

Good Sources of Venture Capital News

2009-12-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Venture capital industry that has been around for the past 60 years or so. However, just like any industry, it continues to evolve and change. Much of its development can be attributed to the internet. Because of it, things are faster and easier. Any updates on venture capital and any venture capital news are readily available to the rest of the world through the internet.

Aside from the internet, there are other sources of venture capital news. Old, traditional sources such as newspapers and magazines continue to provide the necessary updates and information that venture capitalists and entrepreneurs need. These are also good sources of legal updates in the field of venture capital.

But any information that we can find in magazines and newspapers can also be found in the internet. Aside from the printed materials in circulation, they also operate websites where the articles are posted.

Newsletters and emails are also sources of news. Subscription to a specific site sometimes includes subscription to their daily or weekly newsletters. Here service providers help entrepreneurs by providing them with useful articles and practical information. Contributions from business experts and capitalists can also be found in these newsletters.

Discussion groups and forums are also good venues to post updates. Here you are able to exchange ideas and interact with fellow entrepreneurs like you. They can provide you with tips in the different aspects of venture capital, from raising venture capital to drafting of proposals to exit strategies.

Articles on venture capital are not limited to business pages or sites. There are sites which are specifically dedicated to venture capital. These sites post news and provide video streaming as well. News articles are sometimes classified into more specific topics such as buyout news, industry news, fund news and transition news.

This makes it easier for the reader to choose which articles to read. So if you are interested in buyouts only, for example, then you don't have to go through all articles to find the news that you want. The articles are also arranged by date, also to make it more accessible.

Because the internet is worldwide in scope, these articles can therefore be accessed by practically everyone anywhere, in the same way that we can read news and updates in their countries. This goes to show that venture capital is a worldwide phenomenon. In the US alone, close to $29.9 Billion was used for venture capital investment in 2007.

Also, capitalists are not looking at the US markets only but have considered funding companies and businesses in China, India and other developing countries in Asia. This is good news for these countries with vast manpower resources but limited funding.

Through these articles, you become informed of the latest trends in VC. Last year, the trend was towards early stage investing. It was estimated that 35% of VC investments will go to seed and early stage deals. On the other hand, expansion-stage funding decreased.

There are some really good websites which provide venture capital news and more. Aside from news, they also provide listings of venture capital firms and the companies that they helped fund.

Find these websites and bookmark them. For young entrepreneurs, these sites are useful for them to know more about venture capital.

Astellas Venture Capital

2009-12-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

The foundation of every business, other than its product, is money. Earning money these days is as hard as finding one. Apart from a competitive market, a worldwide economic recession is also looming ahead. Venture capitalists have also become more cautious since losing from the dotcom bubble burst. Fortunately there are still venture capitalists willing to take on start up companies.

Science and technology has been a great interest for private equity firms. They prove positive returns in the long run as demands of a fast pace world continue. In the world of biotechnology, Astellas Venture Management is one of the sources of venture capital funds.

The company focuses on start up biotechnology companies. Its investment portfolio includes public companies such as Adherex Technologies, Memory Pharmaceuticals, and EPIX Pharmaceuticals. Private companies under them include F2G Ltd, FASgen, Inc., TaiGen Biotechnology Co., Ltd., and Alba Therapeutics Corporation.

Astellas established a branch in the America in 2006. The headquarters were located at Los Altos, California.

Astellas and biotech

Most venture capitalists invest in high technology businesses. Most of them prefer companies that apply innovative technology to their product or services. They invest large amounts of capital to start up businesses that have a lot of growth potential in science, research and development.

One of these private equity firms is Astellas Venture Management. Astellas was originally founded in Tokyo Japan. The company was formed after Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. merged. Both of these companies have already been investing in biotechnology companies in Japan before Astellas was formed. Astellas is now managing funds of clients from Yamanouchi and Fujisawa, including new limited partnerships.

The focus of AVM is to find companies that have innovative technology and assist its growth by using its experience and network in the field of biotechnology. They offer investments for companies that have the potential to become leaders in the global market. They prefer emerging companies that are developing pharmaceutical seeds and new drug platforms.

AVM is obviously a big firm. They have a comprehensive resource available to their clients from personnel networks to marketing operations. Apart from investments it also provides companies with scientific and technical proficiency, experience in drug development, marketing knowledge and long-term perspective. This is a big opportunity for those companies who want to have rapid growth and success.

For those companies with a very ambitious management team this will be good partnership for them. AVM caters to no less than large markets that span globally not just locally. Their parent company called Astellas Pharma Inc. is one of the top pharmaceutical companies. This gives them the edge when it comes to experience. They are a cut above the rest when it comes to disease areas such as Immunology and Urology. The form is interested in the fields of Cancer, Pain, Diabetes and metabolic diseases.

Having a pharmaceutical company is both good for entrepreneurs and investors. One of areas that are cannot be touched by recession is health care and medical services. Although being responsible for the well being of many people is a challenge it can also be rewarding.

If you wish to delve in to a more competitive atmosphere and target a large market then you can go AVM, provided that you do have the scientific capabilities to back it up.

Angel Venture Ccapital Honolulu

2009-12-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

More and more companies worldwide are seeking venture capital to finance their companies. This is shown by the remarkable increase in the number of investors and firms. Firms spend billions of dollars yearly on these investments. As a result, firms have expanded their network and there emerged this new group called angel investors.

While the firms in the past concentrated on building companies within their geographical area, firms and angel investors have gone international that they are now funding companies in some parts near the Pacific and even as far as Southeast Asia. That is why even if you reside in Honolulu, you can still find angel venture capital.

Angel investors are basically the same as venture capital firms in that they help finance start-up companies. But the similarity ends there. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who are willing to invest personal funds, while firms are sometimes funded by other institutions. They may be composed of a few or more investors, depending on the amount that they contribute.

Their investments usually range from a few thousand dollars to about $2 Million, committing to contribute specific amounts of investment every year rather than to give the amount in bulk at one time. Venture capital firms have higher investments because they can finance up to $10-20 Million.

Firms usually focus on the fields of technology in their investment criteria, while angel investors are open to other industry sectors like software development, production and services. This means that if your proposal is innovative and not technology-related, then there is a bigger chance for you to raise angel venture capital than ordinary venture capital.

While firms may finance companies in their later stages and also in their expansion, angel investors focus more on start-up companies, resulting in a more risky investment.

Because of the higher risk, there is the necessity to yield a higher return, between 20-30%. That is why they are more careful in screening and choosing their investments. Members themselves help in the screening process. Presentations are done in their regular meetings, and it is during such time when they individually decide to invest or not. Application is often a multi-step process. What investors usually look for are companies with a potential growth of 1,000% in 5-7 years.

If you seek angel venture capital, you must have a fully-developed product. Because capital is rather minimal, it must be spent in the actual production and marketing and not on product development or research. A unique, innovative product or service will greatly impress these investors.

Also, show them that you have potential customers. Make a demonstration on how fast the business is most likely to grow. Lastly, find a strong, competent management team. This will give the investors confidence in your proposed company.

Having rather smaller resources than most firms, these investors operate in networks. This is to share the risk among them.

It is estimated that there are 225,000 angel investors and thousands of angel investor networks in the US, and still growing. This means that there are more angel investors than venture capital firms, which are approximately 600. With the many investors available, finding angel venture capital in Honolulu should not be a problem.

Browse through websites, make a few searches. Some angel investors, although not based in Hawaii, do finance companies in this State.

About Venture Capital And Grants

2009-12-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

Venture Capital and Grants – Is It Right For Your Business?

You've heard of some companies which were put up through venture capital and grants, and wondered if you, too, can establish your own. There are many venture capital firms that you can find through the internet, and still some that you or your friend knows.

You did your research, made the best business proposal and are about to send them out. While it may seem the perfect financing scheme for you, what you and most people don't know is, it does not apply to all types of businesses.

For one, these firms have a certain investment criteria, and if your proposed business does not fall within their specifications, then chances are your proposal will not be approved. Because of the many proposals that they receive, and with the limited slots that they provide, screening of these proposals is rather strict. There is therefore the need for you to draft a stand-out business proposal because of the stiff competition. Or you would need the referral of a friend whom the firm trusts.

These firms concentrate on specific fields, so if it does not fall under these industries, then VC is not right for your business. These are technology-related industries, those which can give a high yield of profits after a short period of time. If you want to invest in industries like real estate or a restaurant business, then VC is not for you. If you're thinking of a long-term investment, or if you make the mistake of falling in love with a company too soon, then forget about VC.

Also, if you are the type of person who wants to be in control always, then VC is definitely not for you. Once you enter into a venture capital scheme, you must be ready to give up the reins to the capitalists. They call the shots. They provide the directions and strategies necessary to carry out the business. They perform management decisions. If you want to do things your way, then perhaps consider other funding sources at this point.

If venture capital is not for you, then there are other funding sources available. There is what is called as angel investors, or individuals who also provide funds for start-up companies. This is ideal if the capital that you require is not that big. You can also secure bank loans. However, the disadvantage of this type of funding source is the liability of repaying the loan regardless of your success or failure.

There are also investment programs provided by the government such as the Small Business Investment Company Program. There are also other federal, state or local programs that you can enroll in. Of course, there are the ever-reliable family and friends who can lend you some money for capital.

Venture capital and grants is not something that is impossible to attract. As long as you know how and where to find these financing firms, then there is the chance for you to raise venture capital.

But before you start working on the financial aspect of the company that you wish to establish, you must first consider if venture capital is applicable. You need to look into other sources and not set your mind on venture capital. Otherwise, all your efforts will be put to waste.

Venture Capital Basics

2008-03-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

A lot us have dreams, but the real challenge is making them a reality. There are a lot of opportunities in the business world, but the real challenge is becoming successful and profitable in our own business. Earning money is as difficult as finding it. No one really want to be a cubicle drone but without any capital most of us become regular employees.

There are ways to start a business. If you have a great idea that has a big potential, there are ways to access funds for your business. Venture capital funds are one of the sources of seed capital for your start up company.

Venture capitalists invest on start up companies with big potential and high growth. These are usually high technology companies that may lead returns in the long run. The downside of this is that the venture capitalists get a share of your company and have say on the company's decisions. A person who has always dreamt of becoming their own business may find this a tad uncomfortable.

The low down on Venture capital
There are some venture capitalists that provide financial services to start up companies. These are usually companies that are entirely new, with mostly an idea and a business plan in their hands. Venture capitalists are willing to make risky investments on businesses that banks loans and capital markets are afraid to make.

Companies that they invest in are usually high technology business such as computer and electronics. They are also interested in development and research. Venture capitalists are general partners that offer limited partnership to a company. These general partners are usually made up of executives from a financial firm. They have the ability to pool in a large amount of capital. These funds are usually taken from pension, foundations, insurance companies, financial endowments and financial institutions.

This may seem a very good idea for a starting company but there is downside to this. In the business world nothing is free and general partners require 20% of the net profit of the company. They also need a 2% management fee every year.

It's also not easy to attract venture capitalists. They often have strict requirements. They will no invest on companies that don't have proof of their technology. They may agree to meet up with you but that does not mean you're already in good terms. Most of time 999 business plans get rejected out of 1000. They can reject you for a lot of things that may even seem trivial at to you at the moment and the hurdles don't stop there.

General partners may help your company to jumpstart and expand. But they won't just let you make the decisions when they have invested a lot of money on your company. In some instances this may lead to problems especially when general partners only care about making money for themselves. They may invest in advertising but not in the right places for your customers. Some of them like to spend too much money and the sudden growth is too fast.

Before you find yourself a venture capitalist make sure you are aware of their impact in your company. A venture capital fund may seem convenient at that time but you should always look ten steps ahead. Look for a general partner that will help your company grow not just add weight to their wallets.

What is Venture Capital

2008-03-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

"Venture capital" is a term that is often heard in business discussions. But more often than not, the more common belief is that this is rather complicated and difficult to understand, especially for those who are new in the game of business. For entrepreneurs and anyone who may be interested to get into business, it is important to understand what this is all about.

Venture capitalists and firms are composed of people and firms that have pooled in their resources in order to invest in businesses, whether to start-up financing or for company expansion, for the purpose of earning profits within a short period of 3-7 years. The goal is to increase the company's value so as to yield more profit at its exit, which may be an initial public offering or what is commonly known as IPO. Other exits include an investor's buyout, a merger, or an acquisition.

These firms concentrate on a certain field or area. It is therefore important that you know what these areas are. This is called investment criteria. If you have a specific area in mind which does not match that of the firm, there are many other firms that you can find. You just have to know where to look.

The web is one source of venture capital firms. Make a search on the internet. Some sites are helpful enough to provide listings of these firms as well as other tips such as how to draft your proposal, how to raise venture capital, among others.

When you've found the investor to match, it is then time to draft your proposal. It should be truthful, direct and thorough. You might want to ask a professional to check on your proposal before submitting it. Your proposal should leave a mark in the minds of the capitalists, since they have to go through tons of them. An estimate of 1 in every 400 proposals gets approved, so it is imperative that your proposal be impressive.

When we talk of profit and earnings, we're not talking of a few thousand dollars in a year. These firms seek a return of up to five, even ten, times the initial investment, not to mention the management fees and other fees that they require.

This explains why these firms tend to take the reins of the company. That is why it is important that you organize a solid management team that knows what they're doing and at the same time is able to handle the pressure from these capitalists. But while it helps if you appear to manage the company well, it is still important to listen and follow the strategies that these firms provide. Aside from being tried and tested policies, following their decisions will also benefit you in the long run should you need more capital.

Venture capital is a wise investment alternative for both entrepreneurs and capitalists. You and the investment firm have a common goal, and that is to receive as much profit as possible after a short period of time.

If this is not what you want or does not seem feasible to you, then there are other financing options that you can avail of. The important thing is to weigh all pros and cons before deciding anything.