How to get in touch with VC and angel investors in the Silicon Valley area?
I am going to present our startup (we do mobile webhosting platform) at DemoPit at TechCrunch 20/40 conference. I also plan to stay at the area for 4 weeks.
I would like to get in touch with investors. We are looking for investor or partners with our new project: http://www.wirenode.com
Please, can anybody help me and introduce me to people from Valley, who might be interested in mobile technology / mobile webhosting and this kind of startups?
Good Answers (2)
Nathan B
Business Plan Consultant, Startup Builder and Venture Advisor
Best Answers in: Business Development (1), Business Plans (1)
As mentioned in another answer, first scour your network and the networks of everyone involved...attorneys, advisors, consultants, etc. Tap everyone for a warm intro. Arm your referrals with a good executive summary and a few soundbites about why it's a great deal, and have them call the VCs directly.
Warm referrals are always best, but you shouldn't stop there. First, research & build a list of targeted investors. Next, reach out directly, usually via email. It's true that your hit rate will be low, but you have an advantage-- you have a great opening line, e.g., "We are coming out to demo at TechCrunch 20/40; can we set a meeting while we're there"? etc.
Keep in mind, most VCs still invest locally, so you may want to indicate you are willing to relocate. Best of luck!
Links:
Amish P
VP Operations at ZuumCraft
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I strongly recommend getting introduced to VC through your network of attorneys, service providers, accountants, entrepreneurial friends, etc.
Knocking on the door of VCs (or submitting unsolicited business plans online) do not have very high success rates (in terms of getting funded).
best wishes!
Links:
More Answers (5)
Mike W
Consultant Extraordinaire
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Yeah I would go first to Keiretsu Forum, I have included the web link, if that doesn't help, I do know a woman who works with Stu Zimmerman at Inside Wealth.
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Brian M
at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
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Tomas,
For major VCs, review their portfolio and their investing strategy. Make a short list of firms matching your goals and make a direct contact. Explain that you are traveling to the area so the company can quickly assess what they may want to do with you. When doing your research, try to identify the people inside who specialize in your area and target the inquiry to them.
If you do not know who the companies are, look on line. There are many resource that will give you lists.
Good luck,
Brian MacLeod
Tyler R
Digital Strategist at GSW
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You can search for an investor on the Go Big Network. It is a network for startups and investors.
Links:
JL R
Virtual Assistant at JLR Business Services
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Check out Angel Investor Guide at http://angel-investor-guide.com/?gclid=CJWu2czWvo0CFRFoYAodswldIg. The website will also help you locate, contact, etc Investors.
Siva P
President - Pillar Mortgage Corp./NSA Contractor#10714
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