How do I get venture capital

**Tia Wood** · 10-25-2010, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by bgmv

the last thing you want is a partner

So true. I have heard this so many times.

Vutos, it's highly advisable to just attempt and raise or borrow the funds yourself. I did this for two years putting 100% my time, funds and effort into my "so sure of" project that flopped and failed at the end. Sometimes we think money or advertising is the answer but not always. That's why you should have all your ducks in a row before approaching a partner, lender or investor because someone who is worthy of partnering with your project is going to ask some uncomfortable, well-thought out questions.

I'll tell you the secret: they don't care about personal circumstances or if the idea will make a billion dollars in theory. What they want is hardcore evidence that they will get a return on their investment and the only way you can show that is by researching, documenting, number crunching, risk taking, etc. That being said, you should not care so much about your personal circumstances, either, meaning: don't let those things discourage you or mentally hold you back!

You've posted subjects similar to this before and you seem either chalked up full of excuses or full of the "I can't because". There are many people here who have been where you are, some in worse situations. You can find a way. You don't need a partner or a bank loan under your circumstances. Take the focus off that and instead focus on getting done whatever it is you are wanting to do by other means.

I had to put off a project for almost a year because I didn't know the scripting language it needed to work with another program. I am about to re-approach that project because I took the time to learn the scripting language.

Start learning SEO and viral marketing. There are tons of resources on the internet. Reading 15-30 minutes a day adds up. Just do whatever it takes.

Come back and let us know how you do.

**Infoproliferati** · 10-25-2010, 09:54 AM

Do as much as you can with what you've got. Sweat funding is usually the best method of funding when you start pursuing an idea. By that I mean YOUR own money. You can borrow from friends and relatives. But only if they are able to help without digging into their savings or money they had planned for something else. Sweat funding will force you to re-assess your ideas and your expectations. You might even discover you don't need nearly as much money as you need to keep your idea moving forward.

When you've invested tons of hours in your idea you'll start to see clearly what is and isn't working. At that point you'll have the confidence to approach a bank for a loan or venture capitalists. I actually prefer angel investors. They are business minded individuals who are always looking for the next big idea to invest in. They are usually easier to deal with compared to banks or VCs. Only problem, they are harder to find. Mark Cuban is an example of an angel investor who reads hundreds of emails from folks with business ideas. You can probably find angel investor networks on the net.

Just remember that before you approach anyone of these parties have something solid to show. This is imperative. If you are profitable, even if you made just $50, your chances of securing some funds improve significantly. Best wishes buddy.

**DomainsInc** · 10-25-2010, 10:00 AM

your best bet is probably your parents or some kind of relative. no one is really goiing to give a student who has no real experience or prior success "free" money.

**eDomaining** · 10-25-2010, 10:37 AM

If you have a good idea.. use your sweat equity to make it happen. If you need a little money.. then raise the funds by saving, using a credit card or get a small loan from your local bank, etc.. The important thing is to make your idea work and prove that there's a return on the investment. Persistence is the key.

There's plenty of good advice to follow in this thread..

Cheers!

**Banned: theinvestor** · 10-25-2010, 10:42 AM

I would never become a partner with someone when his first problem is not having $1500.

You need to understand two things.

1. Your problem isn't $1500
2. When you get the $1500 you will realize it wasn't enough

Who wants to be a partner with someone like that? You can work part time and make that in max 2 months working minimum wage. College isn't an excuse. How are you paying for college?

**bgmv** · 10-25-2010, 12:40 PM

^^^agreed, I went to college an got a masters while having a full time job...so it definitley can be done, how are you paying for your living expenses?

**Banned: Vutos** · 10-25-2010, 02:21 PM

Hey, guys thanks. I think I am going to go with the sweat way. Im starting to see how it would feel to be in the guys shoes who would be giving the money. But thank you everyone.