What Do Venture Capitalist Do

Venture Capitalists (VC) are institutional risk takers and may be groups of wealthy individuals, government-assisted sources, or major financial institutions. Most specialize in one or a few closely related industries.

What Do Venture Capitalist Want

Venture Capitalists look to invest in start-ups which has the potential for enormous growth.  They most often prefer three-to-five-year old companies with the potential to go public (trade on the stock exchange) and return higher-than-average profits to their shareholders.

In return for their investment they seek ownership in the company.  The amount of ownership will depend on the level of investment.  VC's also take an active role in the company.  They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and connections to the table to help your business achieve success.
Series A, B & C Funding
Venture funding occurs in separate rounds.  These rounds are known as Series A, B & C funding. Money is raised in multiple rounds of financing.

The name Series A, B & C refers to the class of preferred stocks sold to investors in exchange for the investment.  They represents the series of stocks after the common stock which is issued to company founders. The "A" stock is issued in the first round of financing.  The "B" stock is issued in the second round of funding and the "C" stock is issued in the third round of funding.

Series A:  This is the first round of financing that a company receives from a venture capitalist.  This is usually an early stage investment that covers salaries, market research and to get to a finished product.

Series B:  This is the second round of financing that a company receives from a venture capitalist.  This round of funding usually covers growth of the company.

Series C:  This is the third round of financing that a company receives from a venture capitalist.  This round of funding is usually used to fund the development of additional products and services, expand market share or take the company public (IPO).
VC Events Calendar
Attend VC events and learn about what VC's are looking for:

Venture Capital Events Calendar
Approaching Venture Capitalists

Learn how to approach Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists

Access to Venture Capitalists

 

Get on Shark Tank

Below is a list of resources that you can utilize to
access Venture Capitalists networks:

Organization

Description
Angel Capital Association (ACA) See a list of Angel investors throughout the U.S.
Axial See a listing of VC companies that invest in a wide range of industries.
BoogarList This is a directory that list Venture Capital firms in the U.S. and other countries.
CayenneConsulting See a list of VC and Angel investors that invest in Arizona companies.
Capital West Advisors (CWA) CWA has an extensive investment network of approximately 500 venture capital firms, 120 Angel networks, and 1750 private investors/family funds. CWA identifies the venture capital firms, angel networks, and private investors/family funds that it will submit the opportunity to. CWA charges $125-$150 per angel network, $40 per venture capital firm, and $5 per private investor/family fund (min. submission of 200)
Dr. Hempel Digital Health Network This site list the 100 Venture Capital firms in the USA that are interested in financing technology, and eHealth startups.
Dreamit See an extensive listing of VC investors interested in investing in the health care industry.
Funded.com One of the leading platforms that connects you to the investors that is right for your business.

Funding Post (fee based)

Provides access to a network of Venture Capitalists for a fee ($100).  Lets you sign up and post a profile of your business for Venture Capitalists to see.
Gust Gust connects startups with the largest collection of investors across the world.  Create your profile and share it with investors and wait for their response.
Investor.com A network consisting of thousands of well-qualified angel investors, venture capital firms, and private investors who are specifically looking for new startup and small business opportunities.
Nashville Capital Networks The National Capital Networks consists of more than 100 investors and funds that can fund your startup.
National Venture Capital Association Provides free access to a list of Venture Capitalists that you can contact directly.
Red Rocket Blog See a list of VC companies that are currently investing in the Chicago area.
StartEngine StartEngine is one of the largest platforms in the worldfor companies to find investors and raise capital.
Startup Atlanta Startup Atlanta provide a list of investors on their website that fund startups in the Atlanta area.
Startups.co Startups.co is a network that lets you instantly connect to Venture Capitalists. 
VCA Online.com Provides a list of Venture Capitalists that you can contact directly.
VCNetwork VCNetwork.co connects enterpreneurs with venture capital funding and protects entrepreneurs from hard bargaining tactics used by investors.
WalkerSands Communications See a list of Venture Capital companies throughout the U.S.