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Check Out Potential Investors

"Money is a good servant but a bad master" (quoted by Bacon)

Check out Business Angel Investors        Check out Venture Firms        Check out Banks

Checking out Business Angel Investors (adapted from "Angel Investing", by Osnabrugge, M.V., and Robinson, R.J., 2000)

Due diligence is a two-way street. Although entrepreneurs may be hesitant to check out potential investors for fear of possibly turning away committed funds, it is imperative that they learn as much as possible about the person to whom they are selling part of their company. Every entrepreneurs should ask:

  • Are the investor's motivations in line with what we can realistically offer?

  • Is the investor's personality compatible with mine?

  • Does the investor share the same goals I have?

  • What other firms has the investor funded in the past? How did they turn out?

  • How active was the investor in those firms?

  • Did the investor make constructive contributions?

  • What do entrepreneurs in those firms (especially those that failed) say about the investor?

  • Did the investor stick with the firms in times of trouble?

  • What industries does the investor have experience in?

  • Does the investor understand this firm's industry sector? Can he or she contribute to this area?

  • How helpful will the investor be in trying to obtain future rounds of financing?

  • Does this investor have the expertise, contacts, and reputation to attract other potential investors and build the firm?

What Should Emerging Technology Companies Look for in a Bank?

by Silicon Valley Bank

  • Do they understand technology?

  • Do they understand enterprise value?

  • Do they understand the different life cycles of technology companies?

  • Are they consistent in good times and tough times?

  • How long have they done this and what is their track record?

  • How big is their client base and are they national in focus?

  • Do they bring more than money to the table?

  • Can they help connect us with equity sources?

  • Can they introduce us the right service providers?

How an Entrepreneur Must Evaluate the Benefits that a Particular Venture Firm Can Provide the Company

by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

  • Do the venture capitalists have experience with similar types of investments?

  • Are there competing companies in their portfolio?

  • Are the personalities on both sides of the table compatible?

  • Does the firm have strong syndication ties with other venture firms for additional rounds of financing?

  • Can they help provide contacts for distribution channels and executive search?

from "Three Key to Obtaining Venture Capital"