Venture capital firms are different from private investors in that they have raised capital from a number of high net worth individuals with the intent to make investments on their behalf into promising start up companies and expanding businesses so that they can ultimately take the business public via an IPO or sell the business for a substantial earnings multiple. There is not a single business that does not face any type of specific business risk that should be addressed within your business plan. You should showcase, within your business plan, how you’ll deal with an economic recession as it relates to remaining profitable and cash flow positive. The primary difference between private investors and venture capital firms is that these individuals tend to live in areas where there are a number of other high net worth individuals. In some instances, you may be able to finance your business through credit card receivables if you’re already in operation as an alternative to expensive equity capital financing.

Angel investors usually have a net worth of $500,000 to $1,000,000 although this number may be higher in selected metropolitan areas. It should be noted that venture capital firms will typically take 30 days to 60 days to make a decision as it relates to the capital that you need. Most angel investors are prepared to make their investment decision within two weeks of receiving your proposal. In any document that is specific for a angel investor or venture capital firm should have appropriate disclosures as it relates to the risks associated with business which should be drafted by an attorney. When you’re developing your business plan for an angel investor or venture capital firm, it is extremely important that you dismiss your emotions in the product or services that you is that you sell.

We recommend that you have your attorney present during your first meeting in order to make sure that the individual is a legitimate investor or venture capital firm that is willing to make a significant investment into your business. It should also be noted that there are firms out there that can introduce you to angel investors or syndicated individual investment groups when you are seeking private equity capital.

The primary difference between an individual investor and a venture capital firm is the amount of capital that they are willing to provide you with as it relates to making an equity investment into your firm. As such, if you are seeking less than $5,000,000 then it may be in your better interest to work with an angel investor rather than a large scale investment firm.