The Art of Accessing Venture Capital - Part One

A stellar panel was assembled for the 2009 Innovation Imperative to discuss accessing capital in today's economy.  The panel included three venture capitalists, a business attorney and an experienced entrepreneur who has raised three rounds of equity capital.  Here is the panel roster:

• Kathy Harris - Noro Moseley, Atlanta
• Steve Dauphin - Murphree Venture Partners, Houston
• Paul Grim - Sunbridge Partners, Sunnyvale CA
• Roddy Bailey - Miller and Martin
• Chuck Witkowski - Protein Discovery, Knoxville
• Grandy Vanderhoofven, Moderator - Meritus Ventures, Oak Ridge

In part one, the panel was asked what business trends they are observing and what is driving the economy.  Topics range from the government stimulus to health care to timing of the recovery.

For a video of the panel and their biographies, please follow this link:

The Art of Accessing Venture Capital - Panel Introductions

 Here's the panel video: 

Comments

[Julius]

Mezzanine Capital or 2nd Round Capital – This round of capital typically occurs within one to two years of launching your business' operations. Sometimes, it is not required if your firm is producing enough positive cash flow to reinvest into your business. This round of capital is far less expensive than the initial first round of venture capital funding. This is especially true if your venture is currently profitable. Again, venture capital firms often have the right of first refusal to make additional investments into your business, so it is possible that you may only work with one venture capital firm through the life of your business. It should be noted that some venture capital and private equity firms only specialize in mezzanine capital.