December 27, 2007, 9:29 am

When venture capitalists hate your company

Darwin Widjaja is having little luck approaching venture capitalists, who don't think his Web venture will take off. How have you handled objections from potential investors?

Your Answers
AFrom Simon Ontario, Canada

I think persistence is the key to both finding partners, as well as obtaining capital for growth expansion. No one wants to sink money into a losing venture as there are way too many of them.

Not to say that there are some good ones, but as the old adage persists, it is sometimes luck , and being in the right place at the right time!

Work From Home

Posted By Simon Ontario, Canada : January 3, 2008 10:59 am
AFrom Andy Wilson

I tried to seek investors for my company, but I kept getting put off by investors. They wouldn't give me a yes or a now, just a come back to us in a few months and we'll sit down again. I guess that this is a common tactic used by VCs, who want to monitor the progression of a company before investing.

The main reason that I was seeking capital was to acquire the team, mainly a business development/marketing person.

Since I wasn't able to get capital, I decided to find a team who could contribute sweat equity to get the company to the next level.

I found a web site called Partnerup.com that helped me to find a business partner who had business development and marketing experience. My advice to Darwin would be to put together a rock star team, start really building out the idea, prove that it works, and then go seek money again!

Posted By Andy Wilson : December 31, 2007 4:09 pm
AFrom Javier, Reading, PA

I think the Darwin's idea about starting a social networking site for travelers is a viable and interesting one that has potential for success.

If venture capitalist are not buying it, you must proceed with a do-it-yourself approach, and try to demonstrate, to some extend, that your idea can produce results in term of profits. That way will be easier to convince future potential investors of your business viability. workonline

Posted By Javier, Reading, PA : December 27, 2007 11:34 am
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