Where do you look for business finance?

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to gather information to help hone our product that introduces inventors and entrepreneurs to investors via a secure website.

If anyone with a minute or so to spare would please share your opinions on the matter and any feedback it would be a help.

Thanks
SP

[Ozzy]

I would actually try all 4, but it would depend on the project in question. For QFL I went to the bank only because I knew I had the skills I needed, but with a venture I am currently investigating I am going straight to a business angel I know because I need his expertise in that field.

[Russ]

SP

Like Ozzy I would consider all 4 options but finding good advice on which route is the best to take can sometimes be difficult. Check out these websites....

http://www.bvca.co.uk/

http://www.vcr1978.com/

http://www.venturedome.com/

I think the idea of having a one stop community for this is in principal a good idea but I do you not find that people are a little to protective and secretive to display their information in such an open manner?

Russ

[Anonymous]

ad...
You are very shrewd... and we have gone to enormous trouble to ensure that business plans and ideas can only be viewed by licensees of the software (recognised and appropriately accredited Business Angel Networks, financial institutions, investment consultants etc - who I might add have paid for the privilege and are bound by confidentiality agreements)

Business plans are not available for viewing by just anyone. No entrepreneur loading a plan onto the site can view another's ideas. Activation of individual accounts via a secure email link enhances privacy of plans and personal details.

The point we all have to remember though, is that unless you have enough money to develop your idea, or your own business, eventually you are going to have to show it to someone else - or how else will you get the funds you need?

Thanks for the feedback.. keep it rolling.. it all helps with the fine tuning.

SilkyP

[Cornish Steve]

None of the above.

We have financed everything with unsecured, interest-free credit cards. When the introductory period expires, we transfer to another interest-free card. Admittedly, this is not realistic if you need large sums of money, but it's proved adequate to meet our needs.

Ozzy's comment is very valid. Some financiers bring with them invaluable experience. That's an important factor too.