Does anyone know of a listing or website resource to locate companies that make investments in other companies?
Marie Tarmy (Business Consultant, ConQuest, LLC)
| Jun 28, 2011I am raising capital, $550K for a small company in the technology space and although I am working the angel capital lists, I believe an investment by another company would create client synergies. The problem is finding the companies that are in the market for investments because the technology benefits all industries.
Answers
Company: Advanced CFO Solutions
I do not know of a "one stop" website that lists companies that make strategic investments or partner with small businesses. We have been most successful in getting such investments by identifying an industry where our product/service/technology makes a real difference then identifying specific businesses in that industry that seem to have the greatest need for what we offer, then using our networks to get warm introductions to decision makers in those businesses. From there it is a sales process to get to a close.
I have found that businesses that do not have a venture fund or make routine investments in smaller & start up businesses, will consider an investment or strategic partnership (licensing or OEM arrangement with up front fees and/or royalties) when you can show them a compelling value proposition for their business & customers.
Good Luck!
Company: Independent
Be aware that seeking synergies with corporate investors is a double-edged sword: you could be handing over your intellectual property over to a future enemy. More likely, you will go into your negotiation with a different set of expectations than your potential partner, so it's critical to spell out exactly what you hope to get and monitor that performance over time.
That said, there are plenty of good resources available.
Check out Global Corporate Venturing, a journal focused specifically on the unique issues of corporate VC: www.globalcorporateventuring.com
The WSJ has a useful guide to getting corporate venture capital: http://on.wsj.com/in4dGY
And IBF puts on an annual corporate VC conference: www.corporateventuringconference.com