How do you convince VC firms that you are worthy of start up financing?  A brilliant idea is a solid start.  Enthusiasm will help VC firms listen to you.  However, your integrity is what VC firms will bank on to make your company a success.

 

Integrity is very influential.  It is at the heart of a company’s culture and values, and VC firms know that a company with high integrity has a better chance at success.

 

What is integrity?  And how can it influence your chances at VC funding?  Here are some reasons why.

 

Respect

 

Entrepreneurs with integrity show respect to others.  Whether or not an entrepreneur is experienced, integrity shows in how he or she respects the opinions, questions, and standpoints of VC firms.  A person of integrity will value differences and engage in constructive debate.  He or she will treat others with respect and courtesy at all times, regardless of age, sex, or business position.  Learn to show respect and you will be respected yourself for your integrity.

 

Trust

 

Know that others will want to be in business with people they trust – which holds true for customers, as well as business partners and contacts.  If you have a large network of people who fully trust your business judgment, ethics and policies, be sure to highlight this fact for VC firms.  Your trustworthiness can result in VC financing for your business.

 

Money Matters

 

Ever since the Enron debacle, every business and everyone in business is expected to have a higher integrity in regard to bookkeeping.  When approaching VC firms, be sure you have shown your integrity when showing actual sales and expenses, as well as pro forma statements. 

 

Be Open to Ideas

 

Integrity sometimes means following a goal to its end.  However, it also means being open to new ideas and suggestions.  An entrepreneur who believes his way is the only strategy to reach his goal is not likely to see any VC financing.  In contrast, one who is open to criticism and guidance based on past experience will have a much better chance at receiving VC funding.

 

Integrity is often an overlooked character trait, but it is a valuable one that VC firms recognize and want in their investment portfolio companies.  In your quest to obtain VC financing, be sure you prominently display your business integrity to gain the trust of a VC firm.

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: angel investors, business capital, business funding, find capital, Find funding, startup funding, vc, venture capital

This entry was posted on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 2:10 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.