Hello everyone. Does anyone here have the experience and knowledge in obtaining venture capital? I've already begun developing a business plan which venture capitalists typically look at to determine whether your idea will be successful or not. The business plan is not fully complete, but I am in the process of finishing it. I need somebody to help me receive funding from a venture capital, no one in particular, but any that is available. My funding does not seem to exceed anywhere near a million, just a couple hundred thousand or less. I don't plan on paying anyone to do this starting off, but if all goes well, I obviously will deduct a certain percentage of the money I make commission based or monthly (if all goes well) and that will go to you. We're a company that provides website security. In short, we help company's by assessing the security of their website by finding flaws. Once that is complete, we generate a full report of all events that took place. This report will include the attack example, impact, and solutions on how to approach the problem and fixing it. We also work with you directly to help secure any vulnerabilities/exploits we find. We're selling a service, not a product. An example of what we secure is: An online shopping website. If there is a website that stores/processes credit card or user information, it is likely that the cycle of how you process/store that information is insecure. Thus, allowing an attacker to hi-jack accounts, purchase items at low, to no cost, and other unwanted disruption.
You aren't going to find venture capital with your current business model. You aren't selling a new idea. You are trying to sell your talents. Your talents may be valuable but they don't constitute a business model that a venture capitalist will buy/fund. But, if you consistently prove your talents somewhere, here maybe, for a period of time, you should find your workload, and rates, to increase with your earned reputation. The security field is one whose importance is vastly underestimated. With time you can make some serious money. In the short run, be helpful, be informative, don't be pushy. It'll pay off in the long run. Tom
Actually, I know 2-3 organizations that deliver the same service as I do, and receive funding from Venture Capitalists. I know this isn't a new idea, it's not supposed to be. Let's get on the right track, I wasn't presenting a file for a patent, so " new ideas" are totally off the subject here. It's all about how you present your business model.
I have to admit that all of my venture capital experience is with 8 or more figures. So my advice may be way off base here. But I doubt it. Again, I agree that security is an under-appreciated field. But you have to be selling SOMETHING unique to get venture capital. What do you offer that I couldn't find with a question in this security forum or others like it? Where the members have years of proving their talents? The venture capitalists that I met expected pretty much a GUARANTEED return. What happens if you die tomorrow? If you don't have something unique that continues to earn beyond your death then they would lose, therefore they probably are not interested in investing. If your talents are as good as you claim you don't really need, or want, venture capital. Keep the profits entirely for yourself. Do you want to still be working for "the man" 40 years from now? Then don't sell yourself short now. And if you do find venture capital make sure you read very carefully the contract you sign, you may be a loser in the long run. I am not trying to be a sh** here, I am trying to offer advice based on real experience. Tom
No true VC is even going to look at a plan that is seeking only a couple hundred thousand. They would also want an equity stake in the company, not some monthly return with interest. Start-ups are a huge risk (the vast majority fail) and they would require a very experienced management team (even more so than the idea/product). On paper, they will be looking to make 10 to 20 times their investment back. Start off small, with capital from friends or family. An SBA loan might also be something you should look into.
Tom understands exactly what the problem is, this field is just tough. Nobody wants website security UNTIL they get hacked. It's the same concept in life. God forbid you get cancer and you've never prayed in your life, all of a sudden you want to attend church, pray, etc. It's never good when it's too late, but you can't force people. Mjewel- You said that they don't seek interest in just providing a couple hundred thousand? Well do I really need a MILLION dollars to invest in these primary areas: Sales Marketing Advertising ? In any case, it saves them money. Also, my talent and experience is exceedingly well for my age. I only turned 18 a few days ago. I've worked with PhotoBucket, Kaspersky, and Steampowered in the past. Not a permanent job, but I reported several insecurities and helped patch then, and in turn received money and many other "goodies". if they're looking for something "UNIQUE" then I guess it has to be my age. I don't know anyone that does this line of business around 18. I have clients, but it isn't enough, and it's impossible to market in this industry. People search for "flowers", not "i need security". It's not a demanding market, but it's well worth the income if you've been around a long time and have the funding to really advance. Tom-- you said " If your talents are as good as you claim you don't really need, or want, venture capital." Well, yes I believe I am fairly well at what I do, but my service is just sitting there, it isn't being recognized. That's what Venture Capital money is used for (those key investments I stated above). You can have the best service/product, but if it isn't being recognized, then obviously you gain nothing.
Maybe you should post your detailed proposal at here to get interested investor to invest in your business plan
Well, if anyone is interested, PM me for it, because it's only available upon request, since that makes more sense since they approached me (showing interest).
It well worth an intenesting read since I own a fair size network, but I say this with as much respect possible, I can't take you seriously with an av like that one.
Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm into girls ;x If that gets in the way of "business" then so be it. You realize it's just a picture that reflects that I'm into chicks, right? Anyways, look elsewhere at my credibility, my posts/threads, and a website I've developed and written all on my own; with research included: http://www.Vapt-Sec.com
I know, but it kind of like me applying to be a lawyer, but they say I need a suit. "Hey, I'm a good lawyer, what's the difference?" Not saying your business plan isn't worth the look into.