Monday, July 02, 2007

Are VCs LinkedIn?

Why not?

I haven't used my network for this, and others I've spoken to in this regard told me that they primarily use the tool to "just network" w/other potential interested parties (either as capital sources or as potential employees / free-lance resources). Presumably, any requests for capital still take place of line...

Let's explore this idea, for a moment...I have a number of smaller companies and some VC / private equity firms in my network...Why not host a virtual “capital review meeting / auction”, whereby capital providers and requesters could come together to review plans, make a case for capital infusions, etc. The best opportunities could (theoretically) go to the capital source that values it the most.

Someone is already doing this - at least on the consumer-side. This is a place where individuals (and even some small companies) post requests for funding, and it seems that just about anything can qualify. Most people seem to use it for personal financing of small business ventures or debt consolidation. There is obviously a need that is being filled here...what about for business?

As more technical capability continues to reach larger numbers of people, at an ever-increasing pace, we will continue to see innovative and creative combinations (who would have predicted that the Government of China (Communist) would have given the Blackstone Group (Capitalist) $3 Billion USD to invest???).

Bottom-line: this will be another barrier that will erode and break down...but not tomorrow.