Venture Capital

Capital from individuals, pension plans, private foundations, and other sources are put into funds at venture capital and private equity firms, who in turn invest the money in businesses in exchange for part ownership. Venture capital firms usually specialize in certain industries or geographic areas, and are looking for businesses that can provide high returns on their investment either by being acquired or by going public. Because of this, venture capital financing tends to focus on newer companies in innovative industries or products often in high tech fields which have patent-protection.

Online Resources

The following external websites provide links to resources on venture capital for small businesses.

National Venture Capital Association External
Has statistics about venture capital funds and resources for entrepreneurs.
Top 100 Venture Capital Partners External
From CB Insights, this is a list of their 100 top Venture Capital Partners. Clicking on the name of the firm will get you to more information if you have a free trial account - otherwise, use the information to search for the firm's website.
Angel Investment Network External
A website where entrepreneurs share information about their business and connect to potential funders.

Subscription Databases

The subscription resources below marked with a padlock are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.

Crunchbase External This link opens in a new window
Description: Provides data and analysis on startups, investors, and incubators. The database profiles companies, people, funds, investment rounds and other related events.
Requires username and password. See reference staff for assistance.
PrivCo External This link opens in a new window
PrivCo is the source for financial and market intelligence on privately held companies that are earning at least $1 million in annual revenue or have at least $1 million in venture capital backing. PrivCo's coverage includes data on family-owned or owner-operated firms, as well as fast-growing venture capital and private equity-backed startups, investors and deals in the private equity, venture capital, and M&A markets. There are currently around 800,000 US-based private companies covered on PrivCo's platform, with hundreds of new profiles, funding rounds and deals being added weekly. Search individual companies or build company lists and download/export data by industry, size, location, and much more.

Selected Print Resources

The following materials link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are provided when available.

Banker's Guide to New Small Business Finance by Charles H. Green
Call Number: HG4027.7 .G736 2014
ISBN: 9781118837870
Published/Created: 2014
Banker's Guide to New Small Business Finance covers how small businesses are funded; capital market disruptions; the paradigm shift created by Google, Amazon, and Facebook; private equity in search of ROI; lenders, funders, and places to find money; digital lenders; non-traditional funding; digital capital brokers; and much more. This book also covers distinctive ideas that are challenging bank domination of the small lending marketplace; provides insight into how each lender works, as well as their application grid, pricing model, and management outlook; and offers suggestions on how to engage or compete with each entity. —From publisher’s description.
Directory of Venture Capital & Private Equity Firms by Grey House Publishing
Call Number: HG4751 .F582
Published/Created: Annually, 2003-present
(Alternately titled Guide to Venture Capital & Private Equity Firms). This directory includes domestic and international firms. Each company profile has contact information, mission statement, industry group preferences, portfolio companies, geographic preferences, average and minimum investments, investment criteria, and partners at the firm.
Crack the Funding Code by Judy Robinett
Call Number: HG4027.6 .R63 2019
ISBN: 9780814439838
Published/Created: 2019
This book discusses how entrepreneurs can go beyond savings or personal credit, friends and family, and bank loans for funding. Specifically, venture capitalists or angel investors can provide financial support for businesses, but many entrepreneurs don't know who investors are, how to reach them, what investors can offer, and what agreements are involved. "Crack the Funding Code will show readers how to find the money, create pitches that attract investors, and then structure fair, ethical deals that will bring them new sources of outside capital and invaluable professional advice." The book also includes checklists, resources and practical guides. —From publisher’s description..
Pitch Anything: an Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal by Oren Klaff
Call Number: HF5438.8.P74 K53 2011
ISBN: 9780071752855
Published/Created: 2011
"Whether you're selling ideas to investors, pitching a client for new business, or even negotiating for a higher salary, Pitch Anything will transform the way you position your ideas... Pitch Anything introduces the exclusive STRONG method of pitching: Setting the frame, Telling the story, Revealing the intrigue, Offering the prize, Nailing the hookpoint, and Getting a decision." —From publisher’s description..

Small Business Financing: A Resource Guide

Venture Capital

Online Resources

Subscription Databases

Selected Print Resources