These questions are taken from the “Guide to Venture Capital” booklet produced by the Irish Venture Capital Association and Intertrade Ireland.  Click here to download the complete brochure (pdf format, file size 450KB).

• Does my company have high growth prospects and is my team ambitious to grow the company rapidly?
  
• Does my company have a product or service with a competitive edge or unique selling point?
  
• Can it be protected by intellectual property rights?
  
• Can I demonstrate relevant industry experience?
  
• Does my team have the relevant skills to deliver on the business plan fully?
  
• Am I willing to sell some of the company’s shares to a private equity investor?
  
• Is there a realistic exit opportunity for all shareholders in order to realise their investment?
  
• Am I prepared to accept that my exiting this business may be in the best interest of all of my shareholders?

If your answers are “yes”, external equity is worth considering.

If “no”,  it may be that your proposal is not suitable for venture capitalists and it may take additional work on your behalf to make the proposal “investor ready”.