British Venture Capital Association

Venture capital is an excellent option for entrepreneurs wanting investment of over £10,000. It provides long-term, committed, risk-sharing equity capital, without the loan repayment pressure small businesses would receive from banks. According to the information on the site, the UK industry is the largest and most developed in Europe accounting for 40% of total annual venture capital investment. The UK venture capital industry has spent over £29 billion in Britain since 1983.



Though the BVCA does not cover all UK venture capital organisations and private equity, it represents the majority, so the site is a good source for information about how venture capital works, and details of affiliated advisers.


SPECIAL FEATURES


Directory includes a questionnaire about the amount you are looking to raise, in which sector, for what purpose and the geographical location (world-wide). Your details will generate a list of potential investors, though interest is not guaranteed! The Members List has firms by name, which include professional advisers, financial organisations, capital firms, and academic or honorary members. Each listing has a profile of the companies, how much they usually invest (in the case of capital firms), and who to contact.


Downloads are free and available from the list of publications and BVCA research, with a free Adobe Acrobat reader download too.


BVCA contains information about the nature of venture capital and the work of the BVCA. The information is good, with facts and figures on why venture capital is a good option. There's a list of quoted and unquoted companies, many whose names you will recognise, who have found success with venture capital backing.


Guide to Private Equity gives details of entrepreneurs and management teams.


Newsroom contains press releases, which are updated monthly with an index by subject, but with some sections out of date.