The Executive Suite: How to Find Social Venture Capital Companies

Friday, May 31, 2013

How to Find Social Venture Capital Companies

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is the practice of investing capital in companies that pursue socially responsible business policies. Find venture capitalists interested in promoting socially responsible companies by learning more about the SRI community and finding investors with a history of SRI. Show investors you make money and you may tempt ordinary venture capitalists into socially responsible investing. Read on to learn how to find social venture capital companies.

Suggestions

Visit the National Venture Capital Association website to learn more about what qualities venture capitalists are looking for in companies. Ensure your company attracts SRI venture capitalists by assessing your company in terms of your environmental, social and ethical policies. Be able to prove you practice SRI criteria like environmental sustainability, community activism, shareholder participation and that you have a positive work environment with employee benefits.
Attend venture capitalists conferences dedicated to investing in socially responsible companies, such as those held by the Investors' Circle. Present your business to venture capitalists interested in socially responsible investing.
Contact a financial services professional who specializes in finding venture capital. Express your desires to focus on those individuals and companies investing in socially responsible ventures.
Review the past investments of venture capital firms. The information is often found on their websites and in their promotional materials. See if investments have been made in companies dedicated to instituting business policies that are eco-friendly and sustainable over time.
Investigate government funding for your business activity. Contact the Small Business Administration for a list of resources in your area. Ask about other government programs for small businesses. Check your state's Business Development Office and your local Chamber of Commerce for sources of SRI in your community.