Bootstrapper.com - Confessions of Serial Entrepreneurs

The first Seed Capital Happy Hour was a huge success. We had over 70 attendees including many of NYC’s top VC firms and private investors. Untold billions of dollars in capital were represented and it was a lot of fun. I got emails from several people telling me how much they enjoyed it and that they will be back next time. I want to publicly thank my cohosts The Hatchery & TriState Ventures for helping out and making it a great event. I bought the domains StartupHappy.com and HappStartup.com so we’ll move it to a professional list serv for the next one. I’m excited I think we are close to building a true community for startups here. One other thing, I think the focus should be on the associates and entrepreneurs, the GP’s/MD’s at VC funds in the city are way too jaded but the analysts and associates are really nice and on the ball. I think the future is in the future here in nyc.

Yes and No.

There are less than 10 real early stage VC’s and very few that invest pre-revenue in NYC. There also are about a dozen angel groups.

How do you reach them? Network.

Then network some more.

You will rarely ever be able to raise financing cold without an intro. Before pitching anyone on an idea, get to know them. People want to know who they are putting money into.

There are a LOT of rich people in NYC. Tap into that…