Having the big idea is
merely the beginning. Raising and using venture capital is pivotal to the success of many
an ambitious new venture, but venture capital is more than money. It's far too
expensive to be treated merely as cash, and if used well, far more critical to the
successful venture.This can be a daunting process.
Smarter Ventures leads you
inside the world of European venture capital, and takes you step-by-step through the
venture cycle.
By holding a mirror up to
both sides of the money-raising process, Katharine Campbell shows how entrepreneurs can
better understand venture capitalists and vice versa leading to more
productive relationships and smarter ventures.
Katharine Campbell explains
how venture capitalists think, what they are looking for and why. Learn how to spot the
good -and the bad investors, and equip yourself with the tools and the knowledge to
seal a successful partnership.
Smarter Ventures is the
bible of the European venture capital market and your complete companion to the venture
cycle.
Contents
PART ONE - THE INDUSTRY
Inside the venture industry
Cycle Psychology
An eclectic's history of
venture capital in Europe
Silicon Valley compared
Other species :angels and
corporate venture capitalists
PART 2 - THE PROCESS
Fit for venture capital
The Approach
Choosing a venture
capitalist
The Business Plan
Early meetings
Due diligence
Term sheets
Negotiations
Close
PART 3 - WORKING WITH
VENTURE CAPITAL
VC on board
Down rounds
"Exits"
PART 4 - THE FUTURE
A European industry matures
VC JARGON BUSTER
Reviews
'It took me 20 years to
lean what's in this book. Every budding entrepreneur should read it if they want a win-win
relationship with their VC.' Stuart Evans, CEO, Plastic Logic
'Smarter Ventures is a
must-read for any entrpreneur seeking venture capital investment. Katharine Campbell's
straightforward language de-mystifies what for anyone who has been through the process is
a daunting and stressful experience. On the basis that knowledge is power, I have no
hesitation in recommending Smarter Ventures to entrepreneurs and expect it will also
appear at the top of venture capitalist's reading lists.' Charles Cotton, former
CEO, Virata Cororation
'Katharine Campbell
provides a unique insight into the European venture capital industry, while also
explaining the critical differences between the VC scene in Silicon Valley and that in
Europe. This books is absolutely essential reading for European entrepreneurs, VCs and
advisers. In fact, no European entrepreneur should seek to raise capital without first
reading this book.' Chris Grew, senior partner, Hale and Dorr
'Katharine Campbell
knows her stuff. While Smarter Ventures is very readable, it goes way beyond delivering
the fine insights one would expect from a crack former journailistt. Ms Campbell has
distilled her extensive experience into useful wisdom. As the books becomes standard fare,
it will acceleratue entrepreneurship in Europe by making the new venture capital process
more streamlined and professional.' Kenneth P. Morse, managine director, MIT
entrepreneurship Center
318 pages