Venture Capital, Incubators, IPOs

Every business had to start somewhere. But now you're ready to expand, or maybe you're experiencing growing pains. You've got too many people for the old methods of communicating, or your clients are jumping on the technology bandwagon and asking you to hitch a ride. This page is here to point out Internet resources to help you deal with growing pains and to open new doors, both to technology and to the world of high finance.

Venture Capital

IVP
A venture capital firm specializing in advanced technology and life sciences.

Mercury News/Price Waterhouse Venture Capital Survey
The San Jose Mercury News and Price Waterhouse conduct quarterly surveys of venture capital firms to determine what businesses have been funded and at what levels.

National Venture Capital Association
An organization made up of over 200 professional venture capital firms.

Venture Capital Resource Library
This site contains a variety of resources for businesses looking to acquire venture capital.

Incubators
Incubators represent a safe place for new businesses to get off the ground.

National Business Incubation Association
The NBIA (National Business Incubation Association) isn't an incubator itself. Rather it is there to assist communities or organizations with the development and management of an incubator program. With over 800 member firms, the NBIA is the largest incubator association in the country.

Business Incubators Worldwide
Locations of business incubators around the world

IPOs
An initial public offering (IPO) is what happens when a company issues publicly tradable stock for the first time. For many businesses, "going public" is the signal that they've made it. It's a way to access capital and to diversify ownership.
One of the most difficult aspects about going public is relinquishing control. Suddenly, the owner or partners are beholden to more than just themselves. They've got shareholders to worry about. The resources below are a compilation of a variety of Web sites that exist to help businesses learn about going public and deal with the transition.

IPO Central
A resource for potential investors rather than businesses looking to go public. However, by looking at market trends, valuations, and results, businesses can get a better idea of whether or not their offering will be a hit or a miss on the market.