Access to Capital

Access to capital is a critical component to a technology ecosystem. The RBTC Access to Capital Committee seeks to improve the ability of technology companies in the RBTC region to find capital to fund the growth of new ideas. Further, we aim to lower barriers and increase the efficiency of fund raising through educational and networking activities. The committee is comprised of business professionals with practical experience in SBIR, bank financing, bootstrapping, angel, and venture funding. There are two primary activities of the committee: monthly Pitch & Polish Clinics and bi-annually Capital Access Seminars.

The Pitch & Polish Clinics are held monthly and provide technology companies with meaningful feedback on their investor pitch to improve the likelihood that they will be able to secure funding. This is an opportunity for early stage and growing tech firms to have a “dry run” in a friendly, supportive environment, with feedback from experienced angel investors. The feedback panel is composed of members of the RBTC Access to Capital Committee and of members of 460 Angels who volunteer their time and expertise because they enjoy helping other entrepreneurs.

Our Capital Access Seminars educate both investors and investees in best practices of early stage investing. Through these seminars the technology community can engage in open conversations about the challenges and needs for growth financing. Our next workshop, titled "Small Bucks, Big Bang" will be on September 30, 2011, the day after our 2011 Fall Membership Gala.

The RBTC Access to Capital Committee is sponsored by:

Education & Support

VT Knowledgeworks is a regional business acceleration center serving technology-based enterprises at all stages of the corporate lifecycle. It provides services for both pre-launch businesses as well as more established businesses, with events, retreats and ongoing programs to help entrepreneurs launch, develop a business plan, raise capital and meet business challenges. VT Knowledgeworks has conference and incubation facilities located in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, and provides a free initial consultation to help entrepreneurs decide which of the services offered might be best for them. Learn more about VT KnowledgeWorks.
RBTC Pitch & Polish Clinics are a monthly event run by the Access to Capital Committee. Entrepreneurs and technology companies who are looking for investment can get feedback from a panel of investors and business experts who can help shape their presentation and business plan. Typically 3 to 4 businesses will present separately at each clinic. Information about dates, times, and how to sign-up are available on the RBTC website.
CIT's Federal Funding Assistance Program identifies and accelerates opportunities for Virginia's small technology businesses to obtain SBIR, STTR and other government contracts. CIT will provide guidance, direction, training and valuable resources to enhance the competitiveness of your SBIR/STTR proposal strategy. Learn more about CIT's SBIR/STTR training programs.

Sources of Capital

DayOne Ventures is a seed funding and mentorship program for seed and early stage technology companies. In addition to $10-15,000 in seed capital and mentorship from its roster of successful technology entrepreneurs, the program also provides office space and other shared resources to help launch a business idea. Participation in the DayOne Ventures program can also lead to follow-on investments from its membership or other investors in their network. Learn more about the DayOne Ventures program.
460 Angels is an investment group focused on the Roanoke - Blacksburg region and is comprised of accredited investors with an expressed interest in making investments in, and supporting, local technology companies. It is highly suggested that all companies applying to 460 Angels participate in at least one RBTC Pitch & Polish Clinic prior to applying. Learn more about 460 Angels.
CIT GAP Funds makes seed-stage equity investments in Virginia-based technology and life science companies with a high potential for achieving rapid growth and generating significant economic return. Learn more about CIT GAP Funds.
Virginia Active Angel Network (VAAN) is a professionally managed and member-led group of accredited investors that meet monthly in a dinner model in Charlottesville, Virginia. Learn more about VAAN.
Third Security is a venture capital firm located in Radford, Virginia looking for a few select technology companies in which to make significant investments. Third Security provides a significant amount of capital and management resources to the business opportunities it selects, and has funded a number of well-known technology companies in the area. Learn more about Third Security.