Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Speed Dating, Venture Capital Style

Despite a downturn in the economy, Maryland venture capital experts say there is plenty of startup cash lying around.

"Standards are getting raised, but more money is going out than ever before," said Jack Biddle, co-founder of Novak Biddle Venture Partners, a Bethesda firm that invests in high-tech companies. "If you have a good idea and a good team, you can raise money."

Sam Medile, lead partner with the Capital Exchange Group, a new group that matches young firms with investors, put together a recent event at the Loews Annapolis Hotel showcasing entrepreneurial firms. He compared it to speed dating: Investors gathered in rooms to hear a company's pitch and moved to the next room to see another firm.

Medile said the event generated great interest from mostly angel investors, or wealthy people willing to fund small entrepreneurial efforts, but also venture capitalists who viewed the event as the "minor leagues."

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