What does it take to raise VC?

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Comment by Paul Roberts on August 24, 2010 at 12:50am

Faadiel,

Thanks for re-commenting! Keep me in mind if you would like to discuss languages, translation and localisation issues. Where in the US are you? I studied in Texas and then worked in Wisconsin. And, right this minute I am filling out forms to get permanent residency for the US (I'll be marrying my US college sweetheart) and making another move to Dallas.

Paul

Comment by Faadiel Rehman on August 24, 2010 at 12:18am

@Paul,

I think you are absolutely spot on with that assessment, specifically as it relates to my plans. Languages can divide and unite and if we think of SA and all its relevant languages then whatever we do we must do to unite everyone. I certainly don't want to use that cliche' but its clear to me the obvious nature language plays in communication and how it can serve to unite. Either way color me the eternal optimist!

Faadiel

Comment by Alexandra Fraser on August 23, 2010 at 4:59pm

Hi Faadiel

I work for Invenfin, a Cape Town based VC. We look for business which address a market need, are globally scalable and sufficiently differentiated from their International competitors. We are an early stage investor and from a .com company would require a beta version and will look at pre-revenue proposals. My email address is af@invenfin.com should you have any further questions and I would also be happy to send you or application questionnaire, so you have an idea of what we are looking for.

Kind regards
Alex

Comment by Paul Roberts on August 23, 2010 at 1:18pm

Faadiel,

Depending on the target audience for your .com and its potential target audiences in far away lands, it may be a good idea to include localisation and/or translation of the site as early as possible. Not only does this make retro-fitting your code much easier in the event that other language speakers start using your site, but it also makes your idea more attractive to potential investors and buyers. If they can see that localisation and translation has been part of the plan from early on, then they know that ramping it up to accomodate other countries and languages is a plan of action waiting to be used. E-mail me at admin@folio-online.co.za if you want to chat more about this.

Comment by Faadiel Rehman on August 19, 2010 at 4:15pm

Hi Marius,

Thanks for your feedback, most appreciated. I have decide to go it on my own for now and then when I return to SA I'll start working on raising VC.

Thanks,
Faadiel

Comment by Marius van Niekerk on August 17, 2010 at 10:34pm

Hi Faadiel,

Probably a good idea to get in contact with the VC's on this forum before you return to SA, as VC and angel investing works a bit differently over here. I am sure that they will be able to give you guidance. E.g. VC's over here would probably only talk to you once your business has been established for a few years and is a rising star; Angel investors would want you to have gone some way in getting your business plan , feasibility, market research under way at least.

Comment by Faadiel Rehman on August 17, 2010 at 9:38pm

Sean, Thanks for the details... I'll definitely be making contact with them. I think I'm going to do that after I launch the .com.

Comment by Sean Riley on August 17, 2010 at 10:53am

Faadiel, depends on the type of venture but a good place to start is with invenfin - our VC. They are very approachable & if your idea is not right for them, they'll definately connect you to other VC's. Brett Commaille is a member of Silicone Cape - make him a friend & pursue it.