Here's the first part of a five part series that covers the 15 step process of raising venture capital... Steps 6 through 8 (The Valuation Discussion, The Partner Presentation, and The Initial Due Diligence) will come tomorrow. Do note that this list is a bit generalized and may vary depending on your location, your company size, and the investment firm.

1. The Introduction: You get introduced to a firm through a former entrepreneur they’ve invested in, an investor they’ve worked with in the past, a trusted attorney they know, or at a Venture Conference.
2. The Initial Review: An associate at the firm reviews your executive summary and gives a cursory look at your full plan and projections and if interested, schedules a call with you. It helps if you already have existing revenue or have had a previous successful venture.
3. The First Call: You speak with the associate by phone about what you are doing.
4. The Partner Discussion: If the associate likes what you are doing, he or she speaks to a partner at the firm about the opportunity.
5. The First Meeting: If you can get the interest of a partner, they will invite you to their offices to meet you, or meet at your office if you have an office, depending on their level of interest and your location. During this first meeting you will generally discuss your:
1. Background and Experience
2. Team Makeup
3. Competition
4. Product Differentiation
5. Market Size
6. Funding Needs