Such old money dot-com extensions probably have a more patient financier than those cutting their teeth in the venture community. Of course, securing an investment is just the first step in the investment relationship. Building and maintaining investor confidence is an continuing task. A dot-com's management team must be able to generate excitement, while at the same time instilling a sense of comfort. Following through on timelines is a crucial way to build confidence, says Mr. Healey.
Investors get nervous when deadlines are missed.
He goes further by stressing the importance of management teams that can survive tough times. But confidence is a two-way street. Venture capitalists getting cozy with dot-coms must live with high levels of risk. We don't view ourselves as financial investors, we view ourselves as company builders. These organizations spread the risk and the knowledge associated with financing dot-coms.