But when it comes to viewing your market and your competition, pepper that dream with a strong dose of realism. Nobody wants to invest in the fifth best company. If you're not liking what you see in the mirror, don't give up. Once you think you're attractive to potential investors, you have to make them aware of your existence. Finding a VC firm to look at your business plan is like a blind date.
Prospective partners armed with recommendations get top billing.
With venture capitalists getting bombarded with pitches, it's most likely that the ones with some juice behind them will get seen. There are plenty of people looking for money who have no idea how the system works. I think getting funding from a top tier firm is all about who you know. If you don't have any friends, learn how to make some. Demand referrals from your service providers, bankers, accountants, and lawyers.