The maximum potential for profit, as a percentage, is during the early years. Once that window has narrowed, they will want the money back to start again somewhere else. The exception to this would be for second and third stage funding. As with most forms of capital, access is largely dictated by the current economy. Some prefer to provide seed money for start-ups, while others focus on later stages of funding or leveraged buyouts.
Some firms only focus on specific industries or geographic areas.
All firms will provide you with a fact sheet with information about the types of businesses they have financed in the past. Qualifications and competition are stiff for venture capital. They want to see a well rounded management team with experience in all areas of business, including marketing, administration and manufacturing. Each key player should head a different area of the business. The ideal team has 3 or 4 players.