Where do I start?
Talk with everyone you know. This is a relationship business, and you will be surprised by who knows whom. Get feedback, and determine which venture capital firms focus on your inudstry.
You're looking for "smart money", money that can help you, not just fund you. Everyone's money spends the same, the key that entrepreneurs must look for are investors who will be valuable in assistance, guidance and relationships.
Venture capital is money that is exchanged for equity/ownership in your company. This will be the cheapest, or most expensive, money you will ever get. Cheap in that, if you go bankrupt, you won't pay back any of the cash. Expensive in that, when you are successful, you will have given away shares valued at $10 per share, at a cost much below. However, without the initial money and the help from your investors, you would never have been able to get the $10 price.
