So it is with this assumption that I approach each possible funding source, stooped in a deep curtsy, presenting my humble need for their services. But I quickly found out that not every god on Mt. Olympus is deserving of the title.
I recently heard from a friend of a friend about a 'respected' member of the angel/VC community in the city where I live. Awesome! A warm lead. (not) Now this friend hadn't known this friend for long, but he assured me that his friend would love to hear about my startup. So after a cursory review of this friends investment portfolio, off goes the highly scrutinized, painstakingly crafted introduction email that is sure to grab the attention of any oxygen exchanging mammal with an interest in making huge amounts of money (wink).
For some reason, as I shook with the realization that I had just contacted 'the' one, I decided to do a little more research on this angel and his business. Come to find out, he has been tried, convicted and sentenced in 11 counts of SEC fraud earning him 22 months in the clink. Not someone I would be interested in funding my project.
I am not saying that all angel/VC's are bad. Far from it. It is human nature that allows me to see the world, and the people in it, as good. But there is a part of me that knows its not ALL good. (I think that part resides right next to the part of me that refuses to believe that the "meat" in a BigMac is really meat). I have learned that those that can provide me with something that I "need" are not necessarily any better than I am, they are just different. They are abundant in something I lack. Sometimes it's funding, sometimes its sh*t.