Matchmaking : An observation of the key players in the V2C field

Abstract: The purpose with this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of how to create a better matchmaking process. To do this different matchmaking processes in varying organizations was investigated, described, compared and organized. This study has focused on organizations in Sweden and organizations that are active in San Diego, California. Matchmaking refers to the intention of making entrepreneurs and capital providers meet and initiate a relationship that hopefully will result in a financial investment. Many different organizations exist around the world that performs matchmaking, either as their main objective or as part of other activities. Attracting the right capital providers can be difficult and it’s important for the matchmaking organization to provide a high quality service that ensures investor ready ventures. In order to find these ventures and to prepare them for the capital provider’s criteria are to develop a process, containing of four different steps: nomination, selection, training and matchmaking. This process is mainly based on Seed Forum International’s, an organization funded in Norway, well-tested process. It’s also important to see to that a knowledge transfer takes place between the participants since other important effects of the matchmaking process except a financial investment is knowledge, networking and feedback that leads to improvements in the business plan.