Serving those who invest in America's entrepreneurs

Purpose

The National Association of Seed & Venture Funds (NASVF) is an international   membership organization that advocates for the growth of seed and early-stage innovation capital. NASVF connects the people in the world of venture capital and regional economic development. We collaborate with public and private fund managers and tech transfer professionals, the folks who are committed to building their local economies by investing in entrepreneurs.

History

NASVF began in 1993 as an ad-hoc group of practitioners seeking the best models to encourage capital formation in their states, particularly for new technology ventures. These founders continued to meet each year and in 1997 formally incorporated the group as a not-for-profit named the National Association of State Venture Funds. The name was changed in 2000 to reflect the Association's expanding service to private sector funds and programs.

Annual Meetings

NASVF is hosting its 18th Annual Conference in Arlington, Texas October 17-19, 2011.  

Join your colleagues in seed and early stage innovation capital and exchange best strategies for building and managing successful investment programs. The conference program is being developed now and will feature panel and audience discussions about:

• Innovation Capital Formation
• Entrepreneurial Development
• Economic Development
• Tech Transfer: Federal Lab, Incubator, University Commercialization

This year there will be more networking opportunities and round table discussions. Participate in lively discussions with fellow attendees:

• Institutional Investors
• Seed and Early Stage Fund Managers
• Fund-of-Fund Managers
• State Venture Capital Leaders
• Angel Investment Leaders
• Tech Commercialization Experts

Discussion & News

The sharing of information among members and the discussion of common issues is facilitated through the Annual Conference, the weekly NASVF NetNews E-Publication, connections through our Member Directory, an electronic mail list, and consultations with our staff.

Training Programs

The Association offers training events to help members and others build their local networks and improve their productivity.

NASVF hosts webinars featuring prominent industry professionals who provide clear and specific instruction to help participants learn to find sources of capital, bootstrapping, creating business plans, working with management teams and board of directors, valuations, term sheets, deal structure, due diligence and much more. 

Policy Research

NASVF research projects provide members with an analysis of best practices for both state-supported and private venture capital programs. These resources help communicate to public and private stakeholders, and the public at large, the importance of entrepreneurs in creating wealth and jobs, the role of seed and venture capital in serving entrepreneurs, and how states can facilitate the investment process.

Consultation

When requested by members, the Association provides consultation on an individual basis regarding matters of program structure, investment policy and systems of management.

New Services

The Association exists to help its members succeed. Let us know how we can be of service to you.