Public venture capital : sources of government funding for technology entrepreneurs /

The 2002 version of The Directory of Venture Capital Firms contains more than 3,000 entries for private venture capital firms, national and international, and five indexes. Entries usually provide contact information, mission statement, geographic preference, fund size, date the firm was founded, average investment, and detailed background and contact information for key executives. Those who would like to investigate all venture capital opportunities would do well to consult Public Venture Capital. As the subtitle implies, this source lists government funding programs for entrepreneurs in technology companies. The book has five parts: "Introduction," "User's Guide to Government Programs for Technology Entrepreneurs and Innovative Firms," "Evolution of Public Venture Capital," "Quick Reference Guide to Current Government Programs," and indexes. All the indexes are useful, but the book provides a unique keyword "Problem/Opportunity Index" and a "Web Site Index." The accompanying CD-ROM provides access to venture capital sources, bank funding sources, and solicitations for proposals. Also available on the CD are detailed descriptions of the programs, examples of successful applications, and a directory of contacts for each program. All this makes this source the one stop for those looking for government funding. Together, these resources should provide assistance to anyone seeking venture capital from any source, public or private. Recommended for business collections in large public, academic, and special business libraries. M. Brunsdale Illinois State University

Venture capital provided by federal and state government agencies is the topic of this comprehensive resource, which targets those engaged in private technology start-up ventures or innovative programs within an existing enterprise. (It may also be useful to business students and researchers.) The authors Etzkowitz (SUNY at Purchase), Magnus Gulbrandsen (Norwegian Inst. for Studies in Research for Higher Education), and Janet Levitt, a consultant to entrepreneurs who has experience in the analysis of business proposals for a venture capital firm first provide an introduction to public funding opportunities for private enterprise. They then detail many federal and some state programs. A history of public venture capital is also included, as is a quick reference guide to the public programs discussed. An enclosed CD-ROM contains listings of programs, the forms necessary to apply, and material that can be downloaded in PDF form. The publisher also offers updates, via subscription, to purchasers of this book. This readable, well-organized work will be very useful to library users who fit the target audience. Business, research, and large public libraries should consider. Steven J. Mayover, Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.